Category Archives: Pet Health

Swimming Dogs

Swimming is not just good for your body, but also for your dog’s. That is, if your dog likes swimming. Some really don’t and would rather stay on land. But there are plenty of ways to make your dog comfortable in the water, it takes time and patience if your dog isn’t really a fan of water – it is worth the effort though. It is fun to join your dog in the water. A bit different from a walk in the park!

An added bonus is that dogs need to use more of their muscle power to get around in the water than on land, this is a great way to get dogs into shape. Regular swimming sessions will help build muscle. The added muscle mass can prevent injuries, especially at an older age. At first your dog may be hesistant to spend a lot of time swimming, this is quite normal. He or she needs to adjust to water – but you should see a gradual increase in time spend swimming.

And here are some cute dogs enjoying the water :

Credit : onegreenplanet.org

Credit : pacificnwpools.com

Credit : petfriendlytravelus.wordpress.com

Credit : passpawt.com

Credit : pets4homes.co.uk

How To Treat Dogs With Dry Skin

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Dry skin isn’t a nice feeling at all. Your skin can get really itchy, right? Well dogs have the same kind of problem, yet they can’t just go out to the pharmacy and purchase a remedy. But, as the owner you can certainly help. Here are some remedies that might just help your dog.

Some of these remedies sound familiar, and actually they are! Plenty of dry skin treatments for human beings are applicable to dogs.

One such remedy is vitamin E. Give your dog a nice massage with vitamin E oil and he/she will thank you for it later. You can also buy foods rich in vitamin E, there are plenty of dog food products available these days with extra vitamins for your pet.

Are you using a dog shampoo? It is possible that your dog’s skin can not stand one of the ingredients, try a different shampoo – one that contains fewer aggressive ingredients. Oh and don’t use human shampoos, dog skin is different from human skin!

Photo credit photosz.com.

Brushing your dog’s hair regularly helps remove loose hair, which can cause irritation if left alone. The loose hair can build up and prevent the skin from breathing properly.

Could there be something in your dog’s diet causing the dry skin? Try a different diet, one containing fewer or no ingredients associated with dry skin – or, as mentioned above, see if a vitamin E rich diet improves skin hydration.

If you are going to change your dog’s diet by increasing the vitamin intake then it would be wise to consult your vet first.

Dry skin is associated with a range of different medical conditions. If your dog’s skin does not improve after treatment then you may want to pay a visit to your vet. Perhaps an allergy is causing the dry skin problems? Also note that some dog breeds, such as the Chinese Crested, are more susceptible to skin issues. Taking action early will help prevent more serious skin conditions from developing.

Making Sure Your Cat Stays Healthy

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Keeping a close eye on the health of your cat is important. Cats do experience pain similarly to humans. Just like humans they can be affected by infectious diseases. By monitoring your cat’s health daily you will be able to prevent more serious health issues at a later time. Visiting the veterinarian at least once a year is strongly advised. You really shouldn’t delay informing your vet if you notice any peculiar behaviour from your cat.

Stress is just as bad for your cat as it is for you. Make sure your cat gets plenty of rest. You might think that cats have no problem relaxing, and in general you’d be right. However stressful households DO have a negative effect on their health. If you can’t provide a stable, at times quiet, place for your cat to grow old in, then perhaps you should reconsider getting a cat if you haven’t already.

Cats can not eat all human foods. Some foods are actually a danger to their well-being. Obesity is a major issue in the world of humans, are we feeding our cats properly? Over-feeding is quite common. A big well-fed cat might look cute, but in the long term health problems can develop such as diabetes, and arthritis. Cats’ behaviour has changed over the years. They were once kept mostly to hunt for mice in barns, hence got much more exercise. Nowadays their lives are much more sedentary – so their diet needs to adjust as well.

Feed your cat plenty of liquid! Giving your cat too much dry food will cause dehydration, and might end in urinary-tract problems. A diet rich in liquids is a must. Cats get most of their water from the food we provide them with. Other than feeding your cat a mouse every day, which consist of about 70% water, canned foods will do the job just as well. Besides canned food as a source of water, additionally there should be plenty of fresh water available to your cat.

Please note that cats are carnivores, they prefer meat – they were designed to function mainly on meat. Trying to turn your cat into a vegetarian is not advisable.

If you have any concerns about your cat’s health, consult your veterinarian. Many health problems can be prevented if timely action is taken.

Taking Care Of Aging Dogs

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Old dogs can live the last few years of their lives in happiness if you take good care of them. Unlike their younger counterparts, older dogs do require extra attention. They aren’t as active anymore, and due to their more inactive lifestyle they might gain weight. Older dogs can also become more attached to their owners, spending more time in their vicinity. Others can a bit grumpy, whilst some actually get more friendly. Sounds quite a bit like humans, right?

Photo credit : belladogmagazine.com

Make sure you keep a close eye on your dog’s weight. Weight loss can point to underlying health problems that require medical assistance. You may want to adjust your dog’s diet somewhat as they age. Since they aren’t running around as much they will usually gain weight. If your dog has always had a healthy weight, and he adds a bit of fat as he/she is aging then there is no need to panic – but keep it under control!

Old age often brings physical discomforts, but thanks to modern science many problems can be alleviated. Making sure that your dog receives all the necessary vaccinations, and the regular flea treatment, will help make his/her life at old age comfortable.

Even though your dog’s daily routine consists of less physical/mental activity, that does not mean that you shouldn’t bother with mental stimulation. Just like in old people, keeping your dog’s brain active will help slow down the aging process.

There are many different brands of dog food that are specifically catered to senior dogs. They often contain less calories to offset possible weight gain as your dog ages. Some products have been designed for specific medical issues that your dog may be affected by. It would be wise to consult a veterinarian before serving such products to your dog. Another reason why you should keep your dog’s weight gain in check are arthritis-related symptoms. Bones lose strength at the later stages of life, and the more weight they have to carry around – the more pronounced the health issues of your dog become.

As always, if your dog’s health concerns you then take him to the vet. The earlier health problems are detected, the better the chances of solving them – especially in older dogs.