Cat and Dog Corner

Hypothyroidism In Dogs: What You Need To Know About Holistic Options

Editor — Fri, 11 May 2012 18:19:26 +0000

By Dr Andrew Jones, DVM Hypothyroid disease only occurs in dogs. The thyroid gland regulates your pet’s metabolism. In this article you will learn about the common signs of thyroid disease, plus how your veterinarian can properly diagnose it. Then you’ll learn about the most important treatment for hypothyroidism, with a special emphasis on the safe and effective holistic options. is the most common hormone imbalance of dogs. The condition is due to inadequate production of thyroid hormone (T4), produced from your dog’s thyroid gland. In most dogs the cause is auto-immune, meaning your dog’s immune system attacks the thyroid gland, causing inadequate production of thyroid hormone. Signs relating to low thyroid hormone in dogs are varied, but can include: weight gain without an increase in appetite, lethargy and lack of desire to exercise, cold intolerance (gets cold easily), elevated blood cholesterol, anemia, and a number of skin changes. The skin problems can include: dry, dull coat with excessive shedding and flaking, very thin to nearly bald coat, increased dark pigmentation in the skin, increased susceptibility and occurrence of skin and ear infections and failure to re-grow hair after clipping or shaving. Breeds most likely to be hypothyroid include: Golden Retriever, Doberman Pinscher, Irish Setter, Dachshund, Boxer and Great Dane. Virtually all hypothyroid dogs have some type of skin problem ( ie hair loss, skin infection), and over 50% of hypothyroid dogs are obese and act lethargic. There are less common symptoms and associated disease to be aware of: neurologic disorders ( ie polyneuropathy) which shows as general weakness, abnormal or slow heart rate, eye disorders such as white cholesterol plaques which accumulate on the cornea ( surface of the eye). First ensure a proper diagnosis. This is one of the most over-diagnosed diseases in Veterinary medicine. If your pet is sick while being screened for thyroid disease, her thyroid levels will test low, even though she may be normal. If your pet is on any type of steroid, even topical ear medication, this can lower the blood thyroid levels making her appear to be hypothyroid. I advise screening for low thyroid only if your dog has the common clinical signs ( such as skin changes, lethargy, weight gain). Talk to your veterinarian about all appropriate tests before treating. Thyroid hormone supplementation. Unfortunately there aren’t very many things that you can do at home for your hypothyroid dog. The treatment with thyroid hormone pill supplementation is very safe and effective. The medication must be given daily and given for life. In hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland is being attacked by the immune system, therefore, antioxidants may give it some protection. The three most effective antioxidants are Vitamin E, Vitamin C and Selenium. These are best given in combination: give 100 IU of Vitamin E, 100 mg of Vitamin C, and 20 ug of Selenium per 10 lbs of body weight daily. The omega 3 fatty acids may be effective in decreasing the immune destruction of the thyroid gland. The best canine source is flax oil giving a dose of 1000mg per 10lbs of body weight daily. Autoimmune disease protectors. Most cases of hypothyroid disease are believed to be secondary to the immune system attacking the thyroid gland ( auto-immune thyroiditis). There are a number of supplements which can be helpful in normalizing the immune system, but there are particular ones that may be beneficial for the thyroid gland. Those are flavanoids, compounds in a class of their own. They compose the thousands of structures that give the bright color to fruits and vegetables. These include flavones, (apigenin), isoflavones (genistein), and flavonols (quercetin). Purchase a mixed bioflavonoid product that contains polyphenols, particularly EGCG (epigallocatechin-gallate), which is the specific flavonoid isolated from green tea. The dose for a 10 lb dog is 250 mg daily. Kelp is a great source of iodine. It is often used in conjunction with thyroid tablets to boost thyroid hormone levels. The dose of the dried herb is 1/4 teaspoon per 10 lbs of body weight. Homeopathic remedies are used, but are primarily directed at the autoimmune damage to the thyroid glands, and the subsequent skin problems. Thuja is the remedy used for vaccine reactions. If the signs begin after vaccines, then choose this remedy. Dose one 30C every 4-6 hours for 2-3 days. Hypothyroidism in dogs is one of the more common, and more complex veterinary diseases. You should now have a better understanding of what it is, the signs to look for in your dog, and how to properly diagnose it. Lastly you should now have a solid understanding of the holistic options available to help your hypothyroid dog. Dr Andrew Jones is the author of a NEW Free Ebook, Dog Health Secrets, which gives you over 100 safe, natural and effective at home remedies to solve your dog’s health problems quickly and easily at home. He reveals what Vaccines to AVOID and what to give, The BEST food to feed, plus HOW to save money on veterinary fees. Go to: Dog Health Secrets Book Tags:dog hypothyroidism,dog with hypothyroidism,dogs hypothyroidism,dogs with hypothyroidism,hypothyroidism dogs,hypothyroidism in dogs,thyroid in dogs

Doy Daycare Air Purifier—7 Features That Make It Effective

Editor — Wed, 02 May 2012 18:52:59 +0000

Because most owners love their dogs like family, dog daycare facilities have become increasingly popular. And as family members their owners want to insure that their pooch is being cared for in a place almost as good as home. Clean air is the best first impression to make. And an air cleaner with the following 7 features can make it happen in your facility. Carbon Filter—This chemical element is well known for its ability to absorb gaseous pollutants such as odors and airborne chemicals. And in a facility for dogs this is a crucial filter to have. There are all types of odors that can keep the air from smelling fresh including the smell that some animals emit when they are frightened and/or anxious about being in a new place and away from their owners. That salty dog smell and the smell of breath that only its owner could love being sent into the air from numerous dogs can make the air smell unclean. And every owner wants to think of their pooch in a place that is almost as nice as home. Additive For Ammonia—Even though carbon is effective with most odors, urine is incredibly potent and even carbon needs help filtering this odor from the air. An Ammonasorb additive is crucial if this filter is to remove the ammonia that urine emits. Without this additive, the carbon is not as effective and the filter will probably not last as long. Split Capacitor Motor—This type of motor is designed for continuous and long life duty with high revolutions per minute. The benefit to you is that it can run continuously, safely, and effectively sending 250 cubic feet of fresh air into your facility every 60 seconds. It is crucial that any cleaner be able to run all the time. Accidents happen. And if it is not all cleared away traces of urine can really ruin air quality. Having it run all night means your staff and customers are more likely to open the doors to air that is fresh and inviting each morning. Filter For Particles—Dog hair, fur, and dander are a big part of caring for dogs. Whereas dog hair and fur can be seen, dander is invisible to the human eye. Airborne bacteria and viruses can spread disease quickly and generally attach to various sized particles. Having a cleaner that has large and medium particle pre-filters allows the bigger particulates to be trapped by cheaper filters that are the filters through which pollutants are pulled first. This saves the filter with minute openings for particles that are microscopic in size. HEPA Filtration—A high efficiency particle arresting filter must be able to remove 99.97% of airborne particles that are .3 microns in size or greater. The benefit to you is that out of every 10,000 airborne particulates it removes 99,997 of them. Steel Casing—Dogs can get pretty curious with their teeth and paws. You need a case that can stand up to that curiosity. Steel is also ideal to house a split capacitor motor that is designed to run 24 hours a day. This is because the motor heat will not cause steel to off-gas noxious chemicals as some plastic cases do. Wheels—Most cleaners work by cleaning the air that is closest to it first. So if there is a problem in one room or one side of the facility, having wheels that can help you move the cleaner easily is a huge advantage. And the fact that a cleaner is portable means that you can have fresh air wherever there is an outlet for it to plug into. Keep your dog daycare facility smelling fresh and clean all the time. See the air purifier with multiple filters for particles and a carbon-based filter with ammonasorb additive to remove urine at http://purerair.com/austin_air_pet_machine.html Tags:dog daycare smell,dog kennel odor,dog odor,dog urine,dogs,pet urine,pet urine air purifier,urine

Got Dog Allergies? 5 Steps To Take To Reduce Your Symptoms

Editor — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 15:06:56 +0000

If you share your life with a dog, you want to be able to really be able to enjoy them without fear of an allergy attack. This can seem daunting at first, but here are 5 steps that you can take starting now to reduce pet allergens in your air. Keep Your Dog’s Skin Clean—This may be pretty easy if your dog fits in a tote, but obviously is more difficult to impossible if it weighs 95 pounds.. Effectively reducing the amount of hair, fur, and/or dander that is available to go airborne is crucial. This one action alone can make a huge difference in the particle count in your air. Check with the veterinarian first for the frequency and type of products that are best to use. This is important because bathing too frequently or with the wrong type of shampoo can cause dry skin and actually increase the amount of dander. Clean Pet Areas Frequently—Dust mites are common indoor pollutants and these little critters feed on dander (dead skin flakes). Dander is the body’s way of replacing old skin with newer, healthier skin that is more able to protect it against disease and infection. Keeping your dog’s favorite bedding, rug, and furniture clean, and laundered when possible is one of the best way to reduce these allergens that can increase when the dander count is high. Provide A Healthy Diet—Make the vet’s office your first stop for the answer that is best for your pooch.. There is so much discussion these days on which food is best that a professional who knows your dog and its specific needs should be the last word about diet. A healthy diet directly affects the condition of your dog’s coat and skin. An improper diet can contribute to shedding and more dander production while a balanced diet can mean fewer skin issues. It is important to note that dander is a fact of life. But following these suggestions will help keep levels lower and lessen its impact on you and your allergies. Limit Your Numbers—So many dog owners find it hard to say no to bringing home dogs when they turn those big beautiful eyes on you. And while a big heart is a wonderful thing, adopting too many dogs only to find out that you cannot tolerate living with them is hard on you and the dog. If you already know that pets cause problems, think twice before you bring more into your home. It is hard to imagine the problems won’t multiply exponentially with more than one or two in your home. Better to love one. Filter The Air—Even though pet-related allergens may be what you are most focused on with your allergies at this point, most people who are allergic are sensitive to a variety of allergens. Common houshold dust, dust mites, mold and mildew spores, and seasonal pollens can work in conjunction with pet related triggers and cause you to miserable throughout the year. Using a HEPA or high efficiency particle arresting filter to clear the air of particulates is an effective way to minimize your exposure to numerous allergens. By definition a HEPA filter must be able to remove 99,997 out of every 10,000 airborne particles that are .3 microns in size or greater. With a micron being defined as one millionth of a meter, it’s easy to see that it can remove not only pet allergens, but those that are inherent to indoor spaces as well as those that may they way indoors from outside. It is heartbreaking to even think about having to find someone else to love your dog. These suggestions can mean the difference between enjoying your life with your dog and just getting through it. Reduce allergy triggering particles from your dog by continuously filtering the air. Let the Pet Dander Air Purifier that can send 250 cubic feet of fresh, clean air into your home every 60 seconds. See it now at http://purerair.com/pet_dander_air_purifier.html Tags:allergic to dog,dog allergies,dog dander,dog dander purifier,dogs,pet allergies,pet dander air purifier,pet dander allergies,pet dander allergy

How The World Of Dog Collars Has Progressed With New Technology

Editor — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 21:58:20 +0000

By Wesley D. Tijerina Dog collars are a valuable item for any pet owner. With microchip I.D. technology still seen as cutting edge, many owners prefer to have a collar on their pet. Because microchip scanning requires extra equipment, it is always worth using a collar in addition to this. Not only can a collar offer helpful identification of the pet name and contact number, but it is beneficial in many other ways too. Some can even be personally adapted to fit the look of the animal. There is no doubt that a dog wearing a collar has a home somewhere. This is particularly useful in areas that are overrun with strays, as it prevents the dog from being taken to the pound or even destroyed as a pest. A collar should be paired with a tag or plate displaying information on how to get in contact with the owner. Most lost dogs that are reunited with their owners have been identified by the collar they were wearing at the time. Dog collars feature more technology than most people are aware of. Collars used to fit using a simple belt buckle, but many now feature quick release fastenings in case of the need to quickly remove it. These work by coming apart when too much pressure is applied to them, such as a struggling dog, but are not at risk of being loosened by the animal accidentally. Some collars also feature a lining which is treated to emit calming herbs and pulses to prevent car sickness or stress. Some dog owners will have several different collars for their pet which can be switched depending on the situation. As a dog becomes a member of the family, some owners are keen to make sure it has the right look. While purpose is important, most owners will also consider the appearance of the collar. The dog collar market has endless lines of colored and patterned items to suit just about any taste, so owners can be positive that their dog looks exactly how they want. Collars with studs, metal spikes and thick leather are all well-liked with owners for their pets, and are universally found in most dog stores. People will normally pick an item that can be seen on the dog and stands out enough to be noticed. It is easy to pick the right dog collar when shopping on a website, as most collars come in a single size with an adjustable buckle. Unlike shopping for other accessories such as clothes, this means that it is not as important to check measurements. Most stockists will have additional information about the total length of the collar so that it can be sized exactly to the pet’s requirements. Due to the small size of pet collars, postage is often very cheap and quick, so that shopping online can be more affordable than any store prices. Make your big breed dog feel extra special! We carry a various selection of dog collars or pet beds. Tags:big dog breeds,breed dogs,car seat covers,dog accessories,dog bed,dog collars,dog harness,dog ramp,dog toys,pet beds

Anxiety in Dogs

Editor — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 18:58:27 +0000

By Ian Nicholson Anxiety in Dogs: Frustration and boredom, especially among puppies left at home all day, on their own, is becoming more commonplace and can cause your dog to literally chew everything it can get hold of. To prevent a dog from chewing, and in order to alleviate its boredom, is very difficult and needs a lot of thought. To stop this kind of behavior you have to channel the dogs thoughts, actions and mind in a different direction. But what kind of direction and how? You cannot expect the puppy to sit all day, either in a cage or house and not become bored when left alone. Much of the time you should be spending with your puppy is about socialization, house training and obedience training. So what is the answer? If you have a high-spirited, high-energy puppy it will need some kind of release for both its mental and physical activities. If your new puppy is naturally quiet and happy to just accept things as they are, it is less likely to develop problems linked with frustration and boredom. In order to prevent boredom and frustration in all puppies you have to become and think as a puppy. Let us look at this from a totally different direction and not only from the point of view of the puppy, but yours. If, instead of your puppy, you were to spend all day in a cage, how would you behave? You would get bored and possibly suffer from some mild form of cabin fever. So let us get down to the dogs eye level. You will be amazed at how different it is down there. Look around you, what do you see? Ah good! Something to chew, but is it the right thing to chew? I am a dog, I do not know the difference, I chew everything, I am not particular. Okay you have got the idea, so where do you begin? Your first day back at work after getting your new puppy, you are leaving him in the dog cage you bought for him, you left a bowl of water and what else? Is there anything in there that will encourage your dog to tear to pieces, like cardboard, paper, wood, thin plastic, old slippers etc. One major stumbling block to boredom is the length of time you are leaving your puppy alone 1 hour 2 hours 3 hours, how long? It is never a good idea to leave your puppy with just a bowl of water and somewhere to sleep. Again ask yourself how you would feel if you were left alone for 2,3,4,5 hours or even more. The dog is a pack animal and in the wild it is used to having the members of the pack around. It is unnatural to leave them alone for long periods at such a tender age. You are his pack leader and he or she is going to miss you. Pack leaders do not leave the rest of the pack on their own unless they are out hunting. You may have to learn to compromise with the amount of time your intended leaving your puppy alone. Try getting someone else to visit your pup during the time you are away. If you are leaving your puppy alone for long periods please get someone to attend to his needs. Whether it is let out for toilet training, exercise or just a change of scenery this is an important part of its socialization process. Think like a dog, and give your puppy something to eat before you leave him. A dog tends to sleep more when he or she has a full stomach. Get him used to playing with toys that require plenty of investigation to achieve a goal whether it be food or a tip-bit. Make sure the chew toys your puppy is playing with are robust enough to stand his constant chewing and will not come to pieces while you are away. Chewing is a natural habit to a dog and you have to use ways of maximizing this trait to its fullest advantage. Instead of your puppy attacking the carpet, curtains or even shoes, use chew toys to give him an alternative way to vent his preference for chewing. Many puppies will simply chew because they are teething. Try a chew toy from the freezer, it may help to ease the irritating teething pain. It all comes down to you in the end. Leaving any puppy of grown dog alone for long periods is a recipe for disaster. Dogs are social animals and need plenty of socialization (getting out and about) to make them a balanced individual, leaving them alone for long periods of time is not the way to do it. Like we humans Dogs can suffer from anxiety and stress and it can start at the puppy stage. Ian Nicholson lives in the UK and has kept and bred dogs over a period of fifty years and is passionate about their welfare. Visit him at his website Choose Best Dog Breed and learn more about mans best friend and you are invited to claim your free e-book “7 Proven Steps to Better Older Dog Health” helping to keep your dog healthier longer. Tags:anxiety in dogs,anxiety in puppies,dog anxiety,dog boredom,dog chewing,puppy biting,puppy chewing

Felines And HEPA Filters

Editor — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 17:41:26 +0000

Combine cat hair and dander with the normal indoor pollutants that are found in virtually every indoor space, and you’ve got air that can cause problems for those with repiratory problems. And can create problems for those who were formerly healthy. Get 5 important answers about what HEPA filtration can do for you and your furry friend.

Will it filter hair and fur? A high efficiency particle arresting (most often abbreviated as HEPA) filter is incredibly efficient at removing airborne particles that are .3 microns or larger. So it can definitely remove hair and fur that are in the air.

Particles that are near or about .3 microns in size are invisible to the human eye, but hair and fur are all too visible and can remove by less sophisticated filters such as pre-filters. If the unit does not contain this type of inexpensive filter then the HEPA will definitely take them out of circulation.

Will this type of technology eliminate cat dander? These invisible flakes of dead skin known as dander are one of the most potent allergens known. It is the protein in the flakes that sends many people’s allergies into overdrive. So the cat dander can easily be eliminated.

What other types of pollutants will it get rid of? Because a filter doesn’t care about the source of the particles, it is not only good for cat-related particles but other more normal indoor pollutants as well. That means it can remove dust, dust mites, mold and mildew spores, as well as airborne bacteria and viruses down to .3 microns.

Will it get rid of litter dust? Many cat lovers put the litter box in the bathroom which makes perfect sense. However, it your pet likes to scratch before, afterwards, or just for good measure, it can create air that is really thick with dust.

A HEPA can remove these airborne particles. A purifier with variable filtration speeds can give you the option of speeding up filtration when there is a lot of it in the air and slowing it down when there is less of a need for it.

Will it eliminate urine odor? Unfortunately, this type of filter will only eliminate particles. Gaseous pollutants such as urine, odors, and other smells are best removed by a carbon-based filter. And even as effective as carbon can be at removing odors, it will still need a chemical additive to enhance its ability to remove the ammonia that is so offensive when dealing with cat urine.

Nothing will get rid of all of the particles a pet can produce, but for those of us who love them what they give us in return makes them worth it.

But the ultimate air cleaner for cats should have not only a HEPA filter, but several pre-filters, and a carbon enhanced filter for urine. That way one purifier can do everything you need it to when you have a cat as part of your family.

Get rid of the cat hair in your air and dander too with the air purifier from PurerAir.com at http://purerair.com/cat_dander_air_purifier.html

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Lipoma In Dogs – Questions & Answers To Help You & Your Dog

Editor — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 20:46:49 +0000

Lipoma in Dogs develops as a benign tumor of spongy fatty tissue / fat cells beneath the skin. Can be found on most parts of the body but mostly in the belly and chest area.
Lipomas will vary in size and shape and their speed of growth will depend on its location, breed of dog and age. No breed is immune to lipoma in dogs, although they are more likely to be found in older canines particularly females. And be aware they may develop in more than one location on your pet’s body. In extreme cases if left untreated they will join up to form one unsightly and very uncomfortable lump.
They are usually oval in shape. These are the most common form of lipoma in dogs. The other type to look out for is Infiltrative Lipoma in dogs. This type of tumor can be more aggressive, very invasive and not so defined. They develop in between layers of muscle and deeper tissue and grow by slowly expanding between the muscle tissues which may become painful for your pet.

Things to look for: 1. Your dog licking a particular spot especially on the under carriage area 2. Small lumps or bumps forming under the skin (Oval in shape) What happens next 1.Visit your veterinarian who will then do one or more of the following tests; 2. Aspirate. A fine syringe needle will be inserted into the lump to take a sample of the cell mass which will be examined under a microscope to ascertain if it is lipoma in dogs. This does not usually require sedation and is not painful to your dog. 3. Biopsy. If the aspiration did not conclusively confirm lipoma then a biopsy, a small sample of tissue, will be taken. If the lump is very small the vet may remove the entire mass as the biopsy. Sedation with a local or general anaesthetic is usually required for biopsies.

Treating Lipoma In Dogs

1. If the lipoma is small and slow growing all you may have to do is observe it for any changes over a period of time. If no changes occur then no further treatment will be necessary.
2. Should the lipoma have grown rapidly then surgery to have the mass removed will probably be recommended to avoid any discomfort or mobility issues in the future.
3. In the case of infiltrative lipomas in dogs a more aggressive wider surgical procedure will be needed to remove as much of the tumor as possible. It is not always possible to remove all the tumor cells without affecting muscle movement. But the remaining cells will usually be very slow to return so this may be all the treatment necessary.
4. Radiation Therapy is an option if the lipoma was not able to be fully removed Life after surgery Observe your pet closely whilst recovering from the lipoma in dogs surgery. Just to ensure they do not lick or try to remove the dressing or drainage tubes etc. The stiches are usually removed after 7 – 10 days. Keep an eye on your loyal companion for any changes to the area previously affected and any further growths that may develop over time. Have them checked by your vet on a regular basis. Unfortunately there is no way to prevent the re-occurrence of lipoma in dogs, it is important you avoid a lipoma becoming so large that they cannot be removed or they affect movement of limbs and quality of life. To learn more about the treatment of lipoma in dogs , it is recommended you read this publication, by clicking this link http://www.cancertreatmentfordogs.com

Where you can download to your computer all you need to know about cancer treatments for dogs and the best methods to ensure best friend is around for many years to come.

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