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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.

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.