 |
5 Doggy Conditions That you Must Know About
Author: Vishay Sukhdeo | Posted: 13-01-2008 | Comments: 0 | Views: 33 | 
When people are sick we notice their sickness.....right? Actually, not all ailments are noticeable but luckily, when we are depressed, tired or have a stiff neck, we can tell someone about it. Unfortunately, our animal friends do not possess the gift of speech. Unconditionally loving, our pets take their lot as it comes. Arthritis, depression, asthma and many common ailments become a way of life for them, and we often notice it only after it is too late.
As voluntary guardians of our pets we take interest in their wellbeing. Intent is all very well but without knowledge we are powerless. Here are some symptoms and information about five common ailments which our canine friends are susceptible to.
Asthma
Asthma is not just a human disease but can affect animals including dogs. Asthma is the inflammation and spasming of the airways as well as excessive production of mucus which results in difficulty in breathing. It affects dogs of any breed and age. In a severe asthma attack, respiratory distress may occur, the symptoms of which are: the dog breathing with difficulty through the mouth and a purple color to the tongue and gums due to lack of oxygen. This must be treated as an emergency and medical attention must be administered as soon as possible.
Symptoms: Coughing is normally the first sign. During an attack, wheezing is evident (whistling sound made by air traveling through narrowed airways, normally loudest on the exhale). Dogs breathing will be shallow, rapid and labored. There is lots of effort put into inhaling and exhaling as well as dramatic movement of the abdomen. Some dogs lose weight and become lethargic. In less severe cases the only symptom is a chronic cough. Most pets seem quite normal between attacks.
Aggression
Some breeds are more aggressive than others. Aggression is sometimes related to common problems such as past abuse, physical discomfort and related breeding problems. It is also normally related to specific situations such as only when eating. If your dog is constantly aggressive, this could be due to underlying causes like tension and stress.
Symptoms: Barking, snarling, snapping, raised fur along back of neck and along the ridge of the spine.
Joint and muscle disease
Sprains and strains are common in active canine though certain breeds may be more prone than others. Certain dogs may also be more prone due to their genealogy. Serious medical conditions are not uncommon. Arthritis (inflammation of joints), spinal diseases such as spondylosis and spondylitis are more likely to affect older dogs. Hip dysplasia (malformation of the hip ball and socket) can affect any dog but especially certain breeds.
Symptoms: Overall stiffness (especially after rest), whimpering when getting up, difficulty in climbing stairs or in and out of the car, reluctance to exercise, lameness, unusual movements, disjointed or wobbly gait, swelling and tenderness in limbs or spine, shying away from being stroked along back, thickening of joints of affected limb, favoring the use of one limb more than another and irritability.
Fleas
This is a common parasite among dogs. Some pets suffer very little from bites but some develop an allergic reaction to flea saliva which leads to severe skin reaction known as ‘flea bite dermatitus’. Flea saliva left under the dogs skin contains around 15 different allergens that can cause reactions in sensitive dogs. This can affect dogs of any age, gender and breed. The flea bites become red, swollen and itchy which leads to chronic inflammation, scratching of the skin and ongoing discomfort.
Symptoms: Signs of chronic biting, scratching and rubbing of the skin, especially around the base of the tail. This may in turn lead to hair loss and thinning of the coat. Skin may appear red and inflamed. Flea allergy will be noticeably seasonal causing worse symptoms in summer and fall when fleas are more common.
Ringworm
This is a contagious skin condition which is not caused by a worm but by a fungus. It causes various lesions on the skin though not always in the shape of a ring. The dog will scratch at areas which look scaly and inflamed. In time, hair on these patches may be lost. The problem is that it looks similar to other skin conditions like mange and allergic conditions. You should always take your do to the veterinarian to make sure.
Important note
It is important that any condition is diagnosed correctly so, always take your pet to the veterinarian to be certain about any ailment. Homeopathic medicines are very effective and can be used alongside conventional medicines or completely on its own, but, once again check with a veterinarian. Prevention is better than cure so be sure to supplement your pets’ diet with vitamin supplements formulated especially for animals and combine with a healthy lifestyle. This should contribute to happy, healthy and natural wellbeing. Rate this Article:
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/5-doggy-conditions-that-you-must-know-about-303146.html
About the Author:Vishay Sukhdeo is a friend to animals, dedicated researcher and a supporter for the use of homeopathic medicine in the treatment of animals (inexpensive and eliminates side effects). http://viralurl.com/csw/pet
|
Submitting articles has become one of the most popular means of generating quality backlinks and targeted traffic to your website. Join us today - It's Free! |
|
Related Articles
How To Look After Your Pets Health
By: Allen Jesson | 17/04/2007 | Pets
Owning a pet is a huge responsibility, you need to make sure you care for your pets health by giving them the correct food, enough water, the right housing and enough exercise.
Pet Food - Choosing What Is Best For Your Pet
By: Allen Jesson | 17/04/2007 | Pets
Every animal owner wants to give their pet the best life possible. Feeding your pet the best pet food will give your pet a better quality of life.
Humming Birds – Raising Pets in Their Natural State
By: Neelima Reddy | 20/03/2008 | Pets
Humming birds are the pets, which are not are kept in a cage or locked in your place and adore it. Therefore, if you want to attract humming birds to your garden, then it is important for you to maintain a garden full of flowers, particularly red color flowers and bird feeder.
How A Pet Door Can Improve Your Life
By: Allen Jesson | 18/04/2007 | Pets
Owning an animal is a huge commitment, especially if you work full or part time and have to dash home when you can to allow your pet to go outside. A pet door could be the perfect answer to all your problems.
Lost Pets - How To Find Them
By: Allen Jesson | 24/04/2007 | Pets
Pets are no longer considered working animals they are more members of the family, you will probably find you spend the same if not more time with your pet than anyone else and losing a pet can be devastating.
Anal-sac Disease - How To Deal With Anal-sac Disease At Home
By: Jean Morgan | 21/05/2007 | Pets
Is you dog or cat scooting, licking and smelling their rear exit? If they are exhibiting such weird behavior then there must be something wrong with their anus or their anal sac. An animal's anal sacs are strategically located on both sides of the anus cheeks, just under the skin...
Exotic Pets - Making The Right Decision
By: Allen Jesson | 20/04/2007 | Pets
Exotic pets may seem more exciting and different however unless your are fully prepared and understand enough about the exotic pets you choose bringing one home could end in disaster.
Buying A Glass Aquarium
By: Allen Jesson | 20/04/2007 | Pets
Watching fish swimming freely in a glass aquarium can be extremely therapeutic and have a calming effect. A glass aquarium is a home that you fish will probably spend their whole lives in so it is important to find the correct one.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Antibiotics
By: carbonated | 16-05-2008
Where can I order antibiotics online? Any reputable places?
Taking weight off
By: annset | 15-05-2008
how does one lose belly and hip fat with out using medication?
Alli
By: Sarahcat91 | 15-05-2008
My question is on alli. ive been reading and what i learned is that you can gave a gas and pooing problem. People have claim to have pooed themselves and have very bad oily gas. How bad is this? is it just when you eat fat based food, or everytime? Maybe if you are on it and would like to share, give some imformation if its really worth it.
Baits
By: Jason | 15-05-2008
What foods and household products can be used for bait when fishing?
Tinnitus
By: 123FREDGARTNER | 15-05-2008
Has anyone had Tinnitus and been cured? If you have, what product was it that cured it?
Favorite Fish
By: Jason | 15-05-2008
What is your favorite fish to catch? and why?
Q&A Powered by: 
Latest Pets Articles
4 Simple Steps To Buy Pet Insurance
By: Cindy Heller | 17/05/2008
If you have not already realized, the costs of veterinary care is escalating. By purchasing a pet insurance for our pets is also a wise choice to keep pet care costs within an affordable range.
Exercise And Your Dog
By: Janine Carter | 17/05/2008
Are you worried that your dog doesn't get enough exercise because of a weight problem and does he just sit around all day like a couch potato?
If experts have discovered that exercise is key to human health and wellbeing, it is safe to say that your Dog will benefit from...
Is Your Dog Embarrassing You? Get Him Under Your Control In Less Than 2 Weeks!
By: Alan Largo | 17/05/2008
Imaginably the most consequential part of owning a dog is discipline. Being a pet owner, dog obedience becomes solely your responsibility. Because dogs have a different type of disposition that not all dog owners understand, the job of disciplining one typically seems overwhelming, frustrating and sometimes even impossible.
Imagine Your Cat Using The Toilet - Successful Cat Toilet Training Techniques
By: Birgit Hulsing | 17/05/2008
This may sound ridiculous or like a near-impossible feat, but you'll find life is a pleasant new world when you finish potty training your cat. You'll have a very low-maintenance cat and she will also make a great conversation starter. And, you even save money on cat litter when you...
Why People Prefer Chihuahuas Over Other Dogs?
By: Clarence Clark | 16/05/2008
As the smallest breed of dogs, Chihuahuas have been gaining increasing popularity. Spotted everywhere from the beaches of Miami to the bustling metropolis of London and New York, these dogs have also been adopted by the likes of celebrities such as Paris Hilton, Sandra Bullock and Hilary Duff.
Why the popularity...
A Quick Guide To Buying Teacup Chihuahuas
By: Clarence Clark | 16/05/2008
Teacup Chihuahuas are not an official breed of the immensely popular Chihuahua breed of dogs. In fact, major dog-related associations such as the American Kennel Club do not list "Teacup" as an official breed of the Chihuahua family. Rather, the term is derived from sellers who dub this particular species...
Taking Care Of Your Long Haired Chihuahua
By: Clarence Clark | 16/05/2008
Long-haired Chihuahuas are characterized by their by their smooth undercoat and long overcoat. The Long-haired Chihuahua is one of the two official versions of Chihuahuas recognized by the American Kennel Club. With its large eyes and erect ears, it is not difficult for people to mistake this version of the...
Tips On How To Give Your Chihuahua Pups The Proper Care
By: Clarence Clark | 16/05/2008
Small in stature, Chihuahuas are relatively fragile dogs. It is thus, important for owners of Chihuahuas to be equipped with proper knowledge and tips for caring for their Chihuahua pups. Care for Chihuahua pups covers many aspects and includes socialization, safety, nutrition and health. Responsible Chihuahua owners make a checklist...
More from Vishay Sukhdeo
Help For Losing Weight And Eating Healthy
By: Vishay Sukhdeo | 05/02/2008 | Health
New diets and miracle weight loss solutions are always being advertised. These normally cost people a ton of money and lost weight is normally quickly regained. People tend to focus more on the quick weight loss formulae that often harm the body and make it harder to keep off lost...
Causes Of Weight Gain And Weight Loss Solutions
By: Vishay Sukhdeo | 01/02/2008 | Health
Overweight people are becoming the norm and unfortunately this is very unhealthy. The reward for losing weight is not only a better looking body but also a body that is alert, energetic, strong and healthy. Couple this with a more positive self esteem and on the whole, the world would...
|
|
Home and Family 
