Pet Pip » Illnesses

What You Need To Know About Canine Hip Dysplasia

admin — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 12:00:39 +0000

Hip dysplasia affects a lot of dogs, and it’s generally seen in dogs that are larger – as well as in certain specific breeds. Some people argue that it comes from allowing or encouraging a dog to sit or lay a certain way, but others feel that it’s a genetic issue that doesn’t have anything to do with what a dog specifically does during its lifetime.

What Hip Dysplasia Means

Hip dysplasia is a problem with the joint. The hip joint becomes misaligned and fits poorly. Because of that, the dog has trouble walking and experiences a lot of pain and suffering. There isn’t much that can be done for this condition, and many dogs with it are euthanized because they can’t be surgically corrected.

Treatments For Hip Dysplasia

For mild cases of hip dysplasia, a dog can be given pain medication. However, as the condition gets worse there is less and less that a veterinarian can do for the dog. When it becomes too painful for the dog to walk, most veterinarians recommend humanely putting the dog to sleep to avoid suffering.

Working With Your Veterinarian

If your dog has hip dysplasia, it’s important to work with your veterinarian. In its early stages it may be treatable, and there are also ways to try to prevent it in dogs that are predisposed to it. Keep those things in mind when you get a dog and make sure that you work closely with your veterinarian so that you can provide a healthy, happy life for your dog.

Don’t automatically assume that hip dysplasia is something that your dog has to get. Even if this kind of problem is common in a particular breed, not all dogs will get it. Do what you can to prevent it, and start treating it at the earliest signs of a problem.

Is Pet Health Insurance A Good Idea?

admin — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 12:00:41 +0000

A lot of people buy health insurance for themselves and their children, but not that many people buy this kind of insurance for their pets. Whether you should buy pet health insurance has to be a personal decision – but some people find it a better idea than others. Depending on how many pets you have and your financial situation, pet health insurance can be a very wise choice.

The Cost Of Pet Health Insurance

How much you’ll pay for pet health insurance depends on several factors. The age of your pet matters, of course, because younger pets tend to have fewer health problems. What type of pet you have, whether it’s been spayed or neutered, and if it has any preexisting conditions also matters when it comes to cost. You may also pay more for certain breeds of dog or cat because they have more genetically-predisposed health problems.

What Does Pet Health Insurance Cover?

If you want to get insurance for your pet, it’s important to know what it covers. Not all pet insurance plans are created equally. In other words, you’ll have choices to make regarding your pet’s health insurance, depending on how much you want to spend and what conditions or issues you really want to cover.

Which Pets Should You Cover?

Covering all of your pets might not be possible, depending on how many pets you have. If that’s the case it’s best to cover the oldest pets and any that are genetically predisposed to be sicker as they age because of their breed or other factors.

Pet insurance can be a great idea for people who want to avoid paying out a lot of money if their pet gets sick. However, like any insurance it seems a bit of a waste of money if you don’t use it. In the end, your own financial situation will dictate whether pet insurance is right for you.

Diagnosing A Sick Dog

admin — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 12:00:48 +0000

In order to diagnose a sick dog properly, you have to have some veterinary knowledge. Just guessing could make your pet even sicker than he already is. If you don’t know what’s wrong with him, the vet can tell you. However, if you’ve got some knowledge and/or it’s not a serious illness, you may be able to diagnose your sick dog.

Gastric Illnesses

Illnesses of the digestive tract are relatively easy to notice because they generally manifest themselves with vomiting and diarrhea. These are signs that any pet owner can spot, and it’s often not a cause for alarm, unless it continues or there’s blood involved. Many dogs eat things they shouldn’t, but if the problems continue a vet should be consulted because the gastric upset could be from something more serious.

Sprains and Strains

A dog with an injured leg is often a pitiful sight. If you notice your dog avoiding putting weight on a leg or limping, try to see if the problem is in the pad of his foot or in the joint of the leg. Where the pain is coming from can help you make a diagnosis of what might be wrong with your dog and whether it’s time to consult the vet – or whether it’s just a minor injury.

Serious Problems

Some things require immediate medical attention, and others warrant an appointment with the veterinarian. Any dog that’s very sick and lethargic should see the vet, and the same is true with dogs that don’t appear to feel well but don’t have obvious signs of injury or disease. Some problems don’t lend themselves to a home diagnosis.

If you aren’t sure what might be wrong with your dog, see the vet. Don’t wait if you’re really worried, because your dog can’t tell you how he feels. He’s relying on you to be his advocate.

Common Pet Symptoms To Look For

admin — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 12:00:04 +0000

All kinds of problems can befall a pet, just like a person. Health problems are usually treatable, though, if they’re caught early. Because early detection is important, it’s a great idea to pay attention to your pet’s habits and actions. If you notice something out of the ordinary, take your pet for a checkup for your peace of mind and your pet’s health.

Dietary Issues

Among the most common problems with pets are nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, often because of something they ate. Animals don’t always want the food their owners give them, but they do seem to like some of the things they shouldn’t, like lizards, frogs, and garbage. These problems with digestion are usually temporary, but persistent digestion problems should mean a trip to the veterinarian.

Lethargy and Pain

Another pet symptom you should look for is lethargy. If your pet just doesn’t seem to have any energy, doesn’t want to eat, and doesn’t feel like playing, something could be wrong. That’s especially true if it lasts for more than a day or so and/or if you notice limping, whimpering, or other obvious signs that your pet is in pain or discomfort.

Behavioral Problems

A lot of pet owners complain about behavior problems in their pets. These can be everything from aggressive behavior to soiling the carpet or flooring outside of the litter box. Everyone who has pets has likely experienced something like this, and knowing how to treat it can be very confusing and difficult, as well as stressful for both pet and owner.

No matter how much you love your pet, you can run into problems that you find aggravating and hard to handle. You can also worry and fret because your pet doesn’t seem to be feeling well. By seeing your vet, you can get the help you and your pet need.

Diagnosing Liver Disease In Your Pet

admin — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 12:00:08 +0000

In order to diagnose liver disease in your pet, it’s best to get a professional opinion from your veterinarian. That’s because some diseases can easily be mistaken for others, and you don’t want to misdiagnose your pet and treat him in such a way that can really cause harm. Also, you may not really know what’s wrong based on the symptoms your pet has.

Liver Disease In Pets

When pets get liver disease it can have several causes. Sometimes genetics play a part in it, but diet and a predisposition to other diseases can also affect the health and functionality of the liver. Liver disease can build up over time and can also come on more suddenly, depending on its cause. Watch for unusual changes in your pet.

Symptoms And Concerns

When people get liver disease, they often turn yellow and have other problems. With pets, the same kinds of things can occur. Unfortunately, because pets are covered with fur you might not see the yellowing of their skin. You could still notice it in their eyes, however. If you see that happening, or if you find that your pet is acting sick and lethargic, a vet should be consulted.

What Your Vet Will Do

A veterinarian can diagnose your pet much better than you can, because he or she has the training necessary for it. In addition, a vet has access to tests and equipment that you don’t. It lets him or her find the problem quickly and treat it effectively. Your veterinarian can also recommend what you can do to help your pet and when (or if) euthanasia would be the best choice.

The best thing you can do for your pet is to make sure that he’s healthy and happy. Liver disease can be devastating, but if you catch it in time, you’ll have more treatment options and more time with your pet.

Most Common Pet Illnesses

admin — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 15:00:36 +0000

Pets, just like people, can get sick and suffer from a lot of the same, common illnesses that humans get. You can’t always protect your pets from sickness, but you can treat them so they feel better sooner and get over their illness as quickly as possible. For many people, their pets are like their children – and they want to do everything they can to make them feel better fast.

Food-Borne Illnesses

Food poisoning can be very serious. It not only makes you feel bad, but it can keep you from getting adequate nutrition and adequate hydration – two things that are desperately needed for life. For a pet, this kind of problem can be even more serious. In order to help them, be sure their food is clean and fresh.

Strains and Sprains

Running, playing, jumping, and other things can injure your pets. Limping is a sure sign that your pet has injured himself or herself, but the injury might be very mild. If the limping persists or the animal is whimpering, refusing to put weight on its leg, or otherwise in obvious pain, a trip to the vet’s office might be in order. A leg doesn’t have to be broken for an animal to be in pain.

Colds and Respiratory Problems

When the weather is damp and there are airborne illnesses around, pets can catch them, too. Make sure you keep your pet warm and dry. If you have to board your pet or it’s around other animals a lot, have it vaccinated for illnesses like kennel cough and other respiratory problems.

By knowing about the most common pet illnesses and what should be done to prevent and treat them, you can help your pet live a longer and happier life. That’s a bonus for both you and your cherished pets.