Posts filed under 'Dog Health'
Salmonella Possible in Dog Food
Some popular dog foods may contain salmonella which can create serious health issues for your pet. Brands involved include Ol’ Roy, Pedigree, and others. Visit pet foods for more information.
1 comment September 14, 2008
Foods that Can Poison Your Dog
Foods that are good for humans may not be good for you dog. In fact, some common foods can lead to sickness and even death. What foods should you avoid giving your dog?
Eggs in the raw form can lead to loss of hair and skin inflammation. Eggs cause biotin levels to drop which leads to these symptoms.
Animal bones are commonly associated with dogs. However, splinters can form as the dog chews the bone which can lead to choking if lodged in the dog’s throat or perforations in the dog’s intestines.
Raw fish should also not be given to dogs. The resulting thiamine deficit can cause weakness, abnormal posture, loss of appetite, and possibly death.
Dark chocolate is poisonous for dogs due to two substances: methylxanthine alkaloids and theobromine. Human bodies are able to quickly process these chemicals and excrete them, but dog bodies cannot. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning can include vomiting, hyperactivity, diarrhea, and excessive urination. Get your dog to a vet immediately if you see these symptoms or if your dog eats dark chocolate. Coma, seizures, and death can be the final result if treatment is not initiated in time.
While you now know never to intentionally feed your dogs the foods mentioned above, you also need to avoid your dog eating these foods accidentally. Be sure to take garbage out immediately as some canines learn how to operate covered garbage cans. And, keep your pets away from the kitchen when you are preparing or serving these foods.
Add comment July 18, 2008
Dogs and Roundworms
You take your dog for a stroll, and stoop to pick up dog waste. To your horror, strands resembling spaghetti are in the stool. Though you need to get an official diagnosis from your vet, your dog has worms, probably roundworms.
Roundworms are commonly found in puppies who may have the stereotypical potbellied appearance. These worms can grow up to six inches in length and live in your dog’s small intestine. They can multiply rapidly to the point that they actually block your dog’s intestine.
Mothers often pass roundworm infections to their offspring. New puppies should be examined by a veterinarian for the presence of worms. Since worms can cause many various physical symptoms, if you notice any physical or behavioral symptoms that is out of the ordinary for your pet, be sure to follow up with your vet.
Unfortunately, roundworms are contagious to other dogs and to humans. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after handling your dog and keep your pet away from the stool of other dogs. By treating a worm infection immediately, you lessen the chances of passing the worms to another pet or person.
Your vet can give your dog medications to kill the worms. However, an exam is needed after the course of medication has ended as often several rounds of treatment are needed to completely worm your dog.
A roundworm infection can eventually kill a dog, so seek treatment promptly if you suspect your dog is ill.
Add comment June 18, 2008
