Over the course of your dog’s lifetime, there may be occasions when you need to switch your dog’s diet.  It is important to gradually change your dog’s diet to ease Fido’s digestion system through the transition.

Many reasons exist that may cause a need to switch your dog’s diet.  A puppy, for example, will graduate from puppy food to adult food.  Your adult dog may need to transition to a diet specifically designed for senior dogs.  Allergies or other health related issues may be yet another cause for a switch.

Consult with your vet about the change to your dog’s diet and do your own research on all of the available options.  Once you have made your decision and purchased the new food, you will want to make the change gradually and over a period of time.

Do not stop feeding one type of diet on Sunday evening and begin a totally new regimen on Monday morning.  Drastically switching your dog’s diet, will more than likely result in your dog having an upset stomach with diarrhea to follow.

To properly change your dog’s diet involves some planning ahead on your part.  You will need the new food and about five to seven days worth of the food you are going to eliminate.  Every day you will reduce the amount of the original diet and slowly increase the food for the new diet.  Use this formula until you have run out of the old food.

After you have converted your dog to the new diet you should allow a minimum of four weeks on the new food before assessing the results.  When a diet is working well for your dog it is best to leave it alone and stick with it.  You will quickly find that a consistent diet is the best and easiest method to keep your friend’s digestive system running smoothly.

Changing your dog’s diet is a gradual process that may seem slow but is worth the time and hassle.  The gradual change will reduce the stress and change to your dog’s system and digestive tract.

Dental disease is the most common infectious disorder in dogs affecting 80 to 90 percent of dogs by age three.  Smaller breeds are more susceptible to dental disease than larger breeds.  Many of us have strict routines when it comes to our own oral health care but overlook the importance of our dog’s preventive dental needs.  With proper care and maintenance your dog’s teeth will last them a lifetime.  Below are six tips to keep those choppers shiny and healthy.

1.  Everyone needs to brush – Clean your friend’s teeth at least three to four times a week if you cannot manage to do it daily.  Only use oral products designed and intended for dogs.  There are a lot of products to choose from so no excuses!

2.  Dry Food vs. Soft – Studies show that dry dog food (kibble) is abrasive and slightly better at keeping Fido’s teeth clean by breaking down plaque and tarter which prevents these two items from accumulating on the teeth.

3.  Treats – Give your dog regular access to chew bones or edible natural bones that can assist in controlling tarter.

4.  Better safe than sorry – Supply your dog with safe chew toys and monitor your dog’s chewing activity.  Do not offer bones or other hard objects that can damage teeth.  Stop your dog from chewing rocks, sticks, wood or any other inappropriate items that are not tooth friendly.

5.  Annual cleanings – The best approach to preventive dental care involves regular cleanings and maintenance at home.  Mark your calendar and take your friend to your preferred veterinarian for a dental examination and tooth cleaning once a year.  Dogs with a history of periodontal disease may need it more often.

6. Know the signs of tooth troubles – Difficulty eating; inflamed or bleeding gums; ongoing bad breath; discolored teeth; loose, broken, or missing teeth; and pus between the gums and teeth are all indicators that your pal needs a visit to the vet ASAP.

Preventive canine dental care today could eliminate the need of expensive and stressful procedures later.

Canine chiropractic uses physical manipulations to relieve pain and restore flexibility.  Chiropractic care is the analysis of the biomechanical structure of the spine and extremities.  The most common treatment for canine chiropractic is musculoskeletal issues.

Canine chiropractic care is also used successfully to treat lameness, back problems, arthritis, hip dysplasia, injuries and even some gastrointestinal problems.  Chiropractic adjustments for your four legged friend should be considered for anything that might benefit from restored flexibility and proper skeletal alignment.

Canine chiropractic treatment involves a thorough physical exam and an overview of your dog’s medical history.  Chiropractic adjustments are popular for working dogs and dogs who participate in high impact sports.  It is often combined with traditional or other alternative veterinary treatments to optimize your dog’s health.

Canine chiropractors are categorized as “alternative medicine” and often face the challenge of acceptance by the western veterinary community.  Do not let labels stop you from researching what may be best for your dogs quality of life.

You should be aware that chiropractic adjustments for your dog are usually an ongoing commitment.  If your dog’s health is suffering from issues stemming from a structural problem, it is worth looking into chiropractic treatments.

To learn more and find animal chiropractors in your area, check out the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association.

Does your household suffer from stinky dog breath?  From time to time we all suffer from bouts of bad breath including our four legged furry friends.  Chronic stinky dog breath requires a visit to your vet to discuss dental health and diet.  In the meantime you can freshen up your dog’s breath on a daily basis with some basic items like a washcloth, raw carrots or a toothbrush.

Daily brushing with dog toothpaste is the best option for good doggy breath.  Do not substitute people toothpaste with dog toothpaste.  If you do not have any dog toothpaste on hand just brushing with plain water alone will help remove plaque that leads to periodontal disease.  Periodontal disease is the leading cause of bad breath.

Other handy canine dental tools are fingertip brushes or a dental sponge.  If brushing is too difficult with your pet try wiping down the outside surfaces of your dog’s teeth daily with a moist washcloth.  Raw carrots are a natural breath freshener.

There are a large variety of canine dental products and breath treats.  If you are unsure what to choose when shopping for your friend, look for products with the Veterinary Oral Health Council Seal of Acceptance.  These products have been subjected to specific trials and are safe for your dog.

Acupuncture: Insertion of thin needles into specific spots to help pain and other problems.

Traditional Chinese Medicine: Encompasses both acupuncture and traditional Chinese herbal medicine. Also known as TCM or TCVM. Adds Chinese methods of diagnosis and treatment to conventional medicine.

Chiropractic: Manipulation of joints to help with pain and the behavior associated with pain.

Herbal Medicine: Using herbs to treat medical conditions. A good herbalist knows about drug interactions and toxicity, and is aware of the sensitivity of certain breeds to some herbs. There are a number of types, such as Ayurvedic, American Indian, Chinese, Western (which includes a number of European as well as American herbs), and South American.

Homeopathy: The use of dilute amounts of substances that in larger amounts cause the symptoms being treated. For example, arsenic in large amounts can cause diarrhea but in minute amounts can help it. A good homeopath will take a complete history of your dog’s problems and base the treatment on that.

Homotoxicology: A branch of homeopathy that emphasizes detoxification as well as treatment of disease.

Nutraceuticals: Nutritional supplements used to help various problems.

Physical Therapy: Incorporates a therapy team to help rehabilitate injured dogs and those who have had surgery. Uses treatments such as acupuncture, massage therapy, swim therapy, underwater treadmill, and stretching to achieve these goals.

Coccidiosis is a condition caused by protozoa called coccidian that invades your dog or puppy’s intestinal tract.  There are several different species of coccidian but the most common species of coccidian in dogs are called Isospora Canis.

Coccidiosis is a contagious disease and the incubation period (time between exposure and symptoms appearing) is about two weeks.  It is most commonly transmitted by ingesting the feces of an infected animal.  This disease is often seen in puppies that are exposed to coccidian through their mother’s infected feces.  Most dogs develop immunity to the protozoa as they grow older but puppies are most susceptible to developing symptoms of coccidiosis because they have yet to develop this immunity.

An adult dog can become infected with coccidiosis and show the symptoms of the illness.  If an older dog contracts coccidiosis it may already have a weakened immune system due to another illness, health condition or stress.  Some healthy adult dogs are “carriers” of coccidiosis.  These dogs have coccidian protozoa (the organism) in their intestines and they pass them into the environment in their stools, yet they have no symptoms of coccidiosis and do not suffer any ill effects from the disease.

Symptoms of coccidiosis in dogs and puppies are:

• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Dehydration
• Seizures – In advanced/severe cases

Repeated episodes of diarrhea are usually the first and most noticeable symptom of coccidiosis.  Depending on the severity of the initial infection, the diarrhea can range from mild to severe.  The diarrhea is watery, is often bloody and may contain mucus.  You need to be aware that the coccidian organisms multiply rapidly and the infection can get worse very quickly.  Most cases of coccidiosis are mild but the condition can increase in severity.  A puppy is at risk of becoming dehydrated quickly and this disease can be fatal in young dogs if left untreated.

Your veterinarian can diagnose and confirm coccidiosis by examining your pet’s feces for coccidian cysts.  If the results are positive for coccidiosis your vet will prescribe medication.  The medications commonly used are s sulfa-based antibiotic such as Albon.  The medication will not kill the coccidian protozoa but stops them from breeding and reproducing.  Recovery is slow so be prepared for an average recovery period of about two weeks.

To be sure that all of the organisms have died out it may be necessary to do more than one treatment of the medication.  Once the medication is completed a second stool sample should be examined by your veterinarian to confirm negative findings for coccidiosis in your pet.

Coccidiosis in dogs is most commonly spread through feces so high standards of hygiene are important to limit the spreading of this disease and to prevent reinfection.  Pick up feces immediately, thoroughly clean the areas and the items that your pet uses and keep flies, insects and rodents away as they can spread this disease on their feet and in their bodies.

Coccidia are difficult to kill and average household cleaners are not effective.  Sterilize at high temperatures, steam cleaning and boiling hot water, for utensils and toys, bowls, chew toys, etc.  Wash bedding, towels, and clothing on the “Hot” cycle in your washing machine and add some bleach for good measure.

For kennel areas, floors, concrete, etc., wash with a ten percent ammonia solution or a 1:16 solution of bleach to water to sanitize the area.  Wash all areas thoroughly and let soak for at least twenty minutes before rinsing.  Grass, soil, and dirt areas can be difficult to remove all traces of coccidian protozoa.  Keep in mind that these surfaces can remain contaminated for up to two months or more.

The strains of coccidiosis specific to your dog are contagious and can be fatal to your pet but are not transferable to humans so there is no need to be fearful of this parasite.  Be on the lookout for the symptoms with a new pup and practice good hygiene to increase your chances of a healthy start with your newest pack member.

Our pets cannot tell us when they have a cold, their joints are stiff or their paws become numb from cold weather conditions.  We find out only when we realize our beloved friend is suffering and in pain or discomfort.

Frostbite is a condition that should be taken seriously as it can quickly jeopardize your pet’s health even leading to death.  Frostbite occurs as a result of exposure to freezing or subfreezing temperatures.  It most commonly affects the tips of the ears, the scrotum, the tail, and the paws, and the toes.  When your four legged friend is in a cold environment their body responds by reducing blood flow to the outermost body parts.  This allows blood flow to their vital organs, but decreases the oxygen and warmth in the extremities, allowing ice crystals to form in the tissue.

Frostbite and hypothermia are not the same thing.  Hypothermia is when a canine’s body temperature drops and stays below the normal range of 100.4 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit.  A dog can experience both frostbite and hypothermia if they remain in cold weather.  Symptoms may be patches of frostbitten skin as well as damage to internal organs.  Some dogs will not survive this combination.  Additional items working against survival are windy conditions, a wet coat, heart conditions, diabetes and age.

To prevent frostbite first and foremost, use some common sense.  Limit and monitor time outdoors during cold weather.  When accompanying your friend outdoors periodically warm their ears between your hands and check their paws to keep snow and ice from collecting between toes.  If you reside in a cold winter climate, watch for hard tissue varying in color from pale to gray.  When the area defrosts the skin will redden and become tender.  In severe cases the tissue will turn black within a few days and die.

Think your dog has frostbite?  Do not self diagnosis and do not wait, get your friend to a vet ASAP!  As you head to the vet you are working against the clock.  Time is crucial as are your actions.  Wrap your dog in a dry towel or a warm blanket (not hot) from the dryer.  You can also gently warm the area with a washcloth and lukewarm water.  Never use a heating pad or a hot water bottle.   This could damage nerves and blood vessels.  Do not rub or massage the affected area.  As the tissue warms, frostbite turns painful and can cause an accelerated heart rate due to pain as the circulation returns.  Antibiotics and pain medication may be prescribed to prevent infection and relieve pain.  In severe cases, amputation or surgical removal of affected tissue is not uncommon.

In some parts of the world winter is cold, harsh and unforgiving.   Do not rely on your dog’s “winter coat” to protect them from the elements.  It is up to you to monitor their time outdoors and vigilantly be aware of frostbite and its symptoms.  Keep your friend warm, happy and healthy through the up and coming winter months.

Keeping health records for ourselves and our loved ones is important and something that we all should do.  As a pet owner, do not inadvertently overlook keeping track and documenting your four legged family member’s health information.

Do not wait until an emergency happens to get your pet’s veterinary information organized and at your fingertips.  Getting organized and compiling vet records is easy.  Get a binder for each pet and label it with their name.  Put the binder somewhere that is convenient to access and easy to spot.  Start collecting past health information from your vet.  Going forward request copies of vaccinations, tests, medicines, etc.

Your pet’s health binder should include the following basic information for each pet:

• Name, birth date, and gender.
• Breed and general description including color and approximate weight.
• A recent photograph.
• Microchip or tattoo information.
• Name of your vet, veterinary clinic, and phone number.
• Name and number of your local emergency vet hospital.
• Names and numbers of specialty clinics you have visited.
• Vaccination history and an up-to-date rabies certificate.
• Results from physical exams.
• Medications and their dosages.
• Major illnesses and surgeries, plus dates.
• Any test results, biopsies, etc.
• Any allergies, hypersensitivities, or adverse reactions, especially to anesthesia.
• Diet regime.
• Your pet’s insurance policy, if applicable.

In the case of an emergency your stress level will be lowered and valuable time and money will be saved when you have your pet’s vet records at your fingertips.  Your pet’s health binder can assist you in keeping track of scheduling appointments and keeps important information in one place in case you move, change vets, travel or board your pet and need proof of vaccinations.

The future is in online vet records.  Ask your vet if they offer this option but do not be disappointed if they do not.  This is not yet common but be aware that the technology is out there.  For example, the University of California, Davis, Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital has created its own web-based electronic medical record system to track the 30,000 plus patients seen there each year.  The treating veterinarian can enter information about the animal and the referring vet can access the file to see what the clinician did and view any test results.  Pet owners will be able to access this information in the future.

Whether you are using paper or an electronic record keeping system the most important thing is to have everything in one place.   It is your responsibility to ensure your pet’s healthcare provider has the most current and accurate information possible.  This will improve the outcome of the care provided for your beloved pet.

Did you know that dogs are considered to be a senior at 7 to 10 years of age?  Dogs age up to five to seven times faster than people do, so health related changes can occur quickly.  Because pets can be very good at hiding signs of illness, they may seem to become suddenly ill when they can no longer hide their symptoms.

The good news is that you can greatly improve your senior pet’s quality of life and longevity by watching for signs of age related health problems.  The following five age-related problems are health concerns to watch for as your pet ages.

1.      Arthritis – Stiffness, limping, or trouble getting up, laying down, walking, climbing stairs, or jumping.

2.      Kidney Disease – Weight loss, vomiting, loss of appetite, frequent drinking and urinating, tiredness.

3.      Diabetes – Weight loss, vomiting, frequent drinking and urinating, urinary “accidents,” tiredness.

4.      Dental Problems – Bad breath, red or bleeding gums, plaque on the teeth, eating slowly.

5.      Behavioral Problems – Uncharacteristic aggression, vocalization, disorientation.

If your pet shows any of the above signs you should schedule an appointment with your trusted veterinarian.  Even if your senior pet seems to be healthy you should consider a senior wellness exam schedule.  Most vets recommend a complete physical examination every 6 months along with routine testing once a year to help detect diseases and conditions early, when they are easier to treat.

Work together with your veterinarian to keep your four legged friend’s golden years happy and healthy!

The sun is out, the weather is warm, the birds are out chirping, and new plants and flowers are bursting to life.  Spring brings us blooming plants, grasses, flowers and all the symptoms of hay fever.  Allergens that cause seasonal spring allergies in humans can cause discomfort and trigger allergic reactions in our canine friends.

Inhalant allergies are substances in the environment which cause your dog’s immune system to react, releasing antibodies containing serotonin, histamines, and leukotrienes.  Pollens from trees, grasses, ragweed as well as molds, and dust mites can cause your dog substantial discomfort.

The best clue to diagnosing seasonal allergies is timing.  Dogs, like humans, often show symptoms around the same time every year, usually when the seasons change.  Allergy symptoms are often observed in dogs between six months and four years of age, may be an inherited predisposition, and tend to become more severe with age.

If left untreated, dogs with seasonal allergies will scratch, bite, or lick themselves constantly in the areas of the flank, groin, paws and armpit regions.  Other signs of inhalant allergy symptoms include head shaking, rubbing of the face, watery eyes, and red or irritated ear flaps that are warm or hot to the touch.  In an attempt to relieve themselves, your dog may create sores that can become a secondary infection.

Immediate relief for itchy skin can be accomplished with a cool bath of your dog’s entire body using colloidal oatmeal, aloe vera, eucalyptus, or a medicated shampoo.  Try to leave the treatment or shampoo on for 10 minutes and then rinse well.  Remember, simply washing the offending allergens off of your dog is often a great first line of defense but this will only provide your dog temporary relief and will need to be repeated frequently.

Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids are natural anti-inflammatory agents which have proven successful in approximately 20% of dogs tested.  Omega 3 fatty acids are found in fish oils such as Cod and Omega 6 fatty acids come from plants containing gamma-linolenic acid – such as evening primrose.  If you need immediate relief, the downfall to fatty acid supplementation is that it may take months to get into your dogs system and be effective.

Over-the-counter antihistamines for humans (like Benadryl) have proven effective in dogs with seasonal allergies.  Always be sure to check with your veterinarian first for approved products or brands before administering to your dog.  Be aware that possible side effects from antihistamines include sedation and dry mouth

If you are interested in a more homeopathic approach, there are many herbal solutions for dog allergies.  Here are just a few:

• Calendula ointment – has been successfully used to relieve the itch.  Apply a thin coat twice daily to affected areas.
• Phytopica – a combination of 10 different Chinese herbs, it has been shown to be effective in scientific studies in decreasing the severity of itching.
• Xiao Feng San – a common Chinese herbal combination useful for atopic dermatitis (allergy to inhalants).  The dose is 1/8 of a teaspoon per 10 lbs. of body weight daily.

If your dog has severe allergies your veterinarian may recommend allergy vaccines, oral or topical steroids or oral cyclosporine.

A regular treatment plan cannot begin until an allergy is diagnosed.  Careful observations and a planned trip to your veterinarian are the first steps in helping Fido survive allergy season.  Get your dog’s seasonal allergies under control and take your tail wagging friend outdoors to play and enjoy spring!