Monday, April 19, 2010

Natural Treatment of Cancer in Dogs and Feline Cancer

Cancer in dogs and cats occurs just as frequently as in human beings. Cancer in dogs and feline cancer is a worrisome and frightening diagnosis for any pet and its' owner. There are many theories as to the cause of cancer in dogs and cats, and how it comes to inflict ones pet. Carcinogens are thought to be cancer causing exposures with some sort of direct relationship that are causative in the development of cancer. This can vary from certain chemicals and fumes that can be found in environmental exposures. There can also be genetic or familial carcinomas that can be found in certain litters and breeds. Some breeds being more prone to certain cancers.

Signs and symptoms of cancer in dogs and cats vary depending on the type of cancer which the pet has suffered. Loss of appetite, weight loss, malaise, fatigue, nausea and vomiting are just some of the symptoms that would suggest a malignancy in your cat or dog. If cancer in cats and dogs is suspected in your pet, a visit to the veterinarian is in order.

Diagnosis of canine cancer or feline cancer can be made by physical exam if there is a palpable mass, biopsy which requires sampling of tissue, x-rays and /or blood work. Since there are so many different types of cancer, the presentation can vary. Treatment of canine and feline cancer can consist of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, steroids or a combination of the above mentioned depending on the cancer type and stage. All of these factors are taken into consideration before treatment of the cancer is initiated.

The one thing that your pet does have when cancer has been diagnosed is a true stress on the immune system. This is a major factor in the treatment of all cancers in cats and dogs. It is important for your cat or dog to keep the immune system strong to prevent further weakness and fatigue associated with a carcinoma. The immune system allows your pet to fight off the cancer cells which usually continue to multiply and help your pet to remain strong when the immune system has been weakened from this debilitating disease.

There are other treatment options available to be used in conjunction with conventional treatment of cancer in your dog or cat. Homeopathic and natural remedies can be used to help boost your pets' immune system and aid in the natural and effective treatment of cancer in dogs and cats. Pet Alive C-Caps are an all natural and safe natural and homeopathic remedy for the treatment of cancer in cats and dogs. This treatment has no known side effects and has been found to be effective in the treatment of cancer in cats and dogs. This remedy does not promise cure, but alleviation of symptoms and a boost to the immune system which allows your pet to fight the cancer and remain resilient through other conventional or conservative treatments. This is a wonderful alternative approach for the treatment of both canine cancer and feline cancer.

Article Source : http://www.approvedarticles.com

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

HOME TREATMENT FOR KENNEL COUGH | PROVEN WAYS

Have you ever wished you knew what you could do to treat kennel cough at home instead of spending a fortune on vet bills every time your pet contracted kennel cough? You are intelligent enough to know that every case of kennel cough does not mean you need to make a trip to the vet. Imagine what it would like to be able to safely and effectively treat your pet at home. They are more comfortable at home in the first place. What if you could finally treat a number of pet illnesses at home without breaking the bank on vet bills? We will first look at what kennel cough is.

KENNEL COUGH:

Kennel cough is an upper respiratory infection your pet has contracted that causes, among other things, a dry hacking cough. It is caused by a bacterial infection in most cases. In mild cases you can treat your pet at home and use many ingredients you might already have in your home.

MILDER symptoms OF KENNEL COUGH ARE:

Dry harsh cough

Gagging and/or vomiting

Loss of appetite

MORE SEVERE symptoms ARE:

Nasal discharge

Fever

Cough that produces phlegm

Depression

Green mucus

If your dog or cat has developed coughing with green mucus then take it to your vet right away. If you pet has the milder symptoms then you can probably treat at home.

HOME REMEDIES:

Pediatric robitussen is being used for puppies to help soothe throat tissues that have become sore due to the inflammation of the throat that occurs from the infection. Just like we would do for our children cough syrups are being used on pets.

Certain herbal remedies are also being used to expel mucus. One is plantango lanceolata .

Another herbal remedy being used to clear mucus is Bryonia C6 which is also reported to be able to soothe sore throat tissues.

For small puppies many people also use honey to soothe irritated throats. The honey can be mixed in the pet?s water bowl. Most report using this first before the cough syrups.

Run a humidifier to help keep the air moist or boil a pan of water to add moisture.

Give your pet a vitamin supplement to boost their immune system and practice good nutrition.

Some people are reporting using Vitamin C but be cautious here as too much has been known to cause irritable bowel syndrome.

Loosen collars ? your pet?s throat is sore and irritated.

To learn about other home remedies and treatment secrets that can save you a ton of money in vet bills read on through the last paragraph

Have you ever wished you knew what you could do to treat kennel cough at home instead of spending a fortune on vet bills every time your pet contracted kennel cough? You are intelligent enough to know that every case of kennel cough does not mean you need to make a trip to the vet. Imagine what it would like to be able to safely and effectively treat your pet at home. They are more comfortable at home in the first place. What if you could finally treat a number of pet illnesses at home without breaking the bank on vet bills? We will first look at what kennel cough is.

KENNEL COUGH:

Kennel cough is an upper respiratory infection your pet has contracted that causes, among other things, a dry hacking cough. It is caused by a bacterial infection in most cases. In mild cases you can treat your pet at home and use many ingredients you might already have in your home.

MILDER symptoms OF KENNEL COUGH ARE:

Dry harsh cough

Gagging and/or vomiting

Loss of appetite

MORE SEVERE symptoms ARE:

Nasal discharge

Fever

Cough that produces phlegm

Depression

Green mucus

If your dog or cat has developed coughing with green mucus then take it to your vet right away. If you pet has the milder symptoms then you can probably treat at home.

HOME REMEDIES:

Pediatric robitussen is being used for puppies to help soothe throat tissues that have become sore due to the inflammation of the throat that occurs from the infection. Just like we would do for our children cough syrups are being used on pets.

Certain herbal remedies are also being used to expel mucus. One is plantango lanceolata .

Another herbal remedy being used to clear mucus is Bryonia C6 which is also reported to be able to soothe sore throat tissues.

For small puppies many people also use honey to soothe irritated throats. The honey can be mixed in the pet?s water bowl. Most report using this first before the cough syrups.

Run a humidifier to help keep the air moist or boil a pan of water to add moisture.

Give your pet a vitamin supplement to boost their immune system and practice good nutrition.

Some people are reporting using Vitamin C but be cautious here as too much has been known to cause irritable bowel syndrome.

Loosen collars ? your pet?s throat is sore and irritated.

To learn about other home remedies and treatment secrets that can save you a ton of money in vet bills read on through the last paragraph

Article Source : http://www.articlewarehouse.com

Are you making any of the classic pet treatment mistakes which will cause you to improperly treat www.Catanddogcures.com ?>kennel cough? I hate to admit it but I have made most if not all of them myself. Find out what they are and how to avoid them by visiting www.catanddogcures.com right now before you do any serious harm to your pet. They are a member of the family also.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Brain Cancer in Dogs

symptoms of brain cancer include personality changes, stress, aggression, shyness, or depression. They are also appetite changes, lethargy, lameness, muscle twitches, eye and facial issues, coordination problems, bleeding in the nasal cavity, respiratory issues, and heart problems. The early symptoms are usually related to the appetite, weight loss, and personality changes. As the brain cancer progresses you will see more changes and of course extremely muscle weakness. The brain is the center for all things in the body. If a small section is affected it can through off the other functions of the body such as the liver, heart, lungs, and immune system. Sometimes brain cancer is a result of another cancer forming somewhere in the body and moving through the blood cells until it creates a second mass on the brain. Some of the symptoms will be determined by the location fo the actual brain cancer.

Brain cancer or meningioma is a tumor cell that can form in several areas of the brain. The cancer can form at the base of the spine, or any part of the brain. The cells will mutate and the cancer will grow if left untreated. You should know that this type of cancer is malignant. This means that the cancer will continue to grow in the brain until the dog either dies from the cancer or from the pressure on the brain causing an aneurism. It is important that you know and recognize the early symptoms to prevent suffering and of course death of your loved one.

Your dog is very important to you and I bet you have treated your dog carefully, making sure they have the proper nutrition, exercise, and of course love. Even owners who spend all their time trying to prevent cancer in their dog will be shocked to find out that their dog has cancer. In some cases you just can?t prevent cancer no matter how careful you are. In these cases you just have to learn how to care for your sick dog and understand the progression of the disease to help treat it. With brain cancer you will find there really is no cause science has been able to find. They believe that brain cancer is usually a result of a genetic disorder in the cells that allow them to mutate and form.

As I mentioned above there really is no known prevention making the treatment for your dog extremely important. You will have a few choices in treatment and therefore care. Surgery is often very difficult on dogs with brain cancer as they have to go in to remove the actual mass. This can cause lasting effects, so most often an owner will decide care and medication are the best choices. There are medications that have been created to prevent the actual mutation of cells. Keep in mind that the medication usually does not reduce the cells already formed; therefore you may need to try radiation or chemotherapy with your dog to reduce the cells that have already formed and prevent the cells from re- growing. If you choose medication and radiation you will need to make adjustments for care. The dog will need a different diet, more care from you while you are home, and less exercise. Exercise is important, but when they are feeling ill they tend to want to lie around. So allowing for more rest is as important as short five minute walks. You also need to realize that they can be sick from the treatment so they need you to be there to help them get over the vomiting and other issues of the treatment.

In this article you will find information on care and prevention of brain cancer. You will also find treatment and symptoms of brain cancer in dogs. Cancer is one of the biggest causes of deaths in dogs and taking preventative methods is essential to your dogs care.

*Information about the Author:*

Pets Articles : http://www.article-buzz.com

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Five Ways to Prevent Congenital Problems in Dogs

Prevention is the main key in order to avoid diseases and illness from attacking your dog. In fact, the best prevention begins even before you start breeding the dog. But what do you do if your pet was born with a health problem? There are a few options for you to choose from when helping your dog that is born with a congenital defect. Often times, surgery can correct a structural defect. Other aspects such as good feeding, good amount of exercise, proper grooming and veterinary care all help in controlling certain disorder and symptoms from occurring. But the most effective treatment for congenital defects is in preventing them from happening in the first place.

Here are five ways on how you can prevent congenital problems in your dog:

1. Never breed unhealthy dogs. Get together two unhealthy dogs and you have the perfect recipe for unhealthy offspring. Even if one dog is in good health, mating that healthy dog with one that is in poor condition still produces a very high risk of congenital problems to develop in their offspring. You must avoid breeding pets that have obvious birth defects or behavior problems. Although the dog may not have a specific genetic problem, its overall support system is not a good candidate for developing healthy offspring. In addition, avoid acquiring such pets unless you are willing to give them the special care they require.

2. Avoid breeding or selecting dogs with family health disorders. Do not breed dogs if their close relatives have congenital defects, physical problems, or inheritable behavior and temperament. Try to find out the medical histories of both parents and what percentage of related puppies has had birth defects. If the percentage of birth defects is less than 5 percent, chances are they have a very low risk of producing unhealthy offspring.

3. Avoid breeding close relatives. Breeding two dogs within the same family such as siblings, parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles has a tendency to ?fix? latent defects into their offspring.

4. Do not select or breed inbred dogs. Be extra careful with dogs that are currently popular in your area because it is likely that they have been weakened by intensive inbreeding.

5. Choose breeds that best resemble their canine ancestors. Features to look for are face shape, size, color, ear shape, coat texture and length, tail shape, and limb proportion that most closely resemble that of wolves. See if you can match at least four or five of these traits. Examples of such breeds include most of the retrievers, basenjis, shepherds, sled dogs, spitzs, and pointers.

Article Source : http://www.hobbyarticledirectory.com

John Edwards is a long time dog lover. Visit his website for more helpful advice on dog health and disease at: www.dogcaretraining.com

Friday, March 5, 2010

Is Your Dog At Risk For Canine Hip Dysplasia?

Canine hip dysphasia (CHD) is a genetic disease that affects the hip bones in dogs. While pretty much any dog can get it, some dogs are predisposed to this condition and it is more common in larger breed dogs due to the greater weight on the joints of the hip. some breeds at risk for this disease include Dalmations, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Golden Retrievers and Blood Hounds.

This disease affects the hips way ahead of the thighbone does not fit into the hip socket as it should. Wear of the cartilage and damage to the joint occurs causing swelling and pain. Canine hip dysphasia itself is not arthritis but it is the most common cause of hip arthritis.

This is a disease that is inherited from the dog's parents. Therefore the only way to eradicate the disease is through good breeding practices and not letting dogs with CHD have puppies. this presents a challenge though is not all dogs show that they have this disease and in fact, dogs that show no sign of it may still possess the gene that passes it to their offspring.

symptoms of canine hip dysplasia present themselves as your dog not being able to get up is easy. Perhaps he's not as energetic or doesn't want to run as much and has a hard time standing up after sitting or lying down for awhile. His back legs may look lame and when he runs he might use them both like a rabbit. CHD might cause your dog to be reluctant to go upstairs. And most dogs the symptoms don't show up until middle age but some may show the disease when they are puppies.

There and no test to tell if a dog carries the gene for CHD but the presence of hip dysplasia can be tested through x-rays and physical exams. An x-ray can let you know how bad the condition has become and using future x-rays to monitor it will let you know If the treatment path you have chosen is working. there are actually two types of x-rays that are performed one gives you an idea of how severe arthritis says in the joint and the other will tell you how loose the hip joint itself is.

Canine hip dysphasia can be treated with surgical and nonsurgical methods. Nonsurgical methods include drugs to help relieve the pain and inflammation of the hip joint. These drugs, Rimadyl, Deramaxx and Ectogesic can be very effectivee and have helped many dogs live happy normal lives. In addition making sure your dog gets good exercise and physical therapy to work the hips and keeping your dog at a slim weight can help relieve symptoms.

Surgical treatments for CHD can also be effective. There are two methods of treatment for canine hip dysplasia one which treats hips which Re: show a lot of arthritis and another which tries to help prevent the progresssion of the arthritis.

One of the procedures- triple pelvic astronomy - is most effective before the joint becomes damaged with arthritis. This involves cuttingg the pelvis and then rotating hip sockets to get them to work better. One new type of surgery, pubic symphysiodesis, is still being studied but hopeful to be effective for very young dogs with canine hip dysphasia.

In some dogs a full hip replacement might be the way to go. This involves replacing both the ball in the socket to allow the dog to enjoy a full life with normal activity. This procedure is used mostly in larger dogs they can be very effective.

Another procedure which is called a femoral head ostectomy removes the top portion of the femur in order to stop a painful grinding at the hip joint. the femur then floats freely forming scar tissue which then acts as the joint. This procedure is recommended for smaller well muscled dogs.

Canine hip dysplasia is not easy to prevent and it's hard to tell if your dog will become a victim of this. Your best bet is to make sure you buy from a reputable breeder and be sure that the parents of your dog are free from CHD. Make sure that puppies do not have undue stress placed on their hips and that your dog does not gain too much weight and these things can help delay the onset of his disease should your dog be prone to it.

Article Source : http://www.hobbyarticledirectory.com

Lee Dobbins writes for www.dogbreeds123.com where you can learn more about dog breeds and dog care .

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Dog Allergies Are More Common Than You May Think

Many people may not realize that dogs, just like human beings, can suffer from allergies. In fact, about twenty percent of the dogs in the United States alone suffer from allergy at any one time, with flea allergy dermatitis being the most common form of allergy in dogs. Other types include atopic dermatitis, inhalant allergies, and food allergies.

Signs and symptoms of dog allergies may vary but are often marked by persistent itching and discoloration of the skin (most common with skin allergies), coughing, sneezing, wheezing, and mucus discharge (most common with inhalant allergies), and nausea, lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea (common with food allergies.)

Over-the-counter preparations and treatments for common dog allergies exist and may be purchased at any good pet supply store, but care should be taken when choosing such treatments. Consultation with a vet is the best first course of action for several reasons. First of all, what you think is an allergic reaction may actually be signs of a more serious ailment and a vet should be the one to determine whether that is the case. Secondly, if the allergy is severe enough, over-the-counter treatments may not be sufficient to treat the symptoms. There is also the chance that the dog does not have an allergy at all. The last thing you want to do is medicate your pet unnecessarily.

If you do think your dog has some type of allergy, consult your vet. He or she will be able to perform tests to determine whether an allergic condition exists, how severe it is, and what the appropriate treatment should be. If the dog has an allergy to certain foods, it will be imperative to restrict the animal?s diet to eliminate those items that cause a reaction. The vet?s testing methods can help to determine whether this type of allergy exists as well. If the dog has flea allergy dermatitis (an allergic reaction to the saliva of fleas, rather than to the insects themselves), an strict flea prevention regimen will be recommended.

The vet may also recommend cortisone or steroids. Many vets are conventionally trained and do not offer holistic alternatives, which can be just as good as the toxic drugs which vets routinely prescribe. So before you accept your vet?s recommendations for drugs, do investigate the alternatives:

1. Natural Flea Treatments

2. Natural Worm Treatments

3. Detoxification of Your Dog?s System if your dog has taken toxic drugs or been exposed to chemicals (household cleaners, insecticides, etc.) in the past.

4. Past steroid use may have compromised Your Dog?s Immune System (characterized by such chronic illness as Lyme?s Disease and many others). Your dog's immune system can also be boosted by natural means.

5. Treat your dog's skin allergies naturally from the inside and out.

You should always discuss your intentions with your vet, when proceeding with any new regime, whether natural or otherwise, but knowledge is power. And being armed with the knowledge of the harm that conventional medicines can cause, and the effectiveness of holistic, natural, alternative methods, will stand you in good stead. Many vets are open to such alternatives when asked directly about them by a pet owner who has done research and is looking for a more natural way of dealing with illness, and this case specifically, allergies, in their dog.

Just like humans, dogs that suffer from various allergies can live comfortably with them if they are detected and treated properly. It is important to bear in mind that this is not a time to ?play doctor? by attempting to diagnose and treat a possible allergic condition yourself. Only your veterinarian is qualified to determine whether your dog is suffering from allergies. What course of action to take, however, may well be a matter for discussion between you and your vet.

(c) 2005, Brigitte Smith, Healthy Happy Dogs

Article Source : http://www.hobbyarticledirectory.com

Brigitte Smith is a dog lover with a special interest in natural dog health, including: Natural Flea and Worm Treatments Detoxifying Your Dog's System Immune Support for Your Dog Skin Allergies

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

A Guide To Dental Care For Your Dog

Have you ever come across a case where your dog is having awfully bad breath? So awful that you wish you do not own a dog? If it is the case, then it is time to take you pet to the veterinary. Like human, healthy dogs do not have smelly breath. According to a finding by the American Veterinary Dental Society, more than 80% of dogs show some signs of gum disease by age three, a full grown dog. This shows the lack of oral hygiene in people having dogs at home.

Why dental care? Lack of dental care can cause severe dental diseases in dogs, which can prove fatal. After dog finishes his meal, minute food particles remain inside his mouth. These food particles, and bacteria accumulate on the surface of the tooth causing plaque. Continuous formation of plaque can cause tartar (or calculus) to form, and the gums get swollen up and become red color. This stage is called gingivitis. If the tartar is not removed, it accumulates up under the gums, and this slowly separates gums from teeth. This encourages more bacteria. This stage is called "periodontal" disease. The dog has awfully bad breath (halitosis) at this time, and it is necessary to see your veterinary.

Worse, the bacteria in mouth pass to intestine with food, and can cause heart, liver or kidney failure in dogs. The bacteria in mouth can go to the heart through the blood stream. These bacteria cause valve failure in heart, and your pet will get severely ill. Diseases of mouth are very painful for the dog, and being a dog lover you would certainly not want your dog to suffer this torture. It is therefore important that you practice oral hygiene for your dog, and protect him from severe diseases.

symptoms of dental diseases Bad breath is arguably the most common symptom of dental disease; there are many other ways to find out that your dog has a dental problem. Open the mouth of your dog, and check the teeth. If they are yellow colored, and have brown deposits on them, it indicates dental problem. Check if the dog gums are red and look swollen. More over, if the dog is unable to eat food, or cries in pain while eating, it means that there is severe dental problem with the dog.

Prevention and cure You might already be wondering what could be the remedy. Well "Prevention is better than cure". The best thing is to regularly brush your dog's teeth. It is your first line of defense against plaque, and tartar. Regular brushing keeps teeth healthy, and stops bad breath. Start brushing teeth from the time your pet is young. This will make him accustomed to your finger, and the taste of paste. Later you can start using toothbrushes.

There are also a number of commercially available dog-foods approved by vets, and these can be provided sometimes to your dog. These foods are made such that your dog chews them well, and in the process, the plaque and tartar gets removed.

In case of gingivitis, and "periodontal" disease the vets give anesthesia to the dog, and mechanically remove the tartar. Scaling is often done to remove the tartar that is accumulated under the gums. Once this is done the teeth are polished so that it is difficult for bacterial to develop on the teeth. After treatment, you need to regularly brush dog's teeth, feed hard food, and regular checkup is necessary.

It is therefore very necessary that you regularly brush your dog's teeth just like taking care of our own and our baby's, and maintain proper oral hygiene. Dental care is very important for the well being of your dog.

Article Source : http://www.hobbyarticledirectory.com

More about dogs caring can be found in dogandpuppy.simpleusermanual.com/