Girl Dog Vaginitis - How To Relieve Your Dog's Licking And Discomfort

 

Girl dogs can get the same problems "down there" as their moms.  Vaginal yeast infections, urinary tract infections and discharge are common in female dogs. Many moms know how uncomfortable any of these can be. Natural supplements along with diet changes can help prevent recurrent infections in dogs. 

Dog vaginitis,  including bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections, can cause symptoms that may include swelling, redness, itching, strong odors, and white or yellowish discharge. Dogs may lick the area incessantly and can cause external skin redness and irritation. What can you do to stop your female dog licking vaginal area?  A low carbohydrate diet and a few immune support supplements can help.   

Power Probiotic is essential in helping to repopulate good flora. This multi-strain probiotic supplement promotes the growth of good bacteria for a healthy immune system and to help fight infections. The use of antibiotics can kill the good bacteria along with the bad, creating an environment where yeast and bad bacteria can quickly overgrow.  

Olive Leaf Extract and K9 Yeast Defense have natural antifungal and antibacterial properties to help inhibit the growth of yeasts, fungi, viruses, and bacteria. They can help prevent vaginal discharge, vaginal licking and repeat infections in your female dog. If your dog has yellowish discharge with a strong odor, please check with your vet to see if it is a bacterial infection, as prescription medication may be needed.

It is common for female dogs to get repeat vaginal infections and discharge. Chronic use of antibiotics can weaken the immune system and kill off the good bacteria, enabling a cycle of reinfection. Diet can also play a role in repeat infection. Diet that are high in sugars and starchy carbohydrates can create a favorable environment for yeast and bacteria growth. Hypoallergenic, grain-free novel protein diets are helpful for female dogs that are prone to vaginal yeast infections.

Got the biopsy results: Diagnosis: Liver Cancer

 

Got the biopsy results: Diagnosis: Liver Cancer  Prognosis: FAVORABLE  How could these two things coexist? We are very “fortunate” in that this particular type of tumor grows massive in size but isn’t likely to metastasize and it was excised to perfection by Dr. David Gordon @archbeachvet Legend is continuing to improve and we are thanking our lucky stars  We don’t know what the future will bring but we are so happy to have more time with him! He was very, very sick last week, not eating, and could barely walk. Legend’s symptoms came on suddenly over a few weeks. If you have an elderly pet, please don’t assume it’s just “old age”. Sometimes there are treatments that will help, but with elderly pets, time is of the essence. Sending you all so many hugs and thanks for all of your support and keeping our sweet Legend in your thoughts. 

Remember Me Thursday Honors Homeless Shelter Pets

 

Remember Me Thursday, which was held this year on September 21st, is an international awareness day meant to bring attention to the millions of adoptable pets waiting in shelters. Since the event was started in San Diego County almost a decade ago, the need for animal adoption has increased steadily. Here are ways you can still celebrate Remember Me Thursday:

• Adopt A Shelter Pet. If you are considering adding a new cat or dog to your home, you can find many local pets available for adoption through petfinder.org.
• Volunteer At A Shelter or Rescue. If you aren't quite ready to add a new pet, most shelters are always looking for volunteers to help clean cages, play with cats, walk dogs or promote awareness.
• Light a Candle for Remembrance. Light a candle as a peaceful way to honor the cats and dogs that were not lucky enough to make it out of the shelter and into a loving home. 

Promoting adoption and giving honor to animals who are left behind in shelters is what Remember Me Thursday is all about. Consider that changing just one mind can save the life of a cat or dog or need. Help others #SeeTheLight about pet adoption on #RememberMeThursday and everyday.

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What To Do About Hairballs In Cats

While it's true that long-haired cats have more of a hairball issue than short-haired kitties, your cat's diet and digestive health are often the biggest contributing factors. Here are four tips to help reduce a hairball problem:

1. Avoid dry food. Cats need a high moisture diet and dry food is high in carbohydrates which are harder to digest. Cats are not big water drinkers and frequently don't make up for the lost water in the dry food by drinking more.

2. Give your kitty Omega 3s in their diet. Amazing Omegas provide Omega 3 fatty acids derived from sardines, anchovies and mackerel. Omega 3 fatty acids improve the quality of your cat's skin and coat reducing the shedding and opportunity for hairballs.

3. Mix a small amount of canned pumpkin into your cat's meals. You can also try mashed yams or sweet potatoes. Pumpkin and sweet potatoes are high in fiber which is important to keep the hair moving through the intestinal tract.

4. Brush your kitty a few times a week. This should improve your cat's skin and coat, reducing hairballs.

Happy 13th Birthday Legend!

 

Happy 13th Birthday to our wonderful rescue dog Legend! He is a testament to the power of holistic healing and the love and support of people who helped him along the way. Surviving attempted euthanasia in a third world country and then later, overcoming horrific cluster seizures, his life story mirrors his name - Legend!

Legend has faced so many health issues. He had chronic ear infections, allergies, hip dysplasia and epilepsy. He has been the most wonderful dog and has always been willing to take his supplements and vegetables. Legend eats a vast assortment of vegetables ranging from okra, green beans, spinach, asparagus and all kinds of squash. The vegetables provide a great deal of fiber and help him feel full. They also provide a wonderful source of nutrition and prebiotic fibers. We attribute the vegetables and raw diet to help his longevity. Legend weighs 80 pounds and he still lives a full life.

We are so thankful to his exceptional vets: Dr. David Gordon at Arch Beach Veterinary and Dr. Michelle Murray at Nest Veterinary Neurology. Legend has brought us so much joy and happiness. Every day is a gift with him. We are so thankful he is still a happy dog enjoying his harbor walks and chasing squirrels.

How Much Should You Feed Your Pet?

 

Most pets love to eat and we love to reward them with more food.  But too much food can cause obesity which is on the rise in both cats and dogs.  Obesity isn't just a cosmetic issue.  It can increase the risk of arthritis, diabetes, cancer and other health conditions, especially as pets age.

Many times, pets are overweight because of overfeeding due to improper measurement.  It could be that the scooper to measure food is 1 cup not 1/2 cup or the directions state 1 can 2x a day when for your pet's needs, it should only be 1/2 can 2x a day.  So, how do you know how much to feed your dog or cat? 

Pet food companies are required to print feeding guidelines on their packages.  The directions must state, at a minimum, “Feed (unit) of product per (weight) of the dog (or cat).” This is very misleading. Active pets will require more calories than inactive ones. Old dogs or cats need far less calories than puppies or kittens. The feeding guidelines should be considered a starting point only.

If your pet is overweight,  feed the amount based on the weight your pet SHOULD BE.  Many pet food manufacturers have online calculators that can be  very helpful.  Try to be as accurate as possible in terms of the amount of exercise your pet really gets.  An active dog is not the same as a dog that goes on one 15 -20 minute walk per day.   

Adjust the feeding amounts based on your pet’s activity level and age. When you place your hands around your dog or cat, you should be able to feel their ribs and you should be able to see a definitive waist. If neither of these applies, your pet is probably overweight and needs to eat less. Adding green vegetables to meals can add vitamins, minerals, fiber and bulk – to help your pet feel more satisfied. Keeping your pet active can help them to maintain muscle mass and stay at a healthy weight.

For more pet nutrition tips, please visit AskAriel.com

Choosing A Good Groomer: Potential Grooming Hazards

 

We all want our pets to look and feel clean and beautiful.  Grooming is part of every day care. But sometimes pet owners don’t realize there can be hazards associated with grooming until after their pet comes home and there is a problem. Use these tips to stay informed when choosing a new groomer.

Every pet requires a certain amount of grooming on a regular basis. Grooming services can range from a basic wash, cut/clip, nail trim, teeth brushing, and anal gland expressing to name a few.  Each pet will respond differently to the grooming experience depending upon their past encounters. Unfortunately,  pet grooming can come with some risk for your pet. The risk may stem from the dog’s anxiety and being jumpy, the groomers skill level or the environment. The size and breed does not matter, each pet brings its own challenge.  It is helpful to start grooming at an early age, so that your pet will be more comfortable at the groomer, and it will help elevate their anxiety.  It is also important to research your groomer and the salon before making an appointment. The best way to find a quality groomer is to ask for referrals from a veterinary professional or from your friends and family.

The most common hazards of pet grooming:

Brush or Razor Burn- This is when the skin becomes irritated from the groomer going over an area repeatedly and/or the pet is shaved very close to the skin. It is more common when a dog is matted, and the groomer is trying to remove the mat. Daily brushing will help reduce matting and make the risk less. It can also occur when a dull or hot razor is used. Skin irritations are more common if the skin is sensitive, inflamed or the pet is suffering from a skin condition (such as yeast). 

Nicks and Scrapes- Your pet may get small cuts or nicks when the groomer is trying to remove mats, or if your dog is jumpy and moves unexpectedly. It is also possible that your pet has warts or moles under their coat that get nicked when being trimmed. It is important to treat these cuts immediately to avoid infection. Spraying Silver Immune Support on the cuts is helpful.

 Bleeding Nail Quick- When nails grow too long the nails may curl under causing your pet to have challenges walking.  If not trimmed regularly, the quick will become overgrown and if the nails are clipped too short they may bleed and be painful. To avoid bleeding quick, trim the nails a little at a time allowing for the quick to recede before trimming again. 

Ear Hematomas- If your dog has had tightly matted hair, the blood flow may have been restricted in that area. If the mat is removed the blood flow will return quickly and a blood blister  (hematoma) may form.  Ear hematomas which may occur after grooming are blood vessels in the ear that burst. Although they can occur from grooming, they can also occur from infections that causes the dog (especially floppy eared dogs) to shake their heads violently causing the hematoma and/or scratching. Dogs can also get ear infections from water getting in their ear.  Please pay close attention to your dog’s ears after a grooming. Unfortunately many of us do need to take our pets to the veterinarian following a grooming, even with the best groomers.