Heartworm Treatment For Dogs

Crating Dogs During Heartworm Treatment

If your dog is scheduled for heartworm treatment and you want to find out more about crating dogs, how to introduce your pet to a crate for the first time and to get him used to being in it, read on! We also provide some helpful information about types and sizes and provide some examples of suitable models.

There is significant controversy regarding crating dogs while pet owners are away from home. Veterinarian recommendations indicate dogs should not be confined to a pet crate for more than eight hours. However, during heartworm treatment, many veterinarians will recommend keeping your dog confined in one while you are not home.

While millions of pet owners have crate trained their dogs, most pet owners leave the door open. In most cases, dogs feel comforted by being inside it when their human companions are not home. The reason stems from the fact that dogs are “den” animals. The dogs will feel relaxed and calm when they stay in their den. In addition, they have the freedom of leaving the den because the door is open.

However, many pet owners do not normally confine their pet. Their pet has the freedom to move about the home. If your dog is not used to a crate, confining him to one during heartworm treatment when movement and excitement needs to be restricted, may simply cause more anxiety and stress.

In this case, it is a good idea to take advantage of the few weeks before planned heartworm treatment to introduce him to the idea of crating and to ensure he is happy and relaxed about using it. We have given some suggestions below for choosing a model that is suitable for the size of your pet.

My own dog loves his, he is a very nervous dog, having come from a rescue center. His ‘box’ as we call it, is his ‘safe haven’ when we are away from home and he asks to go inside if I have inadvertently left the door closed! Remember that it is important to leave food and water inside and place comfort items such as a favorite blanket or toy in with him – for added comfort during convalescence, such as after heartworm treatment, put in a T shirt or sweatshirt you have worn so that he can have the comfort of your smell!

The short video gives an excellent introduction to how to get your pet used to the idea of a crate.
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Choosing Organic and Healthy Dog Food

Choosing healthy dog food can be tricky as there are so many varieties on the market. Some brands are much more healthy and nutritious for your dog than others. When you are selecting dog food, obviously price is a consideration, especially if you have several dogs to feed. However, it is also vitally important that you buy food that provides your pet with the nutritional ingredients that he needs.

It is very easy to find out about the nutritional requirements for different breeds, sizes and ages of dogs as well as guidelines on how much food each type will require, depending on the level of activity.

If you are unsure, your vet will be happy to help and may have information leaflets you can take home with you that will provide good guidance. To get you started, here is a very helpful article, first published on the provet website in the UK – http://www.provet.co.uk/petfacts/healthtips/nutritionbreeds.htm

Puppies and young dogs need a good mixture of proteins, carbohydrates and fats because they are growing, together with vitamins and minerals. Mature and senior dogs often need less fat and carbohydrates. You should be aware that some dog foods contain ingredients that are less than desirable for the health of your pet.

Healthy dog food will keep your dog full of life!

Here Are a Few Tips on Choosing Commercial Brands of Dog Food

Read the ingredients list. Look for organic ingredients wherever possible and check online reviews of different brands to see what other owners are saying.
See if your vet recommends a particular brand or type of food and ask friends who have dogs themselves what brand they use.
Some dogs may have allergies to ingredients in prepared foods and need to avoid grains, or sometimes beef or other meats. If allergies are a problem for your dog, consult your vet about which ingredients to avoid.
More expensive brands are not necessarily better, just because they cost more.

It is certainly possible to save quite a lot of money by buying online from Amazon as they often offer free delivery and you get the products shipped right to your door. Many products are available on what Amazon call “subscribe and save” where you sign up to have a consignment shipped to you at intervals you specify. In this case, delivery is also free and you save an extra 5% off the price (which is often already heavily discounted!).

One of the most popular brands for adult dogs is Newman’s Own Organics Adult Dog Food Formula which 90 out of the 127 people who have left a review for, have given the full five stars! Many of them have commented how the formula of this food with its chicken and rice formula has benefited their dogs and particularly helped those with sensitive digestions or digestive problems.

Amazon customer review:-

“Our dog is 13 years old and for the last couple of years, his stomach has become particularly sensitive. We tried various brands of dog food before settling on Newman’s Own. Our dog loves it and has not had any more trouble with his stomach. It is hard to find though. I was buying it from a small local organic grocery store but they only carried it in the smallest size and I was paying almost twice as much as on Amazon. Now I have it set up on Amazon to ship monthly.”

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Why Is A Heartworm Test Required Before Routine Surgery?

Whether a veterinarian will require your dog to have a heartworm test before routine surgery such as spaying or neutering, depends on where you live.

In the USA, many states have a low incidence of heart worms compared to high-incidence states such as Florida. However, according to the American Heartworm Society (AHS), incidence of adult worms is increasing in all areas of the United States.

Due to the high incidence of heart worms, veterinarians include a parasite test in their protocol for pre-surgery laboratory testing.

Why Pay The Extra Cost of a Heartworm Test?

Spaying or neutering is a routine procedure that typically has few complications. However, if a dog has heart worms, any routine procedure has the potential to be life threatening or to cause serious complications. The initial screen may cost $15 to $30 and is well worth the investment to prevent putting your dog at risk for complications. Veterinarian fees vary significantly, and many people have reported fees as high as $45 for the initial test.

A heartworm test may be required before routine surgery such as spaying or neutering

Regardless of the fee, a heartworm test is worth the price to ensure your dog’s spaying or neutering surgery is successful and without complications. This also applies to any routine surgery your pet might need

If your dog is on preventative heartworm medicine, it is unlikely that he or she will test positive. Even though your pet is on preventative heartworm medicine for dogs, your pet can still be infected with adult worms if you missed the treatment schedule.

Without diligent preventative treatment, it is possible for a pet to become infected. Although it is unlikely, it does happen on occasion. It is crucial for a responsible veterinarian to circumvent any potential problems before ANY surgery.

A Heartworm Test Can Identify Potential Dangers During Surgery

The damage that adult worms cause is significant. The extent of the damage will depend on how long a dog has suffered with the infection. If a dog has a current infection that has not been diagnosed, even a routine surgery can be dangerous. The adult parasites attach to tissue in the heart in addition to damaging pulmonary arteries. This makes it more difficult for the heart to pump blood to the rest of the body including the lungs. Since arteries are sustaining continuous damage, blood clots begin to form. Arteries become dilated and restrict normal blood flow. Continue reading →

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The Diabetic Dog, Recognizing Symptoms of Diabetes in Dogs

This article sets out to help pet owners to recognize the symptoms of diabetes in dogs and to understand about the differences between the two types of the disease.

Diabetes is a disease that is prevalent in many countries in Europe and in the United States. While most people associate this disease with humans, it is also a common disease among dogs. Just like their human counterparts, a diabetic dog requires special care including diet, medication and insulin injections. This is a life threatening disease to both humans and dogs.

Sadly, this is a disease which is difficult for pet owners to detect. This has to do with the lack of knowledge about the disease, and very few pet owners realize their beloved pet may be susceptible to the disease. Dogs are susceptible to both diabetes mellitus and diabetes insipidus (please see the end of this article for description and explanation of both types).

Symptoms of Diabetes in Dogs

1. Lethargic behavior

Lethargic behavior is a common symptom

This is a common symptom of many illnesses including diabetes. If your pet appears weak or tired, it is important to seek veterinarian care immediately. Lethargic behavior is a clear sign that an animal may be ill.

2. Consuming an excessive amount of water
Due to an increase in sugar levels in the blood, a dog will consume and excessive amount of water because the sugar cannot be metabolized properly. If your pet is drinking more water than normal, it is likely he will be diagnosed as diabetic. If your pet has reached this point, it is critical to seek veterinarian care. If sugar levels are too high, it can result in death.

3. Urination frequency or increase in amount of urine
Naturally, if your dog is drinking more water, he or she will urinate more frequently. Increased water consumption and urination are signs your pet is ill. While these two symptoms are not always an indication of being diabetic, it is likely your dog is suffering from this disease.

4. Weight loss or weight gain
Weight gain is a symptom of lethargy. As your pet’s activity decreases due to feeling weak or tired, your pet may experience an increase in weight gain. In many cases, a dog may lose its appetite and experience weight loss. Gaining or losing weight unexpectedly is a symptom of many other diseases. However, in combination with other symptoms, it may be a sign that your pet has become diabetic.

Top Tip:

If your diabetic dog needs a special diet, you can save a lot of money buying what you need from Amazon and having it delivered to your door.

There is a range of products in the special diet section – so you can keep your pet healthy for less!

Diabetic Diet For Dogs

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Posted in Dog Health | Tagged diabetes in dogs symptoms, diabetic dog, diabetic dog diet, dog diabetes symptoms, symptoms of diabetes in dogs | Leave a comment