the cat / dog log

Natural herbs to keep your pet flea free

2012-05-29T07:10:00.002-04:00

Today we have a guest post written by Amanda Green which gives great tips for keeping fleas away from your pets without using harsh and dangerous chemicals. I hope you find it helpful.

Dry and Wet Dog Food Add-Ins: Natural Herbs That'll Keep Your Dog Flea Free

If you've been dreading the return of summer because it also means the return of fleas, there's good news. You can deal with the annoying pests in an all-natural way. Using herbs to keep your dog free from fleas means that you can also be free of any worries about the chemicals in manufactured sprays. You can sleep easy knowing that everything you're using is pet-safe and natural.

There are two main strategies for herbal pest control - one that involves topical treatments and the other that involves dry and wet dog good add-ins. The first is using live plants and oils in the dog's environment to create conditions that keep the fleas away. The second is adding herbs to the dog's food. The right herbs can both repel fleas and strengthen your pet's immune system.

One of the best herbs to plant in and around your dog's living space is tansy. Tansy is a perennial with attractive yellow flowers. It can do double-duty as landscaping and it will keep coming back year after year. This herb is also known to repel other pests such as lice, ticks and flies.

Depending on your climate, you may want to consider growing neem. Neem is native to India however, so if you live somewhere cooler it is most likely wise to buy as an essential oil from the story. Apply the oil directly to your dog's skin. This can be done either as preventative measure or as a way to get rid of existing fleas.

If you're wanting to use herbs to supplement your dog's diet, make sure that you're using the best wet dog food that will provide a hearty meal. This will increase your dog's health and resilience in general. The strong, appealing taste of high-quality dog food will also help mask the unfamiliar taste of the herbs.

The most important supplement to include is garlic. As with humans, garlic provides a great immune system boost for dogs. The sharp smell of garlic is indicative of its cleansing qualities and those help repel fleas. Brewer's yeast is also an excellent option for keeping pests away from your pet. Both of these can be safely added to your dog's daily meals.

Consider also including immune-strengthening herbs such as echinacea, astragalus and burdock root. It is usually best to choose only two or three herbal supplements to include. If you do need to add more, introduce each new element one at a time. Allow your dog a few weeks to adjust to the new taste.

Pancreatitis in Dogs

2012-05-08T07:55:00.000-04:00

The pancreas is a digestive gland that helps to digest food and regulate blood sugar levels. When the pancreas becomes overworked, it may lead to pancreatitis. Pancreatitis in dogs may be acute or severe, and the symptoms of pancreatitis may vary depending on the severity of the infection. The main causes of dog pancreatitis include:

Diseases such as hypercalcemia or Cushing’s disease
Poor diet high in carbohydrates, sugar and fats
Certain breeds such as Cocker Spaniels, Dachshunds and Schnauzers
Trauma or surgery to the pancreas
Obesity

Acute pancreatitis in dogs is usually quite sudden and can range from mild to severe. The severity of pancreatitis in dogs depends on the body’s general reaction to the infection. When acute pancreatitis strikes, it can make your dog very ill, but usually does not have any lingering effects on other organs.

Chronic pancreatitis in dogs is actually not as severe as acute pancreatitis. However, chronic pancreatitis is usually continual and may cause irreversible damage to not only the pancreas, but other organs as well. Often times, chronic pancreatitis is mistaken for other illnesses, because the symptoms are not as severe as those of acute pancreatitis.

Symptoms of dog pancreatitis

Symptoms of pancreatitis in dogs may range from mild to severe as time goes on. One day you may notice mild symptoms such as fever, and the next day your dog could be in serious pain. Keep an eye out for the following symptoms of pancreatitis in dogs:

Diarrhea
Lack of thirst and appetite
Bloated stomach
Irregular heartbeat
Abdominal pain
Feces that is greasy, and yellow or green in color.

If left untreated, other organs may begin to swell as well. Pancreatitis that is not treated by a veterinarian may lead to fulminant necrotizing pancreatitis. This causes internal hemorrhaging.

Treatment for dog pancreatitis

If your dog has been diagnosed with pancreatitis, it is important to seek treatment. Treatment for pancreatitis in dogs is extremely important because if left untreated, it can lead to serious health complications, and may become a recurring illness. There are no vaccinations for pancreatitis, and there are no direct medical remedies. Treatment for pancreatitis in dogs includes supportive medication to fight of secondary infections, ease pain and reduce inflammation. The most common forms of pancreatitis treatment include:

Electrolyte fluids
Antibiotics
Pain medication
Anti-nausea medication

The most important part of treatment is to reduce swelling of the pancreas. In extreme cases, surgery may be required to drain the infected pancreas. In very serious cases, blood transfusions may be required as well. Diet is an important part of the treatment process, and dogs with chronic pancreatitis will likely need to stick to a strict diet for the rest of their lives.
For more information about dog pancreatitis, dog colitis, symptoms and treatments of each and more, visit www.pancreatitisindogs.com

Lyme Disease in Dogs

2012-05-02T07:12:00.000-04:00

Lyme disease is often caused by ticks on dogs. However, removing a tick within 24 hours of discovering it may greatly reduce the risk of your dog contracting Lyme disease. Lyme disease is actually caused by a bacterium known as Borrelia burgdoferi, and is most commonly caused by the little deer tick. Since deer ticks are so small, they often go unnoticed. If you discover a tick on your dog, remove it right away and keep an eye on your dog’s behavior and symptoms. If after 48 hours, your dog shows no signs of illness, he is likely not going to contract Lyme disease.

It is important to know what to look for when dealing with the possibility of Lyme disease. Lyme disease in dogs can become very serious if not properly taken care of as soon as possible. If you notice any symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs, take your dog to the veterinarian right away.

Symptoms of Lyme Disease in Dogs

Fever – Dogs with Lyme disease are often reported to have flu-like symptoms. This means you should check for a fever. He may be shivering, warm to the touch on his head and belly, and may be panting. Usually fevers are not serious in dogs, but when dealing with a possible case of Lyme disease, it is important to get to the vet right away.

Foul breath – If you notice a change in your dog’s behavior, check his breath. It is known that dogs that carry Lyme disease bacterium have ammonia-scented breath. This is one of the most telltale signs of Lyme disease in dogs.

Swollen lymph nodes – Lymph nodes work by trapping foreign cells in a dog’s body. Lymph nodes play in important role in fighting infection, and if they are swollen, it could be a symptom of Lyme disease. Check the armpits and neck area for swollen glands.

Joint stiffness – Lyme disease often affects the joints and muscles. If your dog has contracted Lyme disease, he may appear to be very stiff when walking or other activities. He may also begin to limp, and the lameness may switch from leg to leg throughout the day. A telltale sign of sore muscles and joints is an arched back when walking.

As Lyme disease progresses, the symptoms worsen. Some more serious symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs include the following:

Damaged nervous system – Seizures, paralysis in the limbs and face as well as behavioral changes such as aggression are known to occur when a dog is infected with the Lyme disease bacterium. Sometimes seizures are recurring, and paralysis in the limbs may be permanent.

Kidney disease – Kidney disease is very common when Lyme disease is left untreated for too long. Excessive vomiting, weight loss, increased urination and increased water intake are all signs that your dog could have developed kidney problems caused by Lyme disease. Often times, kidney damage is irreversible and may even lead to death if left untreated.

Heart conditions – Heart palpitations and sudden heart attacks can occur in severe cases of Lyme disease. No symptoms are shown beforehand and immediate death can occur without warning.

For more information about Lyme disease in dogs, treatment options, how to remove a tick and more, visit www.lymediseasedogs.net