Showing 17 posts tagged with "dog health"
Find me on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Write to Dr. Jacki, ASK THE VET
letsadoptadogpark@gmail.com">ASK THE TRAINER at All Things Dog Blog
Dear Dr. Jacki:
Dear Janie,
Follow All Things Dog at Twitter
Find me at Facebook
Commenting on my blog is quick and easy. Just below this paragraph is a cute little envelope icon. To its left is the word 'comments'. Click this to leave your question or thoughts. You can write to me anonymously or leave your name and website. I look forward to hearing from you!
Follow me on Twitter
Write to Dr. Jacki, ASK THE VET
letsadoptadogpark@gmail.com">ASK THE TRAINER at All Things Dog Blog
Dr. Jacki Addresses
Keeping Your Collie Healthy
Dear Dr. Jacki:
I just wrote to the trainer too. It is nice that this blog has a trainer and a veterinarian for us to get helpful ideas from. Thanks.
My collie Camille is 14 yrs of age. She is beginning to get a little bit of puffiness under her eyes. There is not any drainage like if she had infected eyes. It is more like bags that we get under our eyes as we age. Maybe that is all it is with her. She is pretty old for a Collie but healthy.
Do you think she needs to go to her vet? We were just there for shots and I had not noticed this then. I just thought I would ask you if you think Camille has a problem. Would it be safe to watch it for a week or two. I will take her to the vet if it gets worst.
Sincerely,
Janie
--------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Janie,
It is difficult to say what is going on with Camille. If the area below her eyes seems to be puffy then I would definitely check her teeth out thoroughly. I would also have her weight checked because sometimes people think that the eyes are puffy when actually it is the bone of the face that is protruding more due to weight/fat loss. Dogs don’t really get puffy eyes just from aging. It is typically due to weight loss, issues with the teeth or issues with the eyes. My recommendation would be to recheck her weight and check her mouth. If the puffiness continues, then I would recommend a visit to your vet.
Great question.
Thank you,
Dr. Jacki
Dr. Jacki, D.V.M.
ASK THE VET on All Things Dog Blog
ASK THE VET on All Things Dog Blog
Letsadoptadogpark@gmail.com">LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com
For more information on Dr. Jacki and her practice, you may find her at 4 Paws House Calls. A personal appointment will likely provide more specific information on your dog and your specific questions.
You can read more of Dr. Jacki's articles at her archives page
You can read more of Dr. Jacki's articles at her archives page
Dr. Jacki's opinion or advice does not replace an actual exam with a veterinarian.
Follow All Things Dog at Twitter
Find me at Facebook
Commenting on my blog is quick and easy. Just below this paragraph is a cute little envelope icon. To its left is the word 'comments'. Click this to leave your question or thoughts. You can write to me anonymously or leave your name and website. I look forward to hearing from you!
Find me on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Write to Dr. Jacki, ASK THE VET
Follow All Things Dog at Twitter
Find me at Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Write to Dr. Jacki, ASK THE VET
(c) copyright Carrie Boyko 2010
Tanner Models his Homemade Bandage
Poor Tanner has been struggling to heal a wound under his jaw since before the holidays. He has spent more than his share of time in an E-collar, those anti-scratch, anti-itch lampshade-looking things that require an active pup like Tanner to be a little less active.
Because the e-collar must fit snugly around the neck, this was impeding air flow around the wound, and thereby slowing the healing process. I had to get more creative, if we were to meet with success.
Since Tanner is not one to scratch and itch at every little thing, I figured the location of this wound would work to my advantage. So, with the goal of healing in mind, I set out to come up with a bandage that wouldn't annoy him and wouldn't impede activity or air flow.
Tanner is wearing his neckerchief above, made of cotton fabric, so it breathes well. Notice that it is wide, so as to cover the wound completely, just in case he decides to scratch the area. Also, I tied it just tight enough that it stays above his collar, assuring that it does not slip down off of the area we're trying to keep covered.
(c) photo copyright Carrie Boyko 2010
Tanner's Bandage ties like a Bandanna
Tanner is delighted to be free of the e-collar, and doesn't mind the bandage at all. So far, he isn't even aware of anything different, as he has often worn banannas and is quite used to them.
Best of all, this solution will allow him to play at the dog park and practice agility safely, all the while still keeping his tender spot covered and safe from scratching. Tanner's reward? He got to play F-E-T-C-H (I have to spell it or he goes crazy!) at the dog park. He's sleeping soundly now, probably dreaming of tennis balls. Good boy, Tanner!
Follow All Things Dog at Twitter
Find me at Facebook
Punk World Views.com
Dear Ask the Vet:
My dog likes to eat poop. Not just dog poop, but any poop. She eats her own, the other dogs' poop, and even cat poop from our cat's litter box. I have to keep her out of there or she will feast on the stuff. Yuck!
Why does my dog seem to be drawn to eating poop? And what can I do to stop her? My vet tried some type of pill to make her own poop taste bad, but she actually learned to like the taste and did not stop trying to eat it. When she is on leash, this is not a problem, but at the dog park or in a fenced yard I cannot always control this. I have to constantly watch her and the ground for landmines. Any tips?
Thanks, Amy
**********************************
This is a tough situation…..and a common one. For starters…don't let your dog near the cat box. Cat stool basically tastes like cat food and it is very high in fat and will cause a very sore belly. That is not even considering the litter that is ingested along with the cat stool.
You may want to try Adolf's meat tenderizer. Sprinkle this on your dog's food and see if it helps. For some reason, some dogs don't like the taste of the stool once they have eaten the meat tenderizer. This suggestion will not be able to help when it comes to other dog's stool.
I would try using positive reinforcement when you are at the dog park…i.e. when you see your dog attempting to eat another dog's landmine, maybe you call his name and give a treat as a reward for leaving it alone. It is a bad habit but does not mean that he is missing something from his diet. Hope that helps!!
Dr. Jacki
Dr. Jacki, D.V.M.
ASK THE VET on All Things Dog Blog
Want to read more of Dr. Jacki's ASK THE VET columns? Here's a few links:
Helping Your Senior Dogs
Tummy Aches and Your Dog
Scooter Might Be Trying to Tell You SomethingASK THE VET on All Things Dog Blog
For more information on Dr. Jacki and her practice, you may find her at 4 Paws House Calls. A personal appointment will likely provide more specific information on your dog and your specific questions.
Dr. Jacki's opinion or advice does not replace an actual exam with a veterinarian.
Want to read more of Dr. Jacki's ASK THE VET columns? Here's a few links:
Helping Your Senior Dogs
Tummy Aches and Your Dog
Coming soon, more advice and opinions from Dr. Jacki:
Strategies for Caring for Your Dog's Nails
Solutions for Chilly Morning Bathroom Runs
Follow All Things Dog at Twitter
Find me at Facebook
Find me on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Write to Dr. Jacki, ASK THE VET
Dear Dr. Jacki:
I have two older dogs that are both beginning to show signs of age. One is having occasional nausea, even though the majority of her days are spent in good quality.
The other has a slight difficulty getting into the car now. I read somewhere that I shouldn't simply lift him into the car, as it makes the dog feel incapable and less confident. The article indicated that I should assist him, rather than lifting him completely. What are your thoughts on this? He is able to do it on his own sometimes, but often I have to assist when he becomes frustrated. Is that okay?
Thanks, Worried Reader
Dr. Jacki, D.V.M.
ASK THE VET on All Things Dog Blog
Follow All Things Dog at Twitter
Find me at Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Write to Dr. Jacki, ASK THE VET
(c) photo copyright Carrie Boyko 2009
My Senior Dog, Xena
Dear Dr. Jacki:
I have two older dogs that are both beginning to show signs of age. One is having occasional nausea, even though the majority of her days are spent in good quality.
The other has a slight difficulty getting into the car now. I read somewhere that I shouldn't simply lift him into the car, as it makes the dog feel incapable and less confident. The article indicated that I should assist him, rather than lifting him completely. What are your thoughts on this? He is able to do it on his own sometimes, but often I have to assist when he becomes frustrated. Is that okay?
Thanks, Worried Reader
****************************
Dear Worried Reader:
If occasional vomiting means once every few days then that could be fixed with a few things. Notice if your dog vomits before or after a meal. If before a meal, try offering a snack in between meals (all dogs should be fed at least twice a day) or try offering the meal a little sooner in the day. Sometimes an empty stomach can cause nausea.
You may be able to offer an acid reducer like Pepcid. You would have to call your vet to get the appropriate dose as it is based on weight. Small dogs usually get ¼ tab, medium sized dogs get ½ tab and large dogs can get 1 whole tab.
If the vomiting is daily, then you need to take your dog to the vet. Bloodwork should be run in order to rule out any serious issues that could be causing the nausea.
As for your other dog….I don't think they care at all if they are assisted or lifted into the car. Dogs don't operate like people do so, it isn't important if they do it on their own.
If you have to lift your animal into the car, this means that he has pain (probably due to arthritis) and he needs to be on medication. It is very painful to have arthritis and this is why he does not want to jump up in the car. Again…see your vet about this. He can prescribe medications that will help with the pain and inflammation caused by arthritis. Good questions!!
Best of luck,
Dr. Jacki
ASK THE VET on All Things Dog Blog
Letsadoptadogpark@gmail.com">LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com
For more information on Dr. Jacki and her practice, you may find her at 4 Paws House Calls. A personal appointment will likely provide more specific information on your dog and your specific questions.
Dr. Jacki's opinion or advice does not replace an actual exam with a veterinarian.
Would a car ramp help?
Follow All Things Dog at Twitter
Find me at Facebook
Find me on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Write to Dr. Jacki, ASK THE VET
Is your dog looking a little pudgy these days? Perhaps he needs to lose a pound or two. Many American dogs do. After all, we love them so much that we tend to indulge them in treats from our table and snacks while we cook. Add that to their regular meals and their treats for training or good behavior--need I mention the ones that are just for fun?!! You get the idea.
This topic has come into play at my home this winter, as Tanner is taking a break from agility training, due to a small wound. To keep the stinker from scratching it, he must wear an E-collar. This sort of puts the kybosh (my mom used to use that word) on our fun. Anyway, my point is that as a result of Tanner's lessened exercise, he has put on a few pounds. No Jenny Craig for Tanner; we'll just have to use our other techniques to get exercise, and cut back on the chow a bit.
Just like us, dogs often get more calories than they burn, adding to their waistlines. You can check your dog's weight in an easy way by feeling his rib cage area. Can you feel the ribs? If so, he's probably not overweight. On the other hand, if it is difficult to find or feel her ribs, she may need a plan.
Here's where you come in. It's time to put on your Packleader hat, while I offer a few tips for playing workout trainer and dietician. Ready? Here we go:
Amazon.com Widgets
Follow All Things Dog at Twitter
Find me at Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Write to Dr. Jacki, ASK THE VET
Fun Activity
Leads to Healthy Weight
Leads to Healthy Weight
This topic has come into play at my home this winter, as Tanner is taking a break from agility training, due to a small wound. To keep the stinker from scratching it, he must wear an E-collar. This sort of puts the kybosh (my mom used to use that word) on our fun. Anyway, my point is that as a result of Tanner's lessened exercise, he has put on a few pounds. No Jenny Craig for Tanner; we'll just have to use our other techniques to get exercise, and cut back on the chow a bit.
Just like us, dogs often get more calories than they burn, adding to their waistlines. You can check your dog's weight in an easy way by feeling his rib cage area. Can you feel the ribs? If so, he's probably not overweight. On the other hand, if it is difficult to find or feel her ribs, she may need a plan.
Here's where you come in. It's time to put on your Packleader hat, while I offer a few tips for playing workout trainer and dietician. Ready? Here we go:
- Start by reading his dog food bag. Is your chow AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) approved? It should be. This organization sets the standards for the balance of nutrients, proteins, fats, etc. in pet food. If you don't use packaged dog food, ask your veterinarian for advice on his dietary needs.
- Is it low calorie or low fat? If not, perhaps you might consider a switch while he's in weight-watchers mode. Remember to switch gradually over a period of several days to a week, allowing his digestive system to adapt to the change without upset.
- Stop in your vet's office and weigh your dog to be sure you know what weight you are working with.
- What is the daily feeding suggestion for a dog of your fido's weight? You can find this information at Doctors Foster and Smith or AKC, among other resources. If your pup is a mix, ask your veterinarian for advice. This is key.
- Now that you have a new feeding program in place, let's talk about exercise. Does Fido get at least 30 minutes of walking, running or swimming EVERY day? Be honest with yourself. If not, it's time to get him into a routine of daily walks.
- If walking doesn't work for you, there are many other ways to get his exercise in. Check out my suggested articles at the bottom of the post for more ideas such as biking, backpacks to burn extra calories, treadmills, swimming, and hiking. Some dog owners also roller blade with their dogs. If you have a small dog, perhaps that could work for you. Consider your safety, the area you would be skating in, and level of skating ability before you try this.
- Finally, consider adding an extra workout several days a week to speed up the process and get you both into better shape. Ahhh! Believe it or not, this program will be good for both of you. That's a dog diet with benefits. LOL!
- Don't wait. Start today. Your motivation will wane the longer you wait, so get going!
Suggested readings:
Biking with Your Dog: Fun and Fitness for Both of You
Backpacks are Not Just for Students and Hikers
Teach Your Dog to Fetch
Exercising Your Dog on a Rainy Day
Exercising Your Dog is Good for Both of You (Tips and Ideas)
Biking with Your Dog: Fun and Fitness for Both of You
Backpacks are Not Just for Students and Hikers
Teach Your Dog to Fetch
Exercising Your Dog on a Rainy Day
Exercising Your Dog is Good for Both of You (Tips and Ideas)
Amazon.com Widgets
Follow All Things Dog at Twitter
Find me at Facebook
