Total Dog Magazine

Category: Dog Advice

From dog training to canine health, see our latest dog advice articles here

  • How To Train My Dog To Recall Using A Whistle

    By far one of the most common questions dog trainers are asked is how do I teach my dog to come back when called?

    Training a dog to come back when called is a lot simpler for dog and owner if there is no confusion, no emotion and a very clear understanding on the dog’s behalf as to what they are being asked to do. With this in mind, when you train a dog to recall using a whistle dog owners will often see dramatic results as a consequence of the clarity and uncomplicated nature of this most important dog training command. Let’s face it, having a solid recall is potentially a life-saving piece of dog training!

    This video gives a nice, simple step-by-step approach to understanding how to train a dog to recall using a whistle.

    https://dogadvice.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/H99lnvr-2.gif

  • Is Human Sunscreen Safe For Dogs?

    If you’ve seen the warnings about the need to protect dogs from the dangers posed by the sun, you may have asked yourself whether human sunscreen is safe to use on dogs.

    Well, the answer is yes. But you need to select the type carefully.

    It’s possible to buy pet safe sunscreen, but if that’s not available to you & your dog is at risk of sun-burn, choose baby sunscreen.

    Do not apply products containing zinc oxide is as that is toxic to dogs.

    Sunscreen & Dogs – You Need To Be Aware of Another Danger

    Summer can be a wonderful for the nation’s pets to enjoy long walks, playtime in the park and lazing in the garden but many owners are not aware of the hazards to animals, particularly in very hot weather. If pets are exposed to too much sun, it can cause heatstroke and can cause a pet’s skin, particularly delicate areas such as the nose or ears, to become sunburnt. Long-term sun exposure can prove fatal, as like people, pets can also develop malignant skin cancer so sunscreen for dogs is a valuable precaution to take.

    Pets can also develop a skin disease called solar dermatitis, caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It can affect dogs on their nose, trunk or limbs and in cats solar dermatitis normally affects those with white fur or damaged skin that is not protected by enough hair.

    To prevent your cats and dogs getting sunburnt, you need to reduce their exposure to the sun, especially between the hours of 8.00am and 5.00pm. Also ask your vet to recommend a suitable sun block, as they will also be able to identify the areas of your pet’s skin that are most likely to burn or be damaged.

    To help keep your pets healthy and happy during the summer particularly in very hot weather, PDSA has put together some useful tips for owners.

    5 Tips For Protecting Your Dog From Sun Related Dangers

    1. Never leave pets in cars, not even for just a few minutes with windows open as temperatures can soar dangerously high, causing potentially fatal heat-stroke.

    2. Don’t let pets sit out in strong sun, or leave hutches and bird cages in direct sunlight.

    3. Use a suitable pet-safe sunscreen as advised by your vet.

    4. Long-haired pets may need their fur trimming to prevent them from over-heating.

    5. Walk your dog before 8am and after 5pm and only when outside temperatures have cooled as hot road surfaces, pavements and sand can burn a pet’s feet.

    6. Make sure pets have access to plenty of clean, fresh water at all times that is changed regularly throughout the day.

    7. Make sure you regularly treat your pets and home for fleas as they are a particular problem during the summer, particularly in hot weather.

    8. Leftover pet food can quickly go off in hot weather so discard any scraps as soon as possible to avoid flies.

  • Is Goats Milk Good For Puppies?

    You’ve got a new puppy. The breeder or rescue where you got your puppy from has given you an information sheet on all the things you need to know about caring for the canine youngster. But you are desperate to do the absolute best by your pup so you start asking questions about what you can or cannot feed puppy to give them the perfect start in life. One of the common questions new dog owners ask is, is goats milk good for puppies? Well, read on.

    puppies

    Is Goats Milk Good For Puppies? These Pups Would Say Yes!

    Five adorable Jack Russell puppies are the picture of health after their lives were saved by St Helen’s Farm goats’ milk, after they lost their mum.

    Animal lover Lorraine Wright, who nurtured the puppies, along with her amazing story, are to be featured on more than half a million St Helen’s Farm goats’ milk cartons, nationwide during February.

    The puppies’ chances of surviving were very slim when they were first born in October. Their mum Georgie had to have an emergency caesarean and sadly died three days later due to complications.

    Lorraine, from Shepton Mallet, took over the maternal role but was fearful of losing the tiny dogs when they became seriously ill after drinking formula cows’ milk.

    In a desperate attempt to save them Lorraine searched the internet for help and found that goats’ milk had been successfully given to orphaned pups. She was sceptical but decided to give it a go as time was running out fast.

    She lovingly bottle fed the pups every two hours, day and night, using St Helen’s Farm goats’ milk and probiotic goats’ yogurt.

    Lorraine was using litres of milk and large cartons of yogurt every day as she tried to build up their strength using what she dubbed ‘The St Helen’s Farm Goats Milk Mix.’

    The pups enjoyed the taste, gulped it down and slowly but surely their weight began to climb.

    Now almost six months on the puppies are in the best of health and still enjoying the ‘St Helen’s Goats Milk Mix’ with their food.

    It’s not only the puppies that are enjoying the benefits of goats’ milk though, Lorraine has a mild intolerance to dairy products and now uses goats’ milk in her daily porridge too.

    She loves the taste and it has replaced the rice milk she had previously used. Her mum is also a convert and another fan, after discovering she loved the taste.

    Lorraine says the Jack Russells – Lavender, Brutus, Lottie, Toki and Fonz – could have died had they not been saved by goats milk.

    “I really thought the puppies were doomed. What happened to their mum was awful and I was beside myself with worry when they lost weight so dramatically on cows’ milk.

    I panicked and realised I had to do something quickly to save them. Some people said if I had one puppy at the end of week three it would be a remarkable achievement, but I felt determined to do the best I could for Georgie and try and save all of them.

    It was a frantic, worrying time hand rearing them all the way through to the New Year but all I can say is St Helen’s Farm is fantastic.

    The fact that all five puppies are here today full of life says everything; I can never thank the farm enough.

    I have even had other animal lovers and experts asking me about the St Helen’s Goats’ Mix, they are keen to use it themselves to help orphaned animals.”

    Yorkshire based St Helen’s Farm heard about the puppies when Lorraine wrote and told them about her positive experience with the milk and the farm decided to feature Lorraine and her story on the cartons in February.

    St Helen’s Farm spokesperson Mike Hind comments:

    “We were intrigued to hear Lorraine’s tale about her Jack Russell pups that are now thriving on our goats’ milk. After a very precarious start to life, all five pups had to be hand reared.

    They loved the taste of goats’ milk and have also developed a liking for our probiotic natural yogurt. Well done to all the pups, we are delighted with their success. We would be thrilled to hear from anyone else who has used our range to help animals as well as humans!”

  • Artificial Sweeteners Are VERY Dangerous For Dogs

    The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has warned dog owners of the danger that the artificial sweetener, Xylitol, can pose to their pets, writes Jasmine Kleine. Xylitol is not considered harmful to humans, but if ingested by a dog the substance is dangerous because it triggers a sudden release of insulin which causes a dramatic drop in blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) and can lead to liver damage.

    Xylitol is increasingly used as a sweetener in sugar-free chewing gum and other confectionary; it is used in dental hygiene products and is also found as an excipient in many medicines. Of particular concern are the sugar substitute products that contain Xylitol which are used in home baking as well as in manufactured goods. Cakes, biscuits and other goodies made with it are toxic to dogs. Owners may not be aware of these dangers and may not associate clinical deterioration with ingestion of these foodstuffs.

    No sweet tooth for dogs.

    Other animals such as ferrets and cats may be similarly affected and the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) is monitoring all referred cases.

    BVA Past President Nicky Paull commented:

    “While most dog owners are now aware that foods such as chocolate and grapes can be toxic to their pets few are aware of the dangers if their dog eats a cake or muffin containing Xylitol.

    “If you think your dog may have eaten chewing gum or a sweet or cake containing Xylitol and appears unwell, perhaps vomiting or lacking coordination, then contact your vet for advice immediately and be ready to provide information on what’s been consumed.”

    The BVA Animal Welfare Foundation and the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) have produced an easy reference guide to keeping pets safe from harmful substances. The ‘Pets and poisons: keeping your animal safe’ leaflet can be easily downloaded from the BVA AWF website at www.bva-awf.org.uk or you can request a copy from the Foundation.

    Alexander Campbell, Head of Service at VPIS, added:

    “With the increasing number of products containing Xylitol on the market the VPIS recognises the extreme importance of raising awareness of the danger to dogs of ingesting this substance, particularly in the light of a case we handled the other evening which involved a dog eating a muffin made with this sugar substitute.

    “This is yet another instance where a food or food additive deemed safe for human consumption proves to be dangerous for other species. Pets should really only be given foodstuffs formulated for them.

    “It is possible that other animals such as ferrets or cats might be affected similarly, but few cases are yet documented. The VPIS continues to monitor all referred cases in all animals with the aim of clarifying the situation in other species as and when more data become available.

    “The VPIS would like to see manufacturers of these products provide some visible warnings and information on the packaging and to inform the retail outlets they supply of the potential risks to dogs.”

  • Why Won’t My Dog Sleep Through The Night?

    Why Won’t My Dog Sleep Through The Night?

    According to research, dogs sleeping in the bedroom is actually good for you and good for them, but for many owners it’s difficult to cope when a dog won’t sleep through the night.

    Dogs, just like us, need high quality sleep in order to function, be healthy and happy, so a lack of sleep is not good for them.

    If a dog is not sleeping through the night, there are a few issues that could be at play:

    1. Are they needing the toilet? If so, is their an underlying medical issue that needs to be looked at by a vet?

    2. They are being disturbed by a noise in the home, maybe a timed event such as central heating being turned on or off?

    3. Are they experiencing discomfort, if so, what?

    4. Are they – now wait for it – being disturbed by you or another human in the home? Some people are prone to loud snoring or sleep talking / shouting, which could in turn be waking the dog up and causing them to be agitated?

  • How Long is OK For My Dog To Be Left Home Alone?

    How Long is OK For My Dog To Be Left Home Alone?

    A dog separation anxiety study conducted by the University of Brisol has suggested that a huge number of dogs are suffering with separation anxiety as a result of being left home alone at home for too long.

    We wanted to solicit the views of dog owners on this thorny issue as it often proves one of the most commonly asked questions we receive here at advice.dog…just how long is too long to leave a dog at home alone.

    There tends to be two schools of thought about how long is too long to leave a dog home alone:

    1. Working people should be able to have dogs, but leaving the dog at home for more than a few hours at a time is cruel and proper arrangements should be made to cater for the dog’s needs i.e professional dog walker or owner returning home to take the dog out.

    2. There is a certain ‘cut off point’ at which it is simply too long to leave a dog at home on their own.

    How Long Can a Dog Be Left At Home For?

    So, the question is, where do you stand?

    Is there a magical number after which it’s not OK for a dog to be left alone and, if so, what is it?

    Should dogs EVER be left alone for periods of longer than, say, two hours?

    Are we getting worked up over nothing? Is it OK to leave a dog alone for the length of a normal working day (above 6 hours).

    And finally, what tips, experience etc do you have in helping a dog cope with potential separation anxiety issues?

    We’d be interested in your thoughts, so feel free to add your views in the comments section.

    According to the University study, Dr John Bradshaw, a fellow at the Anthrozoology Institute at Bristol University, has revealed that dogs may be ‘traumatised’ by being left at home while their owners go out to work — shocking the countless dog owners who assumed they were fine to be left alone, and highlighting how little we really know about our pets.

  • Smoking With Dog In The Room – Is Passive Smoking Bad for Dogs?

    Smoking With Dog In The Room – Is Passive Smoking Bad for Dogs?

    Is passive smoking harmful for dogs? Can second hand smoke be dangerous to a dog’s health? Many dog owners wonder about the effects of smoking on their dog’s health and now a campaign urging smokers to stop lighting up around their pets – because the toxic fumes could kill or harm them – has been launched today by vet charity PDSA.

    Second-hand smoke has been long been linked to potentially fatal diseases in humans, including lung cancer and heart disease. However, the charity says the impact of passive smoking on pets is just as serious – and just as avoidable.

    https://i.imgur.com/LsWrx17.png

    Now, to coincide with National No Smoking Day (14 March 2018), PDSA is urging owners to quit for their pets’ sake.

    PDSA vet Olivia Anderson-Nathan said: “Many pet owners are unaware of the risks that smoking can have on their pets’ health. If they knew, I’m sure they would want to protect them.

    “Our vets and nurses regularly see the devastating impact smoking can have on pets. Problems range from issues like asthma and chronic coughing through to fatal conditions. Cancers such as lymphoma, for example, are twice as likely in cats exposed to cigarette smoke.

    Olivia added: “Recent studies highlight that this is a really serious issue, and we want pet owners to know that they can make a real difference by simply choosing to smoke outdoors away from their pets.

    “Thanks to funding from players of People’s Postcode Lottery we’ve launched a campaign to raise awareness of the issue. We want pet owners to realise that, if they smoke, their pets smoke too.”

    According to PDSA, different pets are affected in different ways by the effects of passive smoking. Dogs are prone to smoking-related breathing problems and there are links between smoke and difficult-to-treat nasal and sinus cancers in longer nosed dogs. In cats, their grooming habits mean that smoke lands on their fur and as they groom they lick off the cancer-causing chemicals, which can be a factor in the development of mouth cancers.

    Cigarette smoke can also be harmful to pet birds and small pets (such as rabbits and guinea pigs), as they have very sensitive respiratory systems.

    Scientists at the University of Glasgow have been researching the effects of passive smoking on pets for several years. This reveals that family pets are equally, if not more, at risk than humans from passive smoking.

    Clara Govier, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “We are pleased that players are helping to support this important campaign by PDSA to protect pets across the nation. Over £5.5 million has been raised to date for the charity by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.”

    PDSA vets have also warned pet owners who use electronic cigarettes to exercise caution. There is currently no evidence that the fumes from electronic cigarettes are harmful, but there is a real risk of poisoning if the cartridges are chewed or swallowed by curious pets.

    The Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) – a 24 hour telephone emergency service used by vets for animal poisoning cases – says it has seen an increase in cases of electronic cigarette poisoning over the past few years. According to its latest data, there were 113 reported cases in one year alone, with the true figure likely to be much higher.

    For more information about the dangers of passive smoking to pets and advice on how to keep them safe, visit www.pdsa.org.uk/nosmoking

    Dogs & Passive Smoking: A Case study

    Pet owner Jackie Fox, whose cat Alvin developed asthma, says his health has improved after she stopped smoking inside.

    Vets at PDSA’s Glasgow Shamrock Street Pet Hospital warned Jackie that her habit was making her one-year-old cat poorly and urged her to stop smoking around him.

    Following the advice, the 39-year-old immediately changed her habits and now plans to quit altogether.

    Jackie, from Glasgow, said: “I noticed that he was really wheezy when breathing so I took him to PDSA and they told me my smoking could be affecting him.

    “He’s my baby so I was horrified to think that my smoking could be harming his health. I used to smoke in the same room as him but now I go outside and it’s incredible that after just a few weeks he already seems a lot better. The plan is to quit smoking now for my own health as well as Alvin’s.”

    Jackie has owned Alvin and his brother Theo since they were eight-weeks-old.

    She added: “I’ve smoked for over 20 years but I’m determined to stop to help my pets. I would urge other pet owners who smoke to consider giving up or at least going outside to reduce the exposure to the cigarette fumes.”

  • Bulky Beagle Sheds The Pounds & Look At Him Now!

    Bulky Beagle Sheds The Pounds & Look At Him Now!

    A formerly heavy hound from Middlesbrough has been named biggest loser in the UK’s largest pet slimming competition after shedding an incredible 34% of his bodyweight in just six months.

    Alfie the Beagle once weighed-in at a whopping 4st 10lbs (30kg), – 67% over his ideal weight (2st 12lb/18kg). His health was at serious risk from his excess pounds, say PDSA vets. But after pounding the streets and cutting back on the excess food, he’s lost a third of his bodyweight and wowed the Pet Fit Club judges. He is now a much healthier 3st 1lb (19.7kg)

    Each year, PDSA helps the country’s fattest pets take on a strict six-month diet and exercise challenge, specially tailored and overseen by the charity’s vets and nurses.  Pet Fit Club helps our four-legged friends slim down, and raises awareness of the serious health and welfare implications of pet obesity.

    Since its launch in 2005 the Pet Fit Club competition has helped 79 dogs, 37 cats and 8 rabbits lose a total 71 stone – equivalent to a grand piano (or 16,000 doughnuts!)

    The winner: Alfie’s tail

    Owner, Emily Simcox (25), adopted Alfie, the bulging Beagle, five years ago. Alfie was already seriously overweight and found it difficult to get around.

    Emily has been trying to help Alfie slim down ever since but back in April, admitted she needed help from PDSA to shake off some bad habits.

    She said: “Taking part in PDSA’s Pet Fit Club is unquestionably the best thing I have ever done. Seeing the transformation in Alfie has been incredible. He’s a completely different dog and we’re over the moon.

    “Before, he was sluggish, tired and looked sad a lot of the time. He couldn’t even walk up the stairs; he’d struggle half way up and then had to stop for a rest before getting to the top. On walks, he would sluggishly walk towards a ball we’d thrown and often wouldn’t bother even trying to bring it back. But since being on the diet his tail hasn’t stopped wagging! He leaps and bounds, and is so full of energy.

    “Before Pet Fit Club, I would continually feed him treats as a way of showing how much I love him. Those eyes are so hard to resist. But we know now that we were drastically affecting his life by doing this and it was no good for him. It was heart-breaking to say no at first. I felt as though I was starving him. But with the help of the PDSA team, we managed to stick with it and learn to say no.”

    Alfie’s diet hasn’t been without its slip-ups, said Emily: “I was making a cheese sandwich and left it on the kitchen counter. I walked back in the room to find Alfie licking his lips, and the cheese sandwich gone!

    “I want other people to realise there’s help out there. You don’t need to be embarrassed about having an overweight pet. I hope others are inspired by Alfie’s story and take their pet to the vets for advice and support. Alfie is proof that change is possible – we’ll never look back!”

    Alfie’s weight-loss has been supervised by PDSA vet nurse Steph Williams, from Middlesbrough PDSA Pet Hospital. She said: “Alfie’s transformation over the last six months has been incredible. He is unrecognisable from the dog that waddled into our hospital for his first weigh-in six months ago. He’s much healthier and will be able to enjoy a much happier life.

    “His owners Emily and Neil have been very dedicated to adjust his lifestyle for the better. They have listened to all the advice and stuck to the diet religiously. It’s helped increase Alfie’s exercise levels and showed what can be done with determination!

    PDSA vet nurse Katy Orton, who helped to judge the competition, added: “It has been great to watch Alfie transform over the past six months. His success is testament to the hard work of his owners and our PDSA veterinary team at Middlesbrough Pet Hospital.

    “Pet obesity is a growing issue that affects millions of UK pets. Up to forty per cent of dogs and cats in the UK are estimated to be overweight or obese. Recognising a healthy body shape is an important first step, so we are encouraging pet owners who are concerned about their pet’s weight to speak to their vet or vet nurse as soon as possible. This expert advice can help owners make the necessary changes to ensure their four-legged friends lead a happier, healthier life.”

    PDSA Pet Fit Club – The Results

    NAME STARTING WEIGHT FINAL WEIGHT TOTAL WEIGHT LOST % WEIGHT LOSS Result
    Alfie

    Beagle

    Middlesbrough

    		 4st 10lbs (30kg) 3st 1lb

    (19.7kg)

    		 1st 9lb

    (10.3kg)

    		 34% Winner
    Lola

    Rabbit

    Derby

    		 1st 2lbs (7.4kg) 12lb

    (5.6kg)

    		 4lb

    (1.8kg)

    		 24%

     

    		 Highly Commended!

    Biggest rabbit weight-loss ever
    Pumpkin

    Cat

    Aberdeen

    		 1st 8lbs (10.2kg) 1st 5lb

    (8.74kg)

    		 3lb

    (1.46kg)

    		 14% Top cat
    Barnaby

    Cat

    Derby

    		 1st 4lbs (8.1kg) 1st 2lb

    (7.45kg)

    		 2lb

    (0.65)

    		 8% Runner-up
    Milo

    Cat

    Margate

     

     

    		 1st 12lbs (11.8kg) 1st 11lb

    (11.2kg)

    		 1lb

    (0.6)

    		 5% Runner-up
    TOTAL 10st 9lb

    (67.5kg)

    		   2st 5lb

    14.81kg

    		    

    Since its launch in 2005 Pet Fit Club has helped 79 dogs, 37 cats and 8 rabbits lose a total 71 stone – equivalent to a grand piano or 16,000 doughnuts!

  • The 10 Unhealthiest Dog Breeds (Really?)

    The 10 Unhealthiest Dog Breeds (Really?)

    According to a survey carried out by a pet insurance firm, these are the 10 breeds of dogs who cost their owners the most money in vet fees. This is data that, at first glance, presents itself as showing the ’10 least healthy dog breeds’.

    But not is all is necessarily as it seems.

    Let us not forget, there are lies, damn lies and pet insurance surveys! This is isolated data and there are many caveats to consider.

    What this could actually show is, the owners of these breeds of dogs are more likely to have pet insurance. Or the owners of these dogs are more prone to taking their dogs to the vets.

    Or, it could be, that these 10 breeds are indeed more liable to incurring higher veterinary expenses for their owners or these could be the breeds that are out there biting folks on a daily basis, although that does seem pretty, pretty unlikely. And a Poodle is not just a Poodle is it? There are different flavours of Poodle, we all know that 🙂 – so it’s fair to say this list is entirely subjective and no way exhaustive, but it may tempt you to investigate ways to lower your vet bill, that’s for sure.

    Unhealthiest Dog Breeds?

    Take it however which way you please but here are the 10 most unhealthy dog breeds according to a single pet insurer’s data:

    DOG BREEDS Lifespan per breed (Years) Cost of vet bills in the last year Cost of vet bills in a lifespan
    1 English Setter 11.2 £621 £6,955
    2 Great Dane 8.5 £780 £6,630
    3 Poodle 12 £544 £6,528
    4 Rottweiler 9.8 £532 £5,214
    5 Doberman Pinscher 9.8 £481 £4,714
    6 Pointer 13.5 £335 £4,523
    7 Greyhound 13.2 £314 £4,145
    8 Chihuahua 13 £310 £4,030
    9 Beagle 13.3 £302 £4,017
    10 Saint Bernard 8 £492 £3,936
  • Deadly Flesh Eating Disease Nicknamed ‘Canine Black Death’ Has Killed Again

    Deadly Flesh Eating Disease Nicknamed ‘Canine Black Death’ Has Killed Again

    Vets in Warwickshire have confirmed the death of a dog due to the deadly flesh eating disease known as Alabama Rot. The disease is most common in the months between November and February, claiming the lives of many UK dogs each year since it was identified.

    ‘Sadly we have had a confirmed case of CRGV/Alabama Rot in a dog at our practice. The dog has sadly died as a result of this illness.’, The Bilton Veterinary Centre in Rugby, Warwickshire confirmed.

    Alabama Rot, or Cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV) to give it its full name, has mysterious origins with vets still unsure what causes it.

    What is known is that it tends to be localised and more likely to be contracted when dogs are walked in muddy, woodland areas.

    Vet Robin Hargreaves said: “Dog owners in these regions will feel understandably anxious about the recent cases but it seems that only a very small proportion of the dogs walked in these areas each day have been affected. Owners should make sure they are aware of the signs and symptoms and contact their vet immediately if they have any concerns. We are keeping our members informed about the ongoing situation.”

    Further Reading on Alabama Rot

    [contentcards url=”https://www.totaldogmagazine.com/deadly-flesh-eating-disease-kills-dogs-heres-how-to-spot-the-symptoms/”] [contentcards url=”http://www.k9magazine.com/what-is-alabama-rot/”]
  • Can Crossbreed Dogs Get Diabetes?

    Can Crossbreed Dogs Get Diabetes?

    November is National Diabetes Month for humans, but due to diabetes becoming more prevalent in domestic dogs, Austin Veterinary Diagnostic Hospital considers this month a call to action for dog owners, as well.

    Diabetes mellitus is the most common form of diabetes in dogs, and it can be a difficult and deadly disease. Prevention is possible, and early detection and management are key.

    How will you know if your dog is at risk for diabetes? Genetics certainly play a role, with some breeds being more predisposed. These breeds include Poodles, Bichons, Miniature Pinschers, Schnauzers, Samoyeds, Australian Terriers, and Siamese cats.

    As online search analytics have revealed, there are a growing number of people who are confused as to whether diabetes can affect crossbreed dogs or whether the disease is exclusive to pedigrees.

    In reality, many mixed breed dogs are also afflicted with diabetes. Obesity is another important risk factor for developing diabetes, and almost all dogs diagnosed with diabetes present to their veterinarian as overweight.

    Symptoms of diabetes in your dog include a significant increase in the following:

    · Thirst
    · Urination
    · Apdogite

    dog owners may also notice the following changes:
    · Urinary accidents in the house
    · More puddles of urine in the litterbox
    · Needing to refill the water bowl more often

    Since there are other disease processes that can present these symptoms, your veterinarian will rely on a physical examination, bloodwork, and other tests to correctly diagnose.

    Most dogs are middle-aged when they acquire diabetes. Either their body stops producing enough insulin (the hormone that regulates blood sugar levels), or the insulin produced is not effective.

    Type 1 diabetes is most commonly seen in dogs, and requires lifelong insulin supplementation, usually in the form of twice daily injections under the skin.

    Cats more often have Type 2 diabetes, where insulin may still be made by the pancreas but is ineffective. Cats are also managed with daily insulin injections.

    Another key component of diabetes management is the dog’s diet. A diet low in carbohydrates that is specially formulated for diabetic dogs helps keep their blood sugar levels in an appropriate range throughout the day. When it is not well-managed, diabetes can cause health complications as this disease will make your dog more prone to certain infections and metabolic consequences.

    Diabetes can be a frustrating disease for dog owners and requires a great deal of commitment, but if it is well-managed both owners and dogs can still have good quality of life.

    Dr. Kneupper shares helpful tips for dog care in a monthly column featured in the Oak Hill Gazette. The community is invited to take a tour of the hospital to meet the friendly staff, including Dr. Sarah. Please call (512) 288-1040 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

  • What Can Dogs With Diabetes Eat?

    What Can Dogs With Diabetes Eat?

    If your dog has recently been diagnosed with diabetes, you will no doubt be processing the news and working out your next step because although diabetes can’t be cured, it can be managed very successfully.

    A dog’s diet and how their body reacts to it is one of the most common indicators they can give us about how they’re handling the condition, which is why weight loss or a sudden increase in appetite is considered one of the most common early signs of diabetes in dogs.

    Why diet is important to dogs with diabetes

    According to a recent article about the symptoms of diabetes on Dogmagazine.net:

    “Typically, once we eat, the body breaks down the nutrients of our food, converting some of the nutrients into glucose which becomes a source of energy for our body’s cells and organs. It then gets absorbed into our intestines and into the bloodstream before filtering through our body’s system.

    “Our body also produces insulin, which is released from the pancreas. Insulin takes hold of the glucose which our body has created from the bloodstream (alongside other nutrients) and uses them as fuel.”

    When insulin and glucose stop working as they should it means two things.

    1. A larger quantity of sugar is left in the body’s bloodstream instead of being taken to create insulin and this can damage other organs.

    2. The body’s cells are deprived of vital fuel for energy, normally aided by the body’s glucose supply. Instead, to try and replicate, the body starts breaking down its fats and proteins to create and use as an alternative fuel source.

    This is why a dog’s diet is so crucial and why many dog owners turn to specially created diabetic dog food because they know it has been created for dogs with the condition.

    The importance of mealtimes for dogs with diabetes

    Dogs with diabetes who need to be administered insulin by injection once or twice a day often need to have scheduled mealtimes and portion sizes too.

    For example, a dog’s first meal (which may be ¼ or ½ of their daily intake) will be given prior to their first injection.

    This is so owners can see their dog is feeling well and eating normally before insulin is given.

    If the dog is being given an insulin injection once a day, the balance of their meal will be given 6-8 hours later. Dogs who are prescribed two injections daily will often have the process repeated around 12 hours later.

    What can dogs with diabetes eat?

    Veterinary formulated diets are often low in carbohydrates to help regulate blood sugar levels and they are usually high in fibre to help dogs to slow down the digestion process and the rate at which food is absorbed.

    They will also be low-GI (low-glycemic) recipes, so they help dogs to process sugars more easily.

    Dogs with diabetes don’t need to cut out treats altogether, but because diet is crucial to their condition, your choice of treats may alter. (Find out more about the definition of prescription dog food for conditions such as diabetes in this dog food glossary article).

    There are some diabetic dog treats on the market to choose from, but as long as you read the pet food label you can choose from some of the healthier treats on the market.

    Look for treats which include whole grains, such as oats, avoid corn, soy and treats with sugar listed in their ingredients.

    Some dog owners swear by high fibre sources, like vegetables and fruits, which will help to stabilise a dog’s blood sugar levels.

    Favourites include broccoli, green beans, cabbage and cucumbers, and to a lesser extent, fruit, such as pears and apples. They can even be frozen to give your dog a crunchier experience!

  • Symptoms of Diabetes in Dogs

    Symptoms of Diabetes in Dogs

    Did you know that more dogs than ever are being diagnosed with diabetes? In fact, one insurer has reported that there has been a 900% rise in dogs being diagnosed with the condition since 2011.

    Some vets suggest that diabetes may be more common in overweight or female dogs who risk developing after the age of 6, while others say a dog’s breed may leave them predisposed.

    Australian Terriers, Schnauzers, Poodles, Samoyeds and Golden Retrievers, for example, are sometimes highlighted as at-risk breeds.

    Diabetes can be more common in older dogs and because of this, often owners mistake their older dog suddenly breaking house rules and toileting inside as being age related, when in fact it can be one of the most common symptoms of diabetes in dogs.

    Some of the most common early symptoms of diabetes in dogs include:

    – Sudden excessive thirst

    Dogs suffering from diabetes can be prone to becoming dehydrated, particularly in hot weather.

    If you have a dog that suddenly develops a higher than normal thirst level or more frequent need to urinate, it’s important to speak with your vet and keep a close eye on your dog for other signs of diabetes.

    – Increase in panting and wanting to go outside to urinate

    The latter can be linked to drinking more water than normal as a result of feeling dehydrated, but even the colour of a dog’s urine can be a tell-tale sign as a symptom of diabetes mellitus (also known as sugar diabetes) and canine diabetes insipidus.

    So if your dog suddenly needs to go to the toilet more than normal, inside or out, and you feel something isn’t right about the colour of your dog’s urine, then you should speak with your vet.

    – Sudden weight loss or increased appetite

    Weight loss or an increase in a dog’s appetite are often linked to diabetes because the dog’s body is processing and converting food differently.

    Diabetes mellitus is the type of diabetes seen most often in dogs and it is essentially a metabolism disorder which alters how the body processes food for energy.

    Typically, once we eat, the body breaks down the nutrients of our food, converting some of the nutrients into glucose which becomes a source of energy for our body’s cells and organs. It then gets absorbed into our intestines and into the bloodstream before filtering through our body’s system.

    Our body also produces insulin, which is released from the pancreas. Insulin takes hold of the glucose which our body has created from the bloodstream (alongside other nutrients) and uses as fuel.

    With diabetes, whether in humans or dogs, diabetes happens when the relationship between glucose and insulin stops working as it should.

    This is why when a dog is diagnosed with Type 1 or 2 diabetes, they will often have to change diets to a specialist diabetic dog food which has been created specifically for dogs with the condition.

    Individually, these three common diabetes pointers can be harmless symptoms of nothing more than ageing – but if they are early pre-cursors to diabetes, spotting it early could very well save your dog’s life.

  • What Do You Know About Raised Dog Bowls?

    When you own a dog of a particular size you need to get acquainted with the subject of raised dog bowls – particularly if your dog is preparing to enter their senior years because it could save them a lot of discomfort in their later years.

    Why?

    1. Raised dog bowls help to elevate your dog’s eating position, meaning they have less of a distance to stoop to eat and less pressure is put on them (specifically their neck) as they bend to eat. The less strain that’s put on them in their younger years, the less pain they will potentially suffer if arthritis sets in. It’s a small step to take to try to ease your dog’s discomfort as they age.
    2. Elevated or raised dog bowls come in different styles, shapes and sizes. Some are wall mounted, some are stainless steel and easy to wash, others are plastic or you just buy the dog bowl stand and match with your own bowls. Some come in different designs and colours, meaning you can tone to match or compliment your decor.
    3. Although we’ve touched on the benefit of the raised dog bowl for medium to larger dog breeds, in fact the same benefits apply to all dog breeds. The less distance any dog has to stoop to eat and the easier you make it for them to eat closer to their natural height, the better.

    It’s all about creating a happy, healthy future for your dog. That’s why we decided to look into the concept of these bowls – let us know if you have and how you got on!

     

  • If Your Dog Is Prescribed Drugs, It’s OK To Ask These Questions

    If Your Dog Is Prescribed Drugs, It’s OK To Ask These Questions

    We take our dog to the vet. There is something wrong. We come home. We have a box of pills, we give them as instructed. How many of us actually question just what it is, exactly, that we’re putting in to our dog’s system? Vets are a busy bunch. They’re smart and you should definitely listen to what they have to say. But it’s also totally fine to ask them what it is they’re advising us to give to our dogs.

    “Just as you would talk to your doctor about a medicine prescribed for you or your children, you should talk to your veterinarian about your pet’s medications,” says Bernadette Dunham, D.V.M., Ph.D.

    Here are 10 questions you should ask your vet when medication is prescribed.

    1. Why has my pet been prescribed this medication and how long do I need to give it?

    Your veterinarian can tell you what the medication is expected to do for your pet and how many days to give it.
    2. How do I give the medication to my pet? Should it be given with food?

    Your pet may have fewer side effects, like an upset stomach, from some drugs if they are taken with food. Other medications are best to give on an empty stomach.
    3. How often should the medication be given and how much should I give each time? If it is a liquid, should I shake it first?

    Giving the right dose at the right time of the day will help your pet get better more quickly.
    4. How do I store the medication?

    Some medications should be stored in a cool, dry place. Others may require refrigeration.

    5. What should I do if my pet vomits or spits out the medication?

    Your veterinarian may want to hear from you if your pet vomits. You may be told to stop giving the drug or to switch your pet to another drug.

    6. If I forget to give the medication, should I give it as soon as I remember or wait until the next scheduled dose? What if I accidentally give too much?

    Giving your pet too much of certain medications can cause serious side effects. You’ll want to know if giving too much is a cause for concern and a trip to the animal emergency room.

    7. Should I finish giving all of the medication, even if my pet seems to be back to normal?

    Some medications, such as antibiotics, should be given for a certain length of time, even if your pet is feeling better.

    8. Could this medication interact with other medications my pet is taking?

    Always tell your veterinarian what other medications your pet is taking, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, and herbs or other dietary supplements. You may want to write these down and take the list with you to the vet’s office.

    9. What reactions should I watch for, and what should I do if I see any side effects?

    Your veterinarian can tell you if a reaction is normal or if it signals a serious problem. You may be asked to call your vet immediately if certain side effects occur.