The Real Truth about Probiotics for Dogs

Just like humans, the majority of a dog’s immune system resides in his gut. The gut is the largest immune organ in the body and contains approximately 70% of all immune cells. So keeping your dog’s digestive system running optimally is essential to making sure that he stays healthy, active, and lives a full and healthy life.
One way to potentially improve your dog’s digestive health is to offer him a daily probiotic supplement. There have been extensive studies on the benefits of probiotics in humans, however, veterinary research is just starting to really dive into how supplementing your pup with a variety of good bacteria can aid in keeping him healthy.



What are Probiotics for Dogs?


The World Health Organization (WHO) defines probiotics as “live microorganisms, which when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.” According to American Kennel Club (AKC) veterinary expert, Jerry Klein, DVM, probiotics (bacteria or yeast) can potentially provide an array of health benefits to dogs.

 “They are believed to help treat and/or prevent a variety of illnesses and diseases, especially those related to the gastrointestinal system,” he explains. They inhibit the growth and activity of harmful bacteria, such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Clostridium perfringens, as well as provide other advantages to the intestines.


Brennen McKenzie, VMD, who practices at Adobe Animal Hospital in Los Altos, California, has studied the use of probiotics in canines extensively and believes that there are definitely some benefits to dogs taking them. “In theory, if probiotics can pass through the stomach and colonize the intestines, they can have a variety of desired effects, such as preventing or treating diarrhea or improving other intestinal conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease,” he states.


Benefits of Probiotics for Dogs


In a peer-reviewed journal, Marcella D. Ridgway, VMD, MS, DACVIM notes that there is growing evidence that supports the use of probiotics for dogs. She states that giving your dog healthy bacteria may positively impact chronic GI abnormalities, obesity, liver disease, and mood and behavior disorders. A daily probiotic supplement may also provide some ancillary benefits for dogs such as better skin and coat appearance, a reduction in gas, improved breath, a reduction of allergy symptoms, a reduction in yeast-associated disorders, and help in regulating bowel function.


Types of Probiotics for Dogs


Probiotics for dogs come in a variety of shapes and sizes. “Some are marketed just for dogs, some for a range of animals, and some for humans (that are subsequently used in dogs),” says J. Scott Weese, DVM at the Department of Pathobiology at the Ontario Veterinary College. “These can come as pills, powders, pastes, or solutions.”
Each probiotic supplement contains one or more types of bacteria and/or yeast that can carry out a variety of different functions. For instance, certain strains, such as Bifidobacterium, are known to be helpful in slowing down the duration of diarrhea in dogs and for their overall immune boosting properties. Other types, like Lactobacillus, have shown benefits in helping dogs to increase the absorption of nutrients and to optimize their digestive systems.



What to Look for in a Dog Probiotic


“There is no one probiotic supplement that is best for every dog and every health condition,” says Dr. Jennifer Coates, Veterinary Advisor for petMD.  Most veterinarians carry a number of different products from trusted manufacturers and will try several before concluding that probiotics aren’t going to be helpful in a particular case. Dr. Coates reports that the following probiotic strains have some scientific evidence to support their safety and efficacy in dogs:


- Enterococcus faecium
- Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Lactobacillus casei
- Lactobacillus plantarum
- Bifidobacterium bifidum
- Bifidobacterium animalis
- VSL #3


Can I Give My #Dog Probiotics Meant for Humans?


While there are no known studies that prove that human probiotic supplements can harm a dog, veterinarians that study the subject recommend that pet owners opt for a probiotic that is specially made for dogs and contains the specific strains that a dog’s gut needs. “There are significant differences in the biology of dogs and humans, including differences in the acidity of stomach fluids, digestive enzymes, and other features of the gastrointestinal tract,” says McKenzie. “Because probiotics for humans have not been designed or tested to accommodate the biology of dogs, it is impossible to know if these will be safe or effective in our canine companions. It is safer to use products designed and tested for dogs.”


How to Give a Dog a #Probiotic


Canine probiotic supplements are administered orally and can be included in a dog’s food or wrapped in a treat. When administering a probiotic to a dog, it’s very important that you follow the instructions on the product label. “Each product has its own instructions which should be followed consistently,” says McKenzie. “Improperly formulated or administered probiotics can easily be destroyed in the stomach and not reach the intestines where they are intended to perform their function.”


Risks and Considerations of Probiotics for Dogs


There are not many known side effects to administering probiotics to your dog. “Probiotics are generally regarded as safe, but rare things can happen,” says Weese. “The risks to the average dog are exceptionally low and probably are only potentially relevant in very young puppies and maybe animals with highly compromised immune systems.” He stresses, however, that there are notable problems with the formulation of commercial probiotics for pets. “A few studies have shown that most commercial veterinary probiotics do not contain what they claim to contain—both the species that are present and the numbers of viable organisms,” he explains. For this reason, it is important to do your research and talk to your veterinarian to make sure that you are giving your dog a probiotic supplement from a trusted and reputable brand.

As always, talk to your veterinarian before deciding to give your dog any sort of supplement or treatment intended to help resolve health problems. “This is particularly true for probiotics, as specific manufacturing standards and appropriate dosage levels have not been established,” warns Klein. “Your veterinarian will have the best perspective on whether or not your dog may benefit from probiotics, what the best brand may be for your dog, and the appropriate dosage.”

Why Is My Dog's Fur Changing Color & Thinning?

A sleek and shiny coat is one sign of a healthy dog. Changes in your dog's coat, either in color or in thickness, can signal that something is not quite right. Many things can cause these changes, from normal aging to more serious conditions that require attention. Paying attention to your dog's coat over time can help you gauge the quality of his health and be attentive to his needs.





Aging

Much like people, dogs tend to lose pigmentation in their fur as they get older. Generally, white or graying fur on an elderly or middle-aged dog is most noticeable around the muzzle, although white or gray hairs can spring up throughout the dog's entire coat. Thinning fur is also common among aging dogs. These are usually accompanied by other signs of aging, such as a gradual loss of hearing or vision, or the dog having difficulty moving as well as it used to. If your dog is advanced in years but otherwise healthy, then graying or thinning hair is most likely nothing to worry about.



Medical Conditions


There are a number of medical conditions that can cause hair loss or changes in pigmentation in dogs. These range from skin conditions, such as mange or flea dermatitis, to hormonal deficiencies such as hypothyroidism or Cushing's disease, to more serious illnesses such as cancer. If fur loss or discoloration seems more extreme than simple aging, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as a rash, unexplained lumps on the body, or changes in appetite or stool consistency, or anything else about your dog that strikes you as not quite right, you should have him checked out by a veterinarian as soon as possible.


Stress


Dogs are very sensitive creatures who don't react well to stress. Too much stress can cause dogs to suddenly lose their fur. After removing the source of the stress from the dog's environment, or removing the dog from the stressful situation, its fur will most likely grow back in time.


Poor Nutrition

Pattern baldness in a dog, focused mainly around the ears, can be a sign of malnutrition. If you notice this type of hair loss, check your dog's diet to make sure he is getting the right balance of nutrients in the correct amounts for his size and weight. You may need to consider adding a nutritional supplement to his diet.

Senior Dogs

Senior dogs have different care requirements than those of a younger dog. This fact probably doesn’t come as a surprise to anyone. But how do you know when your dog is considered to be a senior?
It really depends on the individual dog. In general, giant breed dogs age faster than smaller breed dogs. A Great Dane is considered to be senior by roughly 5-6 years old whereas a Chihuahua would likely only be middle-aged then, and probably not considered a senior until 10-11 years. Large breed dogs fall somewhere in between. A Golden Retriever might be considered senior by 8-10 years of age. Genetics, nutrition, environment; all of these play a role in how fast your dog ages.

What are some of the things to expect as your dog ages? Your dog may develop arthritis or other degenerative diseases that cause him to slow down. He may not be able to walk as far or play as long. He may tire more easily. He may have difficulty getting up or finding a comfortable position to sleep in. He may become reluctant to go up and down stairs or have difficulty getting into and out of the car.


Without proper care, dental disease can pose a problem, particularly for older pets. You may be surprised to learn that veterinarians find evidence of dental disease in many pets as early as 2-3 years of age. If nothing is done to care for your dog’s mouth, by the time your dog is a senior, he may even have lost some teeth. Dental disease can be painful, causing your dog to avoid or have difficulty eating his meals. This may result in weight loss and an unkempt hair coat.
Dental disease is certainly not the only disease that can lead to weight loss. Senior dogs frequently suffer from kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease and other conditions that may result in weight loss.
On the other hand, some senior dogs may have the opposite problem. Some dogs will become less active with age, essentially becoming couch potatoes, and will gain weight as a result. Obesity in a major health issue in dogs of all ages and senior dogs are no different.

What can you do to help your senior dog? Here are some tips:

Schedule regular visits with your veterinarian. Your dog needs to be examined at least yearly if it appears healthy, as many diseases are hidden and not apparent. Remember it is much cheaper to prevent disease than it is to treat it!

Ask for a body condition evaluation during each vet visit. Body condition is crucial to determining whether your senior dog is overweight, underweight, or at an ideal body weight. In fact, you should also ask your veterinarian to show you how to evaluate your dog's body condition at home.

Feed your older dog a high quality diet. Also, learn to read the dog food label and choose a diet that is appropriate for your dog’s age and lifestyle.

Use food to keep your senior dog at his ideal body weight. Overweight dogs have a higher incidence of diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, skin disease, even cancer. Your veterinarian can help you choose an appropriate diet for your dog, especially since overweight dogs must be fed carefully to ensure that all nutrient needs are met while still allowing for weight loss. For instance, specialized diets that are lower in calories as well as those that are high L-carnitine are available for obese or overweight dogs. A diet with a carefully chosen carbohydrate or carbohydrate blend can also help keep your overweight dog feeling satiated.

Consider fortifying your senior dog’s diet with fatty acids such as DHA and EPA. They have been shown to be useful for dogs with mobility issues due to arthritis or other joint diseases. Supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin are also beneficial for senior dogs.

Consider a special diet if your older dog has heart or kidney disease. For example, diets lower in sodium are sometimes advocated for dogs with heart disease, while diets which help control phosphorus, calcium and other electrolyte levels are given to dogs with kidney disease. Your veterinarian can help you choose the best food for your dog based on your dog’s individual situation.

Take care of your dog’s mouth. Brushing your dog’s teeth may seem like a silly idea but it can help keep your dog’s mouth healthy. If you cannot brush, consider dental treats and toys that help keep the teeth clean.
Exercise your senior dog. It can help keep your older dog lean and maintain healthy joints and muscles. However, tailor your dog’s exercise needs to his individual requirements. For a large breed dog, walking around the block is probably just getting started but for a tiny Chihuahua, a brisk walk around the block may be a long trek. If your senior is not used to exercise, start slow and gradually increase the intensity — and only after you’ve consulted a veterinarian. Also, be careful with short-nosed (brachycephalic) dogs on hot days.

Provide plenty of toys to keep your senior dog occupied. Food puzzles, for example, are not only useful for entertainment but for weight loss purposes as well.

Provide your older dog with special accommodations too. For instance, dogs with arthritis might benefit from soft bedding in the form of a special dog bed or towels/blankets on which to sleep. Ramps can be used to make stairs easier to navigate if they cannot be avoided. Even providing carpeting or rugs over hard-surface flooring can help your arthritic dog gain his footing and make it easier for him to get around.

What are Probiotics

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for you, especially your digestive system. We usually think of these as germs that cause diseases. But your body is full of bacteria, both good and bad. Probiotics are often called "good" or "helpful" bacteria because they help keep your gut healthy.

Types of Probiotics

Many types of bacteria are classified as probiotics. They all have different benefits, but most come from two groups. Ask your doctor about which might best help you.

Lactobacillus. This may be the most common probiotic. It's the one you'll find in yogurt and other fermented foods. Different strains can help with diarrhea and may help people who can't digest lactose, the sugar in milk.

Bifidobacterium. You can find it in some dairy products. It may help ease the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and some other conditions.

Saccharomyces boulardii is a yeast found in probiotics. It appears to help fight diarrhea and other digestive problems.

What Do They Do?

Among other things, probiotics help send food through your gut by affecting nerves that control gut movement. Researchers are still trying to figure out which are best for certain health problems. Some common conditions they treat are:


Irritable bowel syndrome
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Infectious diarrhea (caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites)
Diarrhea caused by antibiotics

There is also some research that shows they're useful for problems in other parts of your body. For example, some people say they have helped with:


Skin conditions, like eczema
Urinary and vaginal health
Preventing allergies and colds
Oral health

What is a cat muzzle?

What is a cat muzzle?

A cat muzzle is a device that goes around a cat's face used to prevent them from biting. It is primarily used in veterinary hospitals to prevent cats from biting when they are in pain or when they acting aggressive.



For people at home, muzzling a cat can be a very difficult thing to do. Cats typically do not like things on their face and will try to paw it off as soon as the muzzle was placed on. There are commercially available muzzles that prevent the cat from biting. The best type of muzzle is one that covers the eyes as well as the mouth. This can sometimes calm the cat if he/she cannot see. Muzzles are only for temporary use and you must watch your cat closely and be ready to remove the muzzle immediately if the cat starts to vomit or has difficulty breathing.



Muzzle can be a part of a first aid kit for cats or something to carry in your trunk along with a towel and a cat carrier. A muzzle can come in very handy if you happen upon an injured cat that is in pain in order to take him for help.


If you are looking to buy a muzzle for your cat, buy the type that covers eyes as this can be soothing. The style that is nylon, machine washable, with an adjustable Velcro closure seems to work very well. It should also have a good hole by the snout area that allows your cat to breath. After you place the muzzle on your cat, make sure the nostrils can be seen, and thus your cat can breathe, with the muzzle on.

How to Reduce Pet Allergens at Home

Pets can be your best friends, but if you have allergies or asthma, they can also be your worst enemy. Pets shed dander, a combination of dead skin cells and hair (or feathers), which can trigger asthma attacks and allergic reactions in some people. However, you can cut down on pet allergens at home.

Cute but hazardous

Pets shed dander, a combination of dead skin cells and hair (or feathers), which can trigger asthma attacks and allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to the allergens. (Cold-blooded pets such as snakes and turtles do not produce dander.)
Some guidelines recommend that people with allergies or asthma avoid keeping pets—especially cats. If a doctor says that you—or your child's—allergies or asthma is aggravated by dander, you may ultimately need to find a new home for your pet. However, there are several ways you can cut down on pet allergens at home.

Minimize contact

You can reduce dander in your home by keeping your pet outdoors as much as possible. At the very least, you should bar pets from bedrooms where people with allergies or asthma sleep.

Children with allergies should also avoid petting or touching animals. If they do come into contact with a pet, they should wash their hands thoroughly.
Restricting pets to rooms with wood floors may also help. Wood flooring traps less dander than carpet and is easier to clean; keeping pets off carpet may help cut down on allergens.

Keep Fluffy off the couch

Keeping pets off carpets, upholstered furniture, and beds can reduce exposure to dander. (Using allergen-resistant bedding will help fend off any dander that does find its way into bedrooms.) Keeping pets out of cars—or restricting them to a tailgate area, if possible—is also a good idea.
In addition, any furniture, fabrics, or materials that pets do come into contact with should be vacuumed or washed frequently. This includes throw rugs, pet beds, cushions, pillows, and blankets.

Clean, clean, clean

Dusting as often as possible will keep dander (as well as dust mites and other allergens) to a minimum. Vacuuming, however, may not get all the allergens from the lower levels of a rug and may stir up a bit of dander as you clean. It may help to use vacuums equipped with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter or double bags. However, it's still a good idea to dust or vacuum when the person with allergies or asthma is not at home.
Replacing wall-to-wall carpets with wood floors will make it easier to remove dander.
A 1999 study in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology compared the levels of allergens in dog dander before and after a five-minute bath with an unnamed “proprietary shampoo” (which could describe an allergen-reducing shampoo). The researchers found that the bath reduced the dogs’ allergen levels by about 85% .

Close registers

If you have forced-air heating and air conditioning, closing air registers may reduce the amount of animal dander that circulates through your home. If closing all of the registers isn’t practical, try closing those in the rooms where asthmatic or allergic individuals spend the most time (especially bedrooms).
Replacing the filter in your furnace or air conditioner with a HEPA filter and/or purchasing a room air cleaner may also help. Studies on the effectiveness of these methods have been inconclusive, however. Research shows that frequently bathing your pet reduces the allergens found in their dander.

Clean cages

Though hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, birds, and other pets typically confined to cages tend to be less problematic for allergy and asthma sufferers, dander and urine produced by these pets can still provoke allergic reactions and asthma attacks.

Birdcages and rodent cages should be cleaned at least once a week and, if possible, the cages should be moved outside to a garage or shed. Likewise, litter boxes should be cleaned frequently and moved out of living areas.

Coprophagia Dogs Eating Feces Part 1

Does your dog have a dirty little secret?

A number of readers have contacted us about dogs who munch their own or other animals' feces. Here is background on the condition known as coprophagia, and what you can do to discourage doggie-do-eaters from this somewhat common, natural behavior that strikes humans as a disgusting gustatory pastime.

Background and principles:

* Coprophagia is a condition that compels dogs to consume feces.

* Why does the dog engage in this habit? A dog may ingest fecal matter for various reasons:

He may be hungry and has no access to real food.

You may be feeding a food lacking in sufficient nutrients and/or not appropriate for your particular dog.

When a dog is fed low-quality and/or inappropriate dog food, he feels compelled to eat more of it in an attempt to satisfy his body's craving for nutrients. As a result, the dog is ingesting excess food, and a large proportion of the food goes through his digestive system undigested. The resulting stools smell and look fairly close to the food that the dog previously consumed, so the dog tries to consume the 'food' again. This is not just a vulgar habit; it is a cry for health. The dog needs a better diet that will enable him to absorb the nutrients his body needs.

When dogs consume feces from other animals, they may be seeking minerals lacking in their regular dog food.

The dog may be consuming feces out of boredom, loneliness, anxiety or stress.

A dog who is confined to a kennel, chained, or restricted to a small yard or other space may eat his feces to occupy himself or clean his personal space. This dog needs to be exercised and played with several times a day.

Some breeds instinctively like to carry things in their mouths. Picking up feces and carrying it around may signal that the dog needs more daily exercise, mental stimulation and interaction with his people. 

A yard or kennel where stools are allowed to pile up may prompt a dog to 'clean up' his stools. Be sure to clean the dog's area every day, and preferably right after the dog eliminates.

The emotional stress of being left alone or restricted to a small area for long periods of time without the companionship of the caregiver can result, for some dogs, in the eating of his own feces.

Internal parasites may lead a dog to consume feces, because the parasites can leach nutrients from the host animal's system. Thus, the dog will feel unusually hungry.

If a dog is punished for defecating in the house, she may eat her feces in order to hide the evidence and avoid punishment. Typically, when a dog defecates indoors, it is because she feels unable to hold it. It is a myth that dogs poop indoors for spite; spite is a human, not a canine, emotion. More responsive management and training by the owner is the solution, not punishment. Also realize that elimination in the house can be a sign of a health or medical problem, from parasites to a serious condition.

* Sometimes a mother dog will eat the feces of her pups out of a natural instinct to hide evidence of her offspring from predators.

* It is common for many puppies to taste and try to eat feces. Some researchers even suggest that some components of feces actually can stimulate the brain and immune function in young animals. However, that possible benefit is far outweighed by the health risks of ingesting excrement. Prevention is the wisest practice. Don't let the pups indulge, and they won't develop a taste for excrement ... and won't develop this habit.

* Prevention is better than treatment in mature dogs as well, since coprophagia is usually self-rewarding, meaning that the act of ingesting the feces is satisfying to the dog so he is likely to repeat the undesired behavior.

Solutions:

* Change the dog's diet. Buy or prepare only nutritious, quality food that is formulated for the dog's age, breed and any medical issues.

* For the dog who may be hungry, try feeding him a little more, and make sure you feed a quality, nutritious food that is appropriate for the age and type of canine.

* Take the dog to your veterinarian for an examination for underlying medical and health problems, parasites and other problems that may be compelling him to eat feces.

* Clean up after your pet, right after he goes - before he has a chance to eat his poop. Stopping access is one key to stopping this habit.

* Walk the dog on leash so that you are in a better position to tell the dog 'leave it' and to physically keep the dog from trying to sniff and eat stools. Always praise your dog for listening. You can also reinforce the verbal praise with tidbits carried in a pouch.

* As soon as the dog starts approaching excrement, tell her 'nah-ah-ahhh' or 'leave it!', and distract her with praise supported with a treat, clicker click, playtime or other action or activity that is appealing to the dog. This will convey the idea that it is more rewarding to attend to you than to attend to poop. As soon as she turns her attention to her, praise her ('Good dog!') and reward her. A wise practice is to always carry appealing tidbit treats, a favorite toy, clicker - something you can always use to effectively gain your dog's attention and reinforce desired behaviors. Once you get her attention, give her something positive to do. For example, tell her to 'Sit', reward her for listening, then proceed to an enjoyable activity such as playing or walking together. Distract her from undesired things like feces, and substitute a good, desired behavior such as sitting and attending to you. A dog who is interacting with her owner can't be investigating poop at the same time.

* If the dog is defecating in the house, the dog needs to be fed and walked on a schedule that allows her to eliminate before the owner leaves her alone for the day and before bedtime. The dog also may need housetraining help. Teach the dog instead of punishing her; this is the sensible and effective approach. Also, visit the vet to see if a medical condition is the underlying cause of the dog eliminating indoors.

* If a pup or dog is pooping in his crate, make sure he gets more exercise and has the chance to eliminate before placing him in his crate. Also, read about crate training. Dogs naturally do not like to poop or urinate in their living quarters, so a dog who potties in the crate needs you to help crate-train him properly ... and perhaps a trip to the vet to rule out medical problems that may underlie an inability to 'hold it' for a few hours. However, also realize that pups can't physically hold their elimination for more than one to three hours, and that it is not healthy or kind to crate adult dogs for more than 5 to 6 hours a day. Take the time to properly train your dog so that he can be left alone in the house, in a pet-safe area instead of confined in a crate.

* There are products that you can apply to the stools that will discourage your dog from consuming them. Some are available from pet supply stores and others from veterinarians. These include Forbid.

* Some alternatives to drugs that work for some:

Add two to four tablespoons of canned pumpkin to the food bowl each day. Pumpkin apparently tastes good in food, but repugnant when expelled in excrement.

Add a spoon (teaspoon or tablespoon depending on the dog's size) of canned pineapple, pineapple juice or spinach to the dog's food.

Coat stools, following elimination, with hot sauce or lemon juice. Or booby trap sample stools by penetrating some left in the yard with hot sauce.

* Block the dog's access to any kitty litter boxes to keep him from developing a taste for kitty tootsie rolls ... or to help break a habit that has already formed. Keep the litter box in a room that the cat, but not the dog, can access. Or place a lid over the box that only the cat can access. Or place a baby gate around the box that has openings too small for the dog.

* Coprophagia can be a hard habit to break since it is self-reinforcing, but do not be discouraged. Follow these tips and give them a chance to work.

* In summary, the steps to stopping poop-eating are: feed a complete, nutrient-packed and balanced diet; provide lots of exercise, playtime and interaction; keep living spaces, crates, kennels and yard clean; avoid confining the dog for long periods of time; and take him to your veterinarian for a health checkup.

Reasons:

Malnourishment

Malnourished dogs who lack nutrients in their diet or are unable to digest the nutrients in their food may resort to eating partially digested food in poop in order to meet their nutritional needs. Consult your vet about the best diet for your dog, and also to rule out any existing medical problem associated with coprophagia, the scientific name for the act of dogs eating their own or other animals’ feces.

Breaking the habit

After addressing dietetic needs, and ruling our medical conditions, you'll have to break the habit. There are two approaches to stopping the behavior. The most common approach is to use either Adolph's meat tenderizer or a product called "For-bid". These products are supposed to give the stool a bitter flavor when eaten. In my experience, these products are only successful some of the time. Another approach that may work better is to find the stool in the yard and cover it with a hot sauce, such as Habanero sauce, that will be uncomfortable to eat but cause no real damage. After a bite or two, most dogs will decide it isn't worth it.

What Are Fleas?

Adult fleas are reddish-brown insects with bodies that are compressed, or flattened, from side to side. While visible to the naked eye, they are so small you could line up about eight adult fleas, end-to-end, in one inch. Because fleas are so small, they can be difficult to detect, much less eliminate from your home.
Fleas are wingless, but possess incredible jumping ability. This enables them to jump easily from ground level to “ambush” a pet.Fleas feed on blood, and female fleas consume about 15 times their body weight each day1. Incompletely digested blood is excreted from the flea and dries to form what is commonly referred to as “flea dirt.” This serves as food for developing flea larvae and is one way veterinarians and pet owners can identify an infestation.

Why worry about fleas?

Fleas can pose a serious problem for your dog’s health.
Not only can fleas make your dog miserable, but depending on his age and overall physical condition,

- Fleas can pose a serious threat to his health.Fleas can cause severe discomfort for dogs, including scratching, chewing, biting and restlessness.

- Fleas are the source of flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), the most common veterinary dermatological condition.

- Severe flea infestations can cause anemia, especially in puppies or debilitated adult dogs.

- Ingested fleas also can transmit tapeworm infection to dogs.

Your dog isn't the only household resident that can suffer from flea bites. Flea infestations in homes and areas around a home often result in humans being bitten by newly-emerging fleas. You, too, are at risk for health issues, some of which can be serious.

Allergic reaction: Usually in the form of small, raised lesions, called papules, that can be red to purple in color. Severity will vary, depending on the severity of the allergy to the flea bite.

Tapeworm: Tapeworm (Dipylidium caninum) is generally spread through infected fleas found on both cats and dogs. Ingestion of infected fleas by children can result in tapeworm infection.

Typhus: A group of infectious diseases usually resulting in a sustained high fever (typhus fever), headache, delirium and sometimes red rashes. Two kinds are most commonly contracted from flea bites:

Flea Typhus. A type of typhus caused by Rickettsia felis, a bacteria first identified in cat fleas.
Murine typhus. Another bacterial form of typhus transmitted most commonly by rodent fleas but also by fleas found on dogs.

Plague: Rodent fleas that can be acquired by dogs and cats in some areas might be vectors for (carriers of) bubonic plague, Yersinia pestis. These fleas might leave the host to bite humans.


Dr. Phil Orwell (Animalix Writer)

The Veterinary

The Veterinary

Veterinary medicine is one of many areas of knowledge linked to the maintenance and restoration of health. She works in a broad sense, to the prevention and cure of diseases of animals and humans in a medical context. Being the professional business area of ​​animal / public health formed a Faculty of Veterinary Medicine or an educational establishment Highly Qualified.

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Veterinary medicine is the medical science that is dedicated to the prevention, control, eradication and treatment of disease, trauma or any other damage to health of animals, beyond the control of the health of products and by-products of animal origin for human consumption. It also seeks to ensure the quality, quantity and safety of stocks of animal food through animal health control and processes to get their products.The veterinarian also popularly called Doctor, is the professional authorized by the state to practice Veterinary Medicine, taking care of animal health by preventing, diagnosing and curing the disease, which requires detailed knowledge of academic subjects (such as anatomy and physiology ) behind the disease and treatment - the science of medicine - and competence in its applied practice - the art of medicine.

Both the doctor's role and the meaning of the word vary significantly around the world, but as a general understanding, medical ethics requires that physicians show consideration, compassion and benevolence towards their animal patients. Veterinarians can be general, that is not specialized in any particular area or specialists when specializing in some area.
With understanding the science of the origin and spread of various diseases, and as vectors domestic or wild animals, and to ensure the very physical safety of animals, veterinary medicine has become an important adjunct in public health policies of countries. Spread of epidemic disease, human or animal, is the installation of veterinary barriers that prevent their spread an effective means of control. (Common Things That Make Veterinarians Crazy)

Allied to this, one of the fields of Veterinary Medicine which is in great rise is the Animal Health Protection, whose objectives are precisely to prevent the occurrence of exotic diseases which may have serious impacts on public health or economic animals, and control or eradicate endemic diseases.
Currently, they are recognized over a hundred zoonoses and numerous other infectious animal diseases that bring serious economic consequences. To combat them, the veterinarian sanitarian exerts Epidemiological Surveillance active, acting directly in the field and controlling the movement of animals, performing the inspection of animal products - such as meat products, milk, eggs, fish and honey looking for signs of diseases that can be transmitted to humans or that might indicate the health status of the herds.

Is your Dog Battling with skin problems ?

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Healthier skin and a younger-looking body. These are just two of the benefits of biotin, formerly known as Vitamin H. One of the most important nutrients in the body, biotin maintains healthy connective tissue which holds the body together. It is essential for the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates, as well as for cell formation, and assists with the metabolism of proteins.
Skin conditions arising from a biotin deficiency include dry, flaky skin, a dull or thin coat, excessive shedding, and intense scratching or biting at the skin leading to bald areas. Birds and rabbits will show similar symptoms in their fur and feathers. Talons, nails and beaks may also be in poor condition. Less readily seen symptoms occur in weakened tissue, which may contribute to hip dysplasia in dogs and other joint disorders.
In recent years, biotin has enjoyed popularity as an ingredient in shampoos, conditioners and cosmetics. This B vitamin, however, has to be ingested in order to gain its full benefit.

A primary source of biotin is the healthy bacteria in the intestinal tract, and it also occurs naturally in many foods, including liver, meat, egg yolks and most vegetables. Since the bioavailable content in these foods may not prove sufficient to provide proper balance, a biotin supplement can be helpful. It is also an effective alternative to expensive prednisone and antihistamine treatments.

Supplementation will reverse the unsightly and uncomfortable effects caused by a deficiency. The animals will look, feel and act years younger in a relatively short time. Less scratching will result in healthier, less-irritated skin and less shedding. Bald areas will show new hair growth as the rest of the coat thickens and regains its original luster.

Being aware of the signs and symptoms of a biotin deficiency will help you take appropriate measures. A healthy animal is a happy animal who will live a longer life.

Effects of Biotin in Dogs

Vitamin H is not only effective in the treatment of allergic reactions and skin conditions. It also seems to play an important role in the following processes:

#Digestion
#Growth
#Muscle formation

Hence, you should rely on this vitamin if your dog suffers from a skin problem or simply if you want to improve any of the aforementioned processes.
Biotin Deficiency in Dogs

A deficiency of vitamin B7 may be the precise cause of the skin disorders. This explains why the symptoms tend to alleviate when administering biotin. Some of the problems associated with biotin deficiency include:

#Anemia
#Dry haircoat
#Lathery
#Skin lesions

To make sure that these are determined by a lack of biotin and not something else, it is best to take the dog to a veterinarian. After consulting the dog, the veterinarian will determine if supplementation with vitamin H is necessary or not. Biotin deficiency may be noticed after giving the dog raw egg whites. The absorption of biotin is inhibited when raw eggs are consumed, because these contain the Avidin enzyme.

Availability and Administration of Vitamin B7

This vitamin is available in powder form, either alone or in combination with other substances. Brewer’s yeast, for example, includes several other compounds besides biotin. More than that, there are also several natural sources of vitamin B7, the most important being:

#Liver

#Seed oils
#Yeast

If the diet of your dog includes any of these sources, chances are there will not by any deficiency problems. Even though there are no side effects or toxic reactions associated to biotin administration, dog owners are recommended to consult a veterinarian in order to find out the best dosage for their dog. As an alternative, you could follow the administration instruction listed on the supplement container. Supplements based on this vitamin may have different concentrations of biotin, and that is why it is safer to ask a veterinarian.

Adverse Reactions to Vitamin H

Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin, so it will not pose a threat to the health of your dog, even if an overdose is administered. The excess will not affect in any way the liver or the kidneys, and will be eliminated once with the urine. In other words, both the risks of toxicity and overdose are reduced to a minimum.

Common Things That Make Veterinarians Crazy

Being a doctor is tough, especially when your patients can’t clearly explain their symptoms. Between tight appointment windows, unruly animals, and having to diagnose ailments in multiple species, the life of a veterinarian can be very stressful.
Before arriving for your next appointment, help your vet to help your pet by avoiding these common mistakes that drive veterinarians crazy.

 Unruly Pets

A rambunctious pet can slow down your veterinary visit and eat up valuable time. With lots of animals to see, wrangling a stressed out pet is the last thing your vet wants to deal with. To prepare your animal for a lifetime of smooth appointments, consider dropping by your veterinarian’s office for a few friendly, no-pressure visits.

“Try bringing your pet in strictly for social visits,” recommends Dr. Jessica Downing, general practitioner and emergency veterinarian at Valley Cottage Animal Hospital in Valley Cottage, New York. “Make the visit a positive experience by offering lots of treats, visiting with the front desk staff for hugs and kisses, and practicing placing your puppy or kitten on and off the exam table. It’ll make the experience more familiar and less stressful.”

Unprepared Pet Owners

It’s best practice to come prepared with your pet’s medical history and most up-to-date information. Waiting until the last minute and assuming all information is readily available in your veterinarian’s medical records is time consuming, especially if your pet has been seen at more than one veterinary practice. What may seem like a no-brainer can very well save your vet from a headache.
“Gathering all the necessary information from various sources can really take away from their appointment,” advises Crystal Morrin, ophthalmology technician at the Center for Animal Referral and Emergency Services in Langhorne, Pennsylvania. “Even something like illegible handwriting in your pet’s records can slow things up, so it’s important to come prepared with as much knowledge about [your pet] as possible.”
Downing agrees that having a firm knowledge of your pet’s medical history is very helpful and appreciated. “Any information regarding previous vaccinations, medications, and surgeries is helpful,” she says. “This way, the veterinary staff will know what your pet may require in terms of vaccinations, lab tests, and medications during the office visit, which could speed things up.”

Absentee Pet Parents

Nobody knows your pet better than you, and making yourself available to answer questions about your pet ensures a smooth visit. If you’re the primary owner, try to be the one to take your pet to the vet. If a friend or family member must, make sure they’re knowledgeable about your pet and what symptoms they may be experiencing.

“Important details, such as what type of food your pet eats, changes in your pet’s behavior, or what the pet may have been exposed to can best be answered by the person who spends the most time with your pet,” says Downing. “You’re the person who feeds them every day, plays with them, and tends to their daily needs, so odds are you know the most about their day to day life.”

Procrastinating the Visit

If something seems wrong with your pet, it’s best to make an appointment as soon as possible. Putting off a visit could result in worsening symptoms that could potentially become more difficult to treat. And don’t try to cram preventive care and addressing health problems into a single vet visit.

“To address your pet’s medical concerns more thoroughly and effectively, we recommend not waiting for your pet’s yearly visit to discuss their health concerns with your veterinarian,” says Downing. “It’s better to be safe than sorry when dealing with the health of your pet.”

Not Reading Discharge Instructions

If your pet is leaving with a new medication or follow up appointment, be sure to carefully read your discharge instructions before you exit. If there’s something you’re not clear on, speak up and don’t be afraid to ask questions.


“Discharge instructions will always specify the recommended treatment while reiterating the diagnosis and next steps,” explains Morrin. “Keeping them in a safe place and using as a reference doesn't just help us, it helps the client stay on the same page as us.”