The signs of dog obesity include significant weight gain in comparison with past weight and fat accumulation in the belly or lower back. These signs often change the shape of the dog’s body and make it difficult to feel the rib cage. For purebred dogs, comparing the dog’s weight to measurements listed for dogs of…
Veterinarians most commonly prescribe NSAIDs for dogs to relieve swelling and pain associated with various conditions and diseases. There are some pros and cons to using these types of medications. While they have been proven very helpful in alleviating pain, discomfort, and inflammation, they also carry the risk of serious side effects. For this reason, when prescribing NSAIDs, veterinarians exercise…
Dog diseases come in a variety of forms, ranging from infections to disorders of the nervous system. Parvovirus, for example, is a severe disease that spreads quickly among groups of dogs and affects the intestinal tract. Arthritis is also relatively common, especially in older and overweight dogs. Obesity isn’t always regarded as a canine disease, but can…
Similar to humans, there are innumerable health problems that may affect dogs. The most common dog health issues include parasites, rabies, parvo, dysplasia, distemper, and leptospirosis. Several of these conditions can be prevented with vaccinations, good nutrition, and proper veterinary care. Others can happen to any dog in spite of preventative measures. The most common of dog health…
Virtually all dogs eventually fall victim to the degenerative disease known as canine osteoarthritis. This ailment primarily manifests in older dogs, but it can also occur in younger animals and puppies prone to maladies such as hip dysplasia. Previcox® for dogs is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) manufactured by Merial Animal Health, Ltd. It is used…
Metacam® is a prescription medication used as a pain reliever for dogs. It is available in liquid form, and can be prescribed by a veterinarian for several reasons. A dog may be given this medication as a preventative if he or she is about to undergo some form of surgery, or a dog may be…
Diphenhydramine is an over-the-counter antihistamine that can be used to treat many medical conditions. It has been commonly used by human patients since the 1940s, and it is considered safe for dogs at lower dosages. The different uses of diphenhydramine for dogs include the treatment of insect bites, asthma, muscle tremors and anxiety. During an allergic…
Using fish oil for dogs can have a number of health benefits. Adding fish oil to a dog’s diet often helps improve the condition of the skin and coat, but there are other benefits that are not as easily visible. Fish oil also helps keep several internal organs in healthy working condition, and can be beneficial for…
Dog worms are intestinal parasites which infest the digestive systems of dogs, or, in the case of the heartworm, the heart and surrounding blood vessels. Many of these parasites can also live in other animals, including humans, potentially creating a situation in which the worms will be spread and passed repeatedly. Worms are extremely common in dogs, especially in puppies,…
Also known by their scientific name Ctenocephalides canis, dog fleas are a specific type of flea that primarily feeds on dog blood. Like other types of fleas, they breed rapidly and can be difficult to get rid of because of their breeding cycles. These fleas are a serious problem that can lead to severe discomfort and…