Pay Attention to Dog Colds
Submitted by Natural Pet Health Blog
Although the symptoms are almost similar canine colds are not the same as the common cold in humans. Your dog may develop a cough, runny eyes, sneezing and there may even be a yellowish green discharge from the dog nose.
However, these are mostly the symptoms of a viral or bacterial infection that mimic symptoms of common cold. In most cases these symptoms disappear on their own over time. But it needs to be known that certain infections can progress into serious ailments if not attended to.
Canine colds fall under the category of dog respiratory problems and may occur due to the following common infections:
1. Parainfulenza virus is the most common infection that produces symptoms of common cold in dogs. There is no effective vaccination available to protect canines against this virus and the condition is likely to run its course no matter what. At the most your veterinarian will try to evaluate the illness and prescribe medication to prevent secondary infections.
2. Infections by Adenovirus type 2 virus and Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria, although associated with kennel cough, produce symptoms similar to canine colds. Kennel cough is a self limiting disease that is characterized by a racking cough that may last for as long as the condition is not resolved. In most of the cases the dog’s immune system is able to counter the infection on its own.
3. Canine distemper is another infection that produces symptoms similar to canine cold. It is a serious systemic disease against which dogs are commonly vaccinated. This highly contagious disease spreads through the breath of an infected dog. The virus remains infectious for up to a year and attacks the white cells exposing the dog to other infections.
Canine respiratory system disorders and a weak immune system is a deadly combination. A cold from any of the above infections, especially when they occur in dogs with a weak immune system, exposes the dog to secondary infections. Both parainfuenza infection and canine distemper can progress into serious illnesses like pneumonia. If not attended to, pneumonia can further progress to vasculitis and hemorrhagic pneumonia that can prove to be fatal.
The association with common cold, often perceived as a mild condition, should not be a reason for complacency. Canine colds are not always self-limiting. If your dog shows symptoms of canine cold, try to evaluate the symptoms before you make a decision about visiting the veterinarian or not. However, concurrent symptoms of fever, refusal to eat and vomiting indicate that you should raise and alarm and take your dog to a specialist.
We Recommend:
Respo-K is a natural, safe and effective combination of herbal and homeopathic ingredients to treat and prevent colds, congestion, sneezing and respiratory infections in pets. Use Respo-K for acute treatment of colds and respiratory infections in pets; to reduce symptoms of sneezing, coughing, watery eyes and nose; to decrease recovery time from respiratory infections; to strengthen your pet’s immune system and prevent recurrence and for prevention of secondary infections of the sinuses or lungs. Respo-K comes in small lactose tablets which are readily taken by dogs and which may be crushed and easily administered to cats.
Reference:
http://dogs.lovetoknow.com/
Pamper Your Dog: 130 Treats for Your Canine Friend - Free Ebook > http://www.remedies…-dog-130-recipes.pdf
Pamper Your Cat: 100 Treats for Your Feline Friend - Free Ebook > http://www.remedies…-cat-100-recipes.pdf
For Guaranteed, Effective, 100% Natural Herbal Remedies for Pets, please visit PetAlive!
Would you like to learn the healing art of Aromatherapy or Reflexology? Become an Aromatherapy Practitioner, Advanced Aromatherapy Practitioner, or an advanced practitioner of Reflexology through the certification home study and distance-learning courses at Alternative Healing Academy!
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Addison’s Disease in Dogs
Submitted by Natural Pet Health Blog
Addison’s disease in dogs is an endocrinal disease that is caused by a reduction of the steroid hormones. It is also referred as hypoadrenocorticism, a term that implies adrenal insufficiency. It is entirely the opposite of Cushing’s syndrome in dogs, which is caused by hyper-function of the adrenal glands or an increase in the production of hormones.
The adrenal glands are triangle shaped glands that sit on top of the kidneys. The glands are made up of two layers - the outer layer is the cortex and the inner layer is the medulla. The cortex secretes corticosteroid hormones. The medulla is part of the sympathetic nervous system and secretes epinephrine in response to stress. The medulla is not affected in the case of Addison’s disease. The adrenal glands produce steroid hormones, glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. These hormones affect the functioning of gonads, have an anti-inflammatory function and influence the metabolism of sodium and potassium.
The adrenal tissue in dogs with Addison’s disease is usually damaged. This leads to a reduction in the production of these hormones. Addison’s disease can actually be caused due to immune-mediated damage to the adrenal cortex or an inefficient pituitary gland that fails to stimulate the adrenal glands with ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone).
The symptoms of Addison’s disease are vague and can mimic symptoms of many other diseases including Cushing’s disease. Typical symptoms are diarrhea, vomiting, listlessness and lethargy, appetite loss, muscle wasting, pain in hind quarters and tremors. As the symptoms tend to increase and decrease over a period of time, it becomes fairly difficult to decide whether the dog is actually suffering from Addison’s disease or simply experiencing a mild illness. Delay in treatment ultimately results in a crisis situation leading to hyperkalemia, abnormally high levels of potassium in the blood accompanied by severe bradycardia (abnormally slow heartbeat).
Treatment of Addison’s disease is usually done with supplemental oral or injectable mineralocorticoids. Oral prednisone is the preferred option for making up the deficiency of glucocorticoids.
Both Addison’s and Cushing’s disease in dogs are adrenal dysfunctions. Herbal remedies for Cushing’s disease meant for restoring adrenal function can help to a great extent in alleviating symptoms of Addison’s disease in dogs. Specific herbal treatment of Addison’s disease involves the herbs like licorice, milk thistle, slippery elm, ginger, garlic and valerian.
Addison’s disease may occur on its own or as a part of other medical problems. Some of the diseases associated with it may be resolved on treatment of Addison’s disease while others may not. This usually indicates the involvement of other glands like the thyroid or pancreas.
We Recommend:
Cushex Drops are a natural, safe and effective blend of both herbal and homeopathic ingredients specially selected to treat Cushing’s in pets. Each ingredient of this natural remedy has a specific role to play in normalizing adrenal function, balancing corticosteroid levels or reducing the troublesome symptoms of this condition. Cushex Drops are easy to administer and the dosage can be adjusted to suit pets of all sizes.
Reference:
http://en.wikipedia.org/w
http://www.addison…addisons/whatis.html
Pamper Your Dog: 130 Treats for Your Canine Friend - Free Ebook > http://www.remedies…-dog-130-recipes.pdf
Pamper Your Cat: 100 Treats for Your Feline Friend - Free Ebook > http://www.remedies…-cat-100-recipes.pdf
For Guaranteed, Effective, 100% Natural Herbal Remedies for Pets, please visit PetAlive!
Would you like to learn the healing art of Aromatherapy or Reflexology? Become an Aromatherapy Practitioner, Advanced Aromatherapy Practitioner, or an advanced practitioner of Reflexology through the certification home study and distance-learning courses at Alternative Healing Academy!
Save 5%-40% at stores you ALREADY SHOP AT!! (Including stores and shops with necessary and terrific pet items) In today’s economy, a penny saved is definitely a penny earned! Check out SavingMoneyNow.net now!
An I.D. Tag can save your pet’s life or bring him home again. Visit Tags For Pets now!
Grooming Tips for the Family Dog
Submitted by Natural Pet Health Blog
Just as proper grooming is important for humans, so too ensuring that your dog remains healthy is part of the grooming experience. Here are some grooming tips for the family dog.
* Depending upon the breed of the dog, that is, long-haired or short-haired, regular brushing should be part of the grooming routine. This prevents the hairs from matting and ensures a continuous healthy coat.
* Bathing a dog is usually performed on a monthly basis. However, if you have a dog that lives outdoors, you may wish to bathe him more frequently.
* Be sure to use either soap or shampoo specifically made for dogs.
* While blow drying may be recommended for specific breeds, natural drying outdoors in spring and summer months is preferable.
* Be sure to wash from front to back and not to apply any soap on the dog’s face. Use water instead. A dog can easily lose his scent if soap is applied to the nose.
* While bathing the dog, you can also check to determine if there are any lumps or bumps under the dog’s coat.
* Try not to get any water into his ears. Clean the ears with a cotton ball.
* Nail trimming is also a component of good grooming. However, one has to use the proper implement and be careful not to cut the nails so much so that it begins to bleed. The rule of thumb is to just cut the tip of the nail.
* Check the dog’s eyes to ensure they are clear. If you notice anything out of the ordinary such as mucus or swelling, take the dog to a vet. He may have developed conjunctivitis.
* Brushing a dog’s teeth is also important. This can be done once a week to ensure the dog doesn’t develop any dental problems. Use toothpaste designed for dogs.
* Another grooming tip which is essential in preventing fleas or ticks is to purchase a flea brush and use it on a daily basis, especially for dogs that spend most of their time outdoors.
* Check the pads under the dog’s feet to ensure there are no stones or thorns that may have become embedded there. If you notice your dog seems to be holding up one leg, there maybe something that is irritating the paw.
Finally, a regular check-up at the veterinarian is essential in maintaining your dog’s health. While grooming will help keep him free of germs, mites, ticks, and fleas, these check-ups will ensure he is in good condition and if a case arises wherein he does develop any of the aforementioned problems, a vet can easily help you to attend to your beloved dog’s every need.
We Recommend:
Skin and Coat Tonic is a natural, safe, proven homeopathic remedy clinically formulated to help to restore your pet’s healthy skin and glossy coat; improve skin functioning and strengthen hair shaft and follicle; and treat dry, scaly skin and eczema and relieve itching in pets. Skin and Coat Tonic is safe, pharmaceutically manufactured to the highest standards and causes no side-effects.
and…
OralHealth Mouth Spray has the added benefit of promoting oral health inside the mouth, supporting healthy teeth, gums and tongue. What could be simpler than a spray? OralHealth Mouth Spray contains colloidal silver – an ingredient to promote healthy levels of bacteria in the mouth. With a simple squirt a few times a day, you can rest assured that the eco-system in your animal’s mouth will be naturally supported. OralHealth Mouth Spray may be used at the first signs of particularly bad breath to address unpleasant odors quickly and effectively, without side effects! Presented in handy spray form, even children can administer the remedy to their furry friends! OralHealth Mouth Spray contains no artificial colors or preservatives.
Pamper Your Dog: 130 Treats for Your Canine Friend - Free Ebook > http://www.remedies…-dog-130-recipes.pdf
Pamper Your Cat: 100 Treats for Your Feline Friend - Free Ebook > http://www.remedies…-cat-100-recipes.pdf
For Guaranteed, Effective, 100% Natural Herbal Remedies for Pets, please visit PetAlive!
Would you like to learn the healing art of Aromatherapy or Reflexology? Become an Aromatherapy Practitioner, Advanced Aromatherapy Practitioner, or an advanced practitioner of Reflexology through the certification home study and distance-learning courses at Alternative Healing Academy!
Save 5%-40% at stores you ALREADY SHOP AT!! (Including stores and shops with necessary and terrific pet items) In today’s economy, a penny saved is definitely a penny earned! Check out SavingMoneyNow.net now!
An I.D. Tag can save your pet’s life or bring him home again. Visit Tags For Pets now!
