Heartworm Disease in Dogs, an Explanation – Diagnosis and Treatment
Posted by admin in Dogs Treatment on April 29, 2011
I can remember being devastated as a second grader to find out that our family dog had heartworms and was dying and there was nothing we could do. That was 1966. Thankfully, much has changed since then. Today, treatment for heartworms is available and better yet, it can be prevented. Heartworms are an internal parasite of both dogs and cats. These worms live in the bloodstream and cause life threatening disease. Heartworms are a leading cause of lung and heart disease in dogs and dogs are dying of this disease every day. Heartworm disease is caused by the parasite, Dirofilaria immitis. It is transmitted by mosquitoes and has been found in every state in the US. It only takes one mosquito bite for your dog to get heartworms and, without prevention; there is a 100% chance your dog will get it.
The way your dog becomes infected is the stuff of nightmares. You see, dogs are the reservoir of infection. This means that there are many dogs out there that are infected and when a mosquito bites an infected dog, it ingests immature heartworms known as microfilaria. Microfilaria is the larval form of heartworms that change within the mosquito to reach the third stage. It is the third stage that can infect your dog. When the infected mosquito bites your dog, it deposits third stage microfilaria on your dog’s skin and the microfilaria enters the dog through mosquito’s bite wound. The microfilaria then travel or migrate through the tissues (meaning skin, muscle, connective tissue) and mature to become a juvenile adult or fifth stage larvae. This process takes about 50-70 days in the dog. Sometime between 70 and 110 days after the dog is infected, the larvae reach the blood stream and end up in the arteries of the lung (pulmonary arteries). These juveniles then grow up to produce microfilaria of their own in about 6.5 months after the dog is infected.
Bladder Stones in Dog – Treatment and Prevention
Posted by admin in Dogs Treatment on April 29, 2011
Bladder stones are one of the common problems that occur in most dogs. Often, the presence of stones cannot be easily detected and owners only become aware of their pet’s condition when the problem has already worsened.
The presence of urinary stones usually brings about the onset of many symptoms, most of which can be very inconvenient. Some of the symptoms associated with bladder stones dog are urinating in small amounts, bloody urine, straining to urinate and constant pain especially during urination. When the dog stops excreting urine, this is a sign of a worst condition.
Arthritis in Dogs – Treatment Tips to Help Ease the Pain
Posted by admin in Dogs Treatment on April 29, 2011
We all wish that our dogs could live longer lives. Unfortunately, though, a dog’s life span is much shorter than ours. A dog is considered elderly by about the age of 8 or 9. For large breeds, this stage of life begins even earlier than that. Like people, when dogs age they sometimes develop physical problems such as joint pain or arthritis. These problems are just as painful for them as it is for us. Just as there are things that arthritic people can do to help ease the pain of their arthritis, there are things you can do for your arthritic dog.
1. Use Quality Senior Dog Food: Consider switching to an all natural food with high quality ingredients that is specifically formulated for elderly or senior dogs. These foods have special vitamins and minerals that are important for the senior dog. Also choose gourmet dog treats that are made with the same high quality ingredients.
Holistic Dog Treatments for Chemical-Free Canines
Posted by admin in Dogs Treatment on April 29, 2011
While it is undeniable that modern medical research has led to dramatic improvements in the health and happiness of both man and mutt alike, unpronounceable chemicals and hefty bills from the vet can make keeping your dog healthy a stressful undertaking. Luckily, for those looking to go a simpler route without necessarily forfeiting effectiveness, holistic dog treatment offers a more natural option. Through the use of physical therapy and medicinal herbs, natural dog treatment can help to treat anything from minor injuries to serious illness, if used responsibly and correctly.
Just as aloe can be used to treat a sunburn, or ginseng can be taken to increase energy, holistic dog treatment offers a variety of remedies for minor illnesses, without the need for a trip to the hospital or expensive drugs. Treatments such as Ear Dr., an ear medication that helps prevent infection and keep a pooch’s ear canal clean, provides dog owners with an all-natural option in pet ear care. Bilberry and bilberry jelly, not far removed from the blueberry, can be used to improve eyesight and prevent cataracts. Fleas can also be controlled using simple, natural substances, and both lemons (boil them in water, then spray the water on your dog once it has cooled overnight) and scents such as sweet almond oil make an effective homemade dog treatment for pests.