Eight Signs Your Dog Is Becoming a Senior

Dogs age at different rates and time, for example, large breeds such as Saint Bernard’s are considered senior between the ages 6 to 7 while toy breeds like Chihuahuas at 10 to 11 years.

Your pup goes through many changes during this period and you need to know what to expect.

Behavioral Changes

This usually occurs as a result of brain aging, it affects their memory with many dogs not being able to recall commands or recognize their owner. It also makes other dogs more active and may appear they are staring aimlessly at objects, wandering aimlessly or vocalizing.

Others may become more docile and may not clean themselves as before or forget house training. It may also disrupt their sleep cycles with some staying up or restless all night and consequently sleeping all day. Anxiety and confusion are also common in older dogs.

They may become aggressive towards other dogs or clingy and codependent of their owners, dogs exhibiting such signs are often diagnosed with dog dementia or Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome.

Slow Gait

This is usually a result of arthritis, hip dysplasia or neurological degenerative disorders. Dogs appear to have difficulty moving around, playing catch and prefer to lie down. In such instances, a visit to the veterinarian is encouraged to be able to diagnose the cause.

Majority of the causes are usually incurable and need to be managed terminally. An appropriate diet, as well as as a good dog joint supplement, can help in alleviating inflammatory signs such as joint pain and swelling. Owners can also opt to invest in orthopedic beds and ramps.

Weight Loss or Gain

As dogs age their metabolic rate slows down, they also become more docile making it easier for them to gain considerable weight leading to obesity, this can further predispose them to heart diseases, cancers, and diabetes.

Other dogs, on the other hand, tend to lose body condition as they age, this can be attributed to gum diseases which makes mastication difficult, loss of appetite or poor food palatability, sudden loose of weight is an indicator of ill health.

Poor Vision

This results from neurodegenerative changes in the eye or eye conditions such as cataracts, dogs appear to bump into objects, fall uncontrollably and eyes may appear inflamed, degenerative changes are incurable.

Affected dogs are however able to transition smoothly as their other senses are heightened, in cases of cataracts surgical treatment helps restore eyesight.

Urinary Incontinence or Straining

This is usually an indication of kidney disease or urinary tract infections which are common in senior dogs, affected dogs may appear dehydrated, may drink copious amounts of water and have increased urination, the good news is that such infections are treatable and can be prevented by making changes to the dog’s diet.

Calluses

This is rough thick skin that forms on bony pressure points on dog’s limbs joint, it is commonly found on the elbow joint, they protect the bony part from protruding after continuous impact on hard surfaces when dogs lie down, calluses can ulcerate and get infected, and should, therefore, be kept clean, owners should provide comfortable padded beds to ease discomfort.

Changes in Hair and Skin

As dogs age, their hair coat may thin out and appear dry, in some instances it may also turn grey especially around the muzzle and eyes, the skin and nose might becomes dry making it prone to skin infections. Providing a diet rich in Vitamins A, C and E as well as supplementing with essential fatty acids helps to restore the luster of the hair.

Loss of Hearing

This usually occurs prior to the owner’s knowledge, affected dogs appear not to respond to voice commands and may startle when touched, they may also not react to loud noises, doorbells, sirens or other dogs barking, hearing loss is irreversible. Teaching dogs hand signals while young can be useful when they develop hearing loss.

Also, pay special attention to your dog’s physical activity, there might be signs of joint pain which is also common in senior dogs. Don’t wait for arthritis to slow down your dog.

How To Identify Cataracts In Your Dog And Prevent Blindness

Cataracts can be defined as the clouding of the lens of the eye, it becomes progressively opaque leading to blurred vision and blindness in advanced stages.

The lens forms the clear part of the eyes and lies behind the iris and cornea, it allows light to pass through to the back of the eye, the light/image is then converted into nerve signals which are sent to the brain for interpretation, in the case of cataracts, the cloudiness of the lens produces a blurred image.

Lenses are made up of water and proteins, the proteins are arranged in a systematic way to allow light to pass through, as dogs age, the proteins begin to clump up and slowly grow in size until the entire lens is covered giving it a cloudy grayish blue appearance.

Causes of Cataracts

• Age: this occurs as a result of proteins clumping up together, it is slow in onset and progresses over time until the entire lens is covered, usually affects dog above the age of 8.
• Injury: Blunt or perforating injuries to the eye can lead to cataracts.
• Toxicity: Some compound or drugs can cause lead to cataracts. E.g. long term use of ketaconazole (used to treat Cushing’s disease), dimethyl dulfoxide (used for joint inflammation)
• Metabolic Diseases: These include hyperglycemia and diabetes, this form of cataracts however does not lead to blindness, 75% of dogs with diabetes acquire cataracts with the first year after diagnosis, this condition affects both eyes in dogs with diabetes.
• Intraocular diseases: These include chronic glaucoma (Increased intraocular pressure), retinal detachment etc.
• Radiation therapy
• Genetics: Miniature poodles, Toy poodles, American Cocker Spaniels boxers, pugs etc. are more predisposed to cataracts compared to other dog breeds.
• Nutritional deficiencies of Vitamin A, E and C. It is also common in puppies on artificial milk diets.
• Birth defects

Symptoms / What to look for:

• Opaque, bluish grayish coloration of the eye.
• Reluctance to move or even climb the stairs
• Eye irritation and inflammation, they may appear red
• Pawing at the eyes
• Falling or bumping into furniture around the house (signs of poor vision)

Diagnosis

Once you suspect your fur baby is having problems with vision, a visit to the veterinarian is recommended, apart from a thorough physical examination and full blood work, an ophthalmic examination is crucial, blood biochemistry will help to check for state of the kidneys, liver and blood sugar levels to rule out metabolic diseases while a complete blood count will help to eliminate infections as possible causes.

Retro illumination is performed using a pen light during the eye examination, a shinning light is usually directed towards the pupil to check for opacity.

Treatment

Treatment options depend on the cause of the cataracts, stage of the cataracts and overall health status of the dog. For diabetic pets, insulin is usually prescribed and appropriate drugs administered in case of eye infections.

Surgical removal of the lens is prescribed for cases of advanced cataracts, the damaged lens is replaced with a plastic or acrylic lens which functions just as well as the natural lenses. Antibiotics should be prescribed post operative and the dog put on an E collar for 14 days. This will prevent him from pawing at the eye and to prevent infections.

Owners should watch out for possible eye complications following surgery, these include uveatis, glaucoma, retinal detachment and suture failure among others.

Prevention

• Senior dogs should have regular eye checkups to monitor their eye health.
• Dogs predisposed to cataracts should be fed a diet rich in Vitamin A, C, and E as well as Omega 3 essential fatty acids to promote good health of the eyes.

Dog Throwing Up Yellow: Keep Calm And Follow These Steps

As a loving canine owner, it is touching to see your pooch experience tummy problems. This is the primary reason why you should make an earnest effort to make sure that your furry friend stays in good health.

There is an old saying in life, it is the little things that count. This old adage also applies to your dog well-being. Regular trips to the vet, buying premium food, and giving your dog vitamins will pay big dividends. If you fail to do these things, there is a strong possibility that you are putting your dog’s health at risk. It is important to point out that your beloved canine will experience medical issues from time to time. For example, you may witness your dog vomiting.

When it comes to your dog vomiting, it can be extremely difficult to find out why this is happening. Turning to the internet for clues is a great idea. However, if you surf the internet for answers, you will be overwhelmed with the vast amount of information online. It is vital for you to remain calm and concentrate on uncovering the facts.

You must make an effort to find the answers to the following questions:

• What color is the dog vomit?
• How often is your dog vomiting bile?
• Did you find any evidence of your dog infiltrating your stash of sweet treats?
• Is this the sign of an ulcer or another medical issue?

In this article, we will take a close look at how to deal with your canine vomiting yellow (bilious vomiting). After you read the information in this article, you will know how to deal with this situation. Let’s get started.

Why is My Dog Throwing Up Yellow Fluid or Foam?

As with other medical issues, keep in mind that you must go to the source of the issue before you can treat your dog’s health issue effectively.

It is time for you to put on your detective hat. You can start out by looking for clues. Frequency, consistency, and color are three matters that can help you find out why your dog is vomiting yellow, also known as, bilious vomiting.

In this case, your dog is vomiting yellow. This is your first clue.

If your dog vomit is yellow, there might be an issue going on in their liver. Your furry friend is expelling bile from their liver.

What is bile? This is a natural digestive fluid produced inside your dog’s liver. During digestion, the bile travels through the gallbladder. It eventually reaches the small intestine.

Bile serves an important purpose for the digestive process. It breaks down food and sends important nutrients throughout the entire body.

Yellow bile may appear as thick yellow mucus or a foamy liquid. It may look gross, but it plays a vital role in your dog’s digestive system.

When you see yellow bile in your dog vomit, it is time for you to take serious action. This is not the time for you to have a cavalier attitude.

There are several reasons why you will see yellow bile in your canine’s vomit (medical terms is bilious vomiting). Let’s take a close look at them.

1. Food Allergies

Contrary to popular belief, it is not wise for you to give you dog table food or table scraps. Your dog may be allergic to some things.

It is not unusual for dogs to get sick when they are introduced to a food allergen.

Here are some common food allergens you need to be aware of:

• Soy
• Pork
• Rabbit
• Wheat
• Dairy
• Beef
• Lamb
• Corn
• Eggs
• Fish

When you decide to switch your dog’s food, it is important for you to pay close attention to their digestive habits. It is typical for a dog to vomit or have an upset stomach when their owner makes a sudden change to their diet.

It is weird to see dogs develop allergies to food they have been eating for several years. This is why many people rule out the possibility of a food allergy when their dog has bilious vomiting.

Dogs may develop food allergies within one to five years of age. We must also point out that a sudden change in the environment can lead to canine allergies.

Let’s say that you decide to take your family and canine on a long trip during the summer. Well, there is a chance of your dog experiencing an upset stomach episode along the way. Please keep this in mind while preparing for the trip.

2. An Empty Stomach

It is always a good idea to satisfy your dog appetite. If your dog hasn’t eaten for several hours, bile can begin to irritate their stomach lining. Besides making your dog feel uncomfortable, the irritation can cause vomiting. This is known as bilious vomiting syndrome.

If an empty stomach is what triggered the yellow foam, your dog will cease to vomit yellow after a period of time and might not be cause for concern.

Paying close attention to your dog’s behavior, and sticking with a routine feeding schedule can help you avoid this serious problem.

3. Car Sickness and Heatstroke

As we stated earlier, the environment can influence your dog’s health. Many factors in the environment can lead to vomiting in dogs.

For instance, dehydration and excessive heat can cause your dog to have a heatstroke. Intensive research and medical studies show that dogs are vulnerable during the summer months. It is important for you to ensure that your dog is hydrated and cool at all times.

You are putting your dog health at serious risk if you leave them alone in a car. Simply leave them with a relative or a close friend. This will give you an opportunity to run your errands with a peace of mind.

It is also important to mention that dogs can also suffer from motion car sickness that may cause vomiting. This is especially true if your dog is traveling on an empty stomach. Please consider feeding your dog before taking a long trip.

4. Grass is Your Dog’s Worst Nightmare

For some strange reason, some dogs enjoy eating grass. It is reasonable to think this is one of their ways of getting familiar with their environment. However, they will vomit the grass after a period of time. Grass is not compatible with their digestive system.

When you take your dog to the park for a walk, try to keep them from eating the grass. If your dog persists to eat the grass, there is a strong possibility that they are not getting enough nutrition from their food. If this is the case, you should consider changing their diet.

Is Dog Vomiting a Serious Symptom?

An experienced dog trainer and vet will not hesitate to tell you that yellow foam is common in the canine world. They will also tell you that there is no need for serious concern.

However, a vomiting may be a side symptom of a serious problem. In short, your dog’s vomit may not be the problem. Your dog may be having an internal health issue. This is why you should keep a close eye on your dog.

Here are some internal issues you should be aware of:

1. Gastrointestinal Problems

In some instances, yellow vomit can be a cause for concern as it might be a sign of digestive distress. When combined with other serious symptoms, yellow vomiting may be a sign of the following: certain gastrointestinal cancers, inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease, stomach ulcers, and intestinal parasites.

The diagnoses listed above should only be considered when they are paired with the symptoms listed below:

• Weight Loss
• Vomiting Blood
• Loss of Appetite
• Diarrhea (You may see some blood)
• Depression
• Lethargy
• Sudden Change in Your dog’s Behavior
• Yellowing of the gums, eyes, or skin

If you witness your dog suffering from several of the symptoms above, you should take your pet to the veterinarian immediately. The veterinarian will source the problem and take necessary action to improve your dog’s health.

2. Blockage in Your Dog’s Intestines

In some rare cases, vomiting in dogs may indicate they wanted to try something new. This could be any of the following: towels, rocks, a rubber ball, silverware, and a number of other things.

It does not take a rocket scientist to know that these items will not be welcomed by your dog’s GI tract. These items can cause a blockage likely in the small intestine. If this occurs, your dog will need immediate surgery. This will be the only way to remove the item.

3. Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis can cause yellow vomiting. Your dog’s pancreas can swell if they eat too many fatty or oily foods. If they consume this type of food, they will throw up yellow within five days after eating the meal.

Are there any symptoms of pancreatitis? Yes, your dog will experience abdominal pain and diarrhea, it would be an unpleasant experience for your pet to say the least.

Practical Tips For Treating Dog Vomiting

Using conventional wisdom is the key to determining if your dog needs to see a veterinarian. If your dog is suffering from the symptoms above, you should take your dog to the nearest vet. Their life may depend on it!

If your dog vomits periodically, you can try the following home remedies. They are simple, and they have provided positive results for dogs over the years. There is no reason why they cannot work for your friendly canine.

1. Prevention is the Best Course of Action

Prevention is the first order of business. Your dog needs proper exercise, a healthy diet, and quality multi-vitamins like Hero One.

2. Give Your Dog Small Meals throughout the Day

This may seem like a simple tip, but it will work wonders for your dog’s health. Giving your dog smaller meals throughout the day will keep them full and lower the chances of inflammatory toxins building up in their system.

Let’s say you have been giving your dog two cups of high-grade food every day. You serve them one cup of food during the morning and one cup of food evening. You should consider giving them half a cup during each feeding session. This equates to you feeding them four times every day.

3. Watch Your Dog’s Diet Carefully

As we mentioned earlier, a sudden change in your dog’s diet can upset their stomach, if your dog vomits, check the food choices. This is why you must change their diet gradually. This approach gives their system a chance to adapt to the new food.

How should you make the change? Add a small increment of the new food.

You should also ensure that poisonous products and detrimental foods are kept out of reach. This is called puppy proofing your home.

4. Give Your Dog Digestible Foods

If your dog begins to throw up, you should think about giving them digestible foods. In layman terms, you should give them a simple meal.

What should you give them? Skinless boiled chicken and plain white rice will do the job. You may be tempted to add salt and pepper to the chicken. However, this will be detrimental to their health.

Serve this meal to them for two to three days. After that, gradually bring their regular diet back into the feeding routine. Mixing dog food into the chicken and rice will help you do this with ease.

5. Rehydration

Vomiting in dogs causes hydration. This is the main reason why you must make sure your dog is hydrated after a session of vomiting. Giving them plenty of water will re-hydrate your canine.

Get in touch with your vet if your dog is suffering from chronic vomiting. Your dog’s vet may tell you to bring your canine to their office for fluid treatment.

You should not be alarmed. This is a simple procedure. The vet will inject intravenous fluids into your dog.

Final Words

As a pet parent, dog vomiting is one situation you cannot afford to ignore. Fortunately, you have options at your disposal. If you take heed to the advice in this article, there is no need for you to freak out about dog vomiting yellow.

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Dog Arthritis

Dog Arthritis Symptoms

As responsible dog owners, we should all try to keep arthritis at bay, it is a major source of concern, causing pain and agony to your pooch, most pet owners use glucosamine and turmeric supplements as a natural alternative with almost no side effect.

This disease might not cause death but is usually accompanied by complications such as chronic pain, obesity, and mobility issues. It is always advisable to act promptly as soon as symptoms start to show, rather than waiting until it’s too late.

Canine osteoarthritis¹ is a common type of arthritis that develops as a result of many contributing factors such as age, obesity, and injury. Do not wait till it’s too late.

The following can help to maintain your dog’s joints healthy

Watch Your Dog’s Weight

One of the major causes of arthritis is obesity. It is important to keep your dog’s weight in check, since too much weight exerts pressure on its joints, causing pain and discomfort which leads to less physical activity. This, in turn, leads to more weight build-up.

Avoid Too Much Exercise

They say too much of something is usually bad. Don’t make your dog exercise too much, or its joints will weaken over time due to excessive friction. Inquire from your vet about how much your dog should be exercising on a daily basis, this will vary depending on the breed, medical history, and diet.

Take Your Dog For Swimming

Yes! Swimming is therapeutic for your dog’s joints. It doesn’t cause irritation as a result of too much pressure, unlike other physical activities. In fact, it is known to improve cardiovascular health for dogs.

Quality Is Always Better Than Quantity

Feed your dog with nutrient-rich food. Natural raw food is always recommended due to its abundant nutritious benefits. Unlike that of man, the dog’s digestive system can take in raw foods such as meat and extract maximum nutrients from it, required for the development of healthy and energetic joints.

If you’re not into raw diets, then do your research and choose only the highest quality food, make sure to read the label and understand the ingredients listed. Typically, the ingredients listed at the top are the most prominent in the food.

Use Joint Supplements

Supplements improve the health of your dog’s joints by helping it develop strong cartilages and ligaments. This means that it will not be prone to injuries, keeping arthritis away each day.

Ruff Heros’s hip and joint supplement contain only the highest quality ingredients like Hemp Seed Meal, Chondroitin, MSM, Glucosamine HCL and many other important nutrients that will help keep your dog’s joints healthy.

Hip Dysplasia In Dogs

It’s always distressing to know a dog is in pain particularly when there’s little you can do to relieve their suffering. It’s one of the reasons owning an elderly canine can be very stressful. As dogs age, their bodies weaken just like ours do and dysplasia may occur. Aches and pains grow common and, besides providing extra vigilant care, there’s not much to be done about it.

Hip dysplasia problems are an issue for older dogs as they are for elderly humans. Older canines may lose some mobility and develop sensitivity in their joints. To a degree, this is a natural consequence of maturity. However, dog owners need to understand the key differences between superficial aches and more serious joint problems.

What is Hip Dysplasia in Dogs?

For instance, hip dysplasia in dogs is quite common and more prevalent in some breeds than others. Is your fur baby suffering from a knock sustained while leaping about the park or do they need medical treatment? It can be hard to tell which is why this article explores the symptoms of hip dysfunction in dogs.

The difference between acute and chronic pain

There are two varieties of hip dysplasia pain and they require different approaches to treatment, the routine usually includes x rays and anti inflammatory treatment. They are chronic pain and acute pain.

Acute hip pain

Acute pain is best described as ‘temporary’ pain. It is caused by injury, accident, or the symptoms of short-term illness. Hip injuries sustained in a clash with another dog are considered acute. If a pet falls while out running or gets hit by a car, they may experience acute hip pain. This type of pain is normally treatable and temporary, though some injuries may be more serious than others.

Acute pain tends to be easy to treat because it’s usually visible. Even if you cannot see an injury right away, your dog may be limping or incessantly licking at a wounded area. These injuries require prompt attention. They may require a trip to the vet and things like cones, bandages, and medication.

Most minor hip sprains and strains can be treated at home. Though, it is probably best to consult a veterinarian just to make sure. Gentle massages, glucosamine treats, careful exercise and lots of love are all canine needs to recover from most types of acute hip pain.

Make a judgment call but ensure it’s an informed one. Leaving a serious problem untreated – even if it’s acute pain – can cause a dog unnecessary suffering and additional health complications.

Chronic hip pain

Chronic hip pain in dogs can be much tougher to diagnose and treat. It’s not caused by accident or injury, so it’s not a matter of healing the damaged body part. The term ‘chronic’ refers to persistent, recurring pain, and discomfort.

It is sometimes caused by degenerative joint conditions such as arthritis. In other cases, it links to a congenital issue called hip dysplasia in which the ball and socket joints of the hips are malformed. It may also be a consequence of long-term illnesses like cancer and autoimmune disorders.

Hip dysplasia is a condition all dog owners should be aware of especially if their canine is a large breed. The problem of hip dysplasia is more prevalent in bigger dogs with larger frames. It is characterized by the progressive disintegration of hip cartilage. As the soft, springy cartilage breaks down, it leaves the bones exposed. Without their natural shock absorber, they grind uncomfortably against one another.

Canine hip dysplasia results in persistent aches and pains within and around the region of the hips. Over time, there may be decreased mobility and further malformation of the joints, in some cases, total hip replacement is needed, less severe cases might respond well to physical therapy, young dogs may also develop hip dysplasia.

Hip dysplasia in dogs is hereditary. Looking at a canine’s older parent can tell you whether they’re likely to develop similar problems one day. On the other hand, immobility and pain aren’t certainties even if a pet does have dysplasia. Recognizing a dog’s risk factors and managing these throughout their younger years goes a long way towards helping them maintain good health.

Hip dysplasia is made worse by obesity, physical inactivity, and poor nutrition. These are factors dog owners can control. They are not predetermined even if hip dysplasia is unavoidable.

In some cases, a hip replacement is recommended, this needs to be evaluated by your veterinarian who will consider your dog’s breed, weight, pain level, and joint laxity. Your veterinarian will look at all clinical signs to help your dog with pain management and might recommend certain surgical procedures specific to dogs with hip dysplasia, less critical cases will benefit from using anti inflammatory drugs to help with range of motion.

How to recognize hip problems in your pet

The most important (and trickiest) task is distinguishing between acute pain and symptoms of hip dysplasia or arthritis. Some signs of hip dysplasia might include the following clinical signs:

Swaying/Lopsided stance

Any change to your dog’s usual gait warrants closer investigation. It can be caused by a hundred different things and, more often than not, it’s a small cut or a graze on their paw. Sometimes though, it’s a sign of deep pain within the hip joints and it might be related to canine hip dysplasia.

Keep your eye out not for an obvious limp but for a wonky stance or bunny hopping. Is your dog leaning awkwardly to one side? Is he favoring one side of his body? Does he struggle to keep his body still when he’s stood stationary? is this behavior months old?

Pain caused by an injured paw or leg will show itself in localized tenderness. If you’ve hurt your foot, you naturally avoid stepping on the wound. Chronic hip pain from hip dysplasia is experienced across the trunk and may render one side of a pet’s body weak.

Difficulty getting upright

Sadly, age comes with decreased mobility, specifically in the hip joint or hind legs. It’s actually very normal for elderly dogs to find getting up and down a struggle. Rising from a prone position, lowering back into a prone position, and climbing stairs can all cause discomfort for older animals as a result of both bone and muscle mass loss.

There is little you can do besides treat an old canine carefully if these issues are a consequence of age. They should not be a chronic problem in younger dogs. If your pet is experiencing discomfort while performing basic movements (such as lying down), they may have chronic joint issues related to dogs hip dysplasia.

Physical inactivity

Sedentary dogs who were formerly very energetic require immediate attention as this clinical sign may indicate hip dysplasia problems. Our furry friends love to play and expend energy. Even elderly canines will do their best to fetch and chase balls. Sudden disinterest in play and exercise is a common sign of injury or chronic pain.

If your pet is happy go lucky one week and then refuse to move by the next, investigate. You may need to take him to the vet for a physical exam.

Unusual position while prone

Sometimes, a dog will relieve tightness and tension in their hip joints by adopting a comforting position. For instance, dogs with hip dysplasia are known to lie on the floor with their back legs very close together.

It looks a little odd and unnatural and that’s because it is. Dogs do it to ease pressure and discomfort from hip dysplasia.

It should be noted this is only worthy of concern if a dog does it repeatedly. Canines are curious animals. Sometimes, they do things because, well, they just feel it. A dog who lies prone like this once or twice is not a worry.

Swollen hips

Sadly, advanced hip dysplasia disease in dogs can lead to visible hip joint deformities. This is not extremely common but still worth looking out for. If your pet’s hip bones start to jut and look overly prominent, take them to the vet.

If they flinch when you touch their hip joint or pelvis region, take them to the vet. It could just be a sprain, but it’s better to be sure, keep in mind if your dog is a large breed, the risk is higher.

What to do if your dog is suffering from hip pain or sensitivity

The only way to know for certain if a dog has hip problems is to visit the vet. They can use sophisticated diagnostic equipment to find the root of the discomfort, in extreme cases, a total hip replacement may be suggested. You can do all the observing you like at home. Without a scan, you can’t take the next step forward. If you dream of your dog being pain free, visit your veterinarian so that he can evaluate all the clinical signs.

The first thing a vet will do is perform an x-ray of the animal’s hips. This may involve the prescription of a sedative, but it is a safe and non-invasive procedure. While the dog is sedated, they may also perform a hip laxity exam. This involves manual manipulation of the joints to ascertain mobility.

In some cases, they’ll take a blood sample for further testing. You’ll probably need to wait a few days or a week for the results. If tests come back positive for hip dysplasia, arthritis, or another degenerative joint condition, they can advise you on the best forms of care.

Can you treat a dog’s hip problems at home?

There are many reasons a dog owner might want to avoid surgery and the expense is just one. For older dogs especially, surgery can be a dangerous option. The procedure may be routine but there is always a risk posed by anesthesia. The older or sicker the animal, the greater the risk.

This doesn’t mean you should automatically reject the notion of surgery. Some health problems degenerate to such a degree that a dog has no quality of life without surgical intervention. It’s an issue that needs to be discussed with your veterinary professional.

If you’re keen to avoid surgery, discuss this directly with the vet. There may be alternatives you can try at home. It really depends on the animal’s unique circumstances and factors such as age and severity of sickness. For instance, dogs of advanced age may have serious conditions that can be fixed with surgery. It doesn’t mean surgery is the best option particularly if it’s very risky.

The hope is that whatever your dog’s diagnosis, you can take him home, keep him comfortable and treat him in safe, familiar surroundings.

Here are some things you should focus on if your dog has a chronic or degenerative health condition.

Nutrient rich diet

The single best thing you can do for a dog with chronic health problems is feed a nutritious diet. Food really is medicine. They need plenty of vitamins and minerals to regenerate damaged tissues, maintain a healthy immune system and strengthen their skeleton. Few things impact health as dramatically as diet.

Dogs with joint conditions need to be fed whole meat regardless of your own dietary preferences. It’s essential for health. Lean meat provides nutritious fats, key amino acids, minerals, and vitamins. You don’t have to feed your pet organ meat – some owners dislike handling it – but know it’s packed with micronutrients.

Don’t forget the fresh fruits and vegetables. They provide a great deal of hydration and continue topping up those valuable vitamins and minerals. Some fresh produce (like onions and avocadoes) is mildly toxic for canines. Just do a little research if you’re serving produce from the supermarket. Canned dog foods have already been tested and approved.

Low impact movement

Exercise remains vital even for dogs with impaired mobility. It can be distressing to watch a canine hobble or limp around, but immobility is the fastest route to poor health. Choose activities that are suitable but do not pander to your pet too much.

They need to stay mobile whether they want to move or not. Approach them as you might a child with a superficial injury. They don’t know they ‘can’t’ until you allow them not to try. Reduce the pace when walking, allow more time for strolls and consider taking your dog swimming. Water activities are wonderful for pets with hip problems because the buoyancy takes the pressure off their joints.

Health supplements

Nutrition is always important, and you should do everything you can to feed your dog a balanced diet. It won’t be easy all the time. Humans are the smartest mammals on the planet and we still suffer from nutritional deficiencies because we don’t eat the right things. Supplementation allows us to bridge the gaps and cheat our way to a strong body.

The same options are available to dog owners. Supplementation is a superb way to ensure your pet always gets the nutrients they need.

Here are some common canine supplements:

Glucosamine

Yes, glucosamine supplements can be given to dogs as well as people. It’s a potent nutrient designed to accelerate cartilage production. As the breakdown of cartilage is a primary symptom of hip dysplasia in dogs, this supplement is strongly recommended.

Glucosamine is naturally produced in the body, but levels decline with age. Thus, supplementation becomes very important for older animals.

MSM

MSM is short for methylsulfonylmethane (don’t worry, nobody calls it that). It’s a naturally occurring sulphuric nutrient known for inhibiting pain receptors. It is given to dogs with hip problems as a pain reliever and a supplement for managing inflammation. It works by lessening a dog’s ability to process pain in their nerve centers.

Omega-3

Countless studies have demonstrated the benefits of fish oils for improved joint health and functions. It’s true in people and in canines too. According to one study, dosing dogs with omega-3 oils led to significant reductions in pain, immobility, and stiffness. One added advantage is omega-3 oils also enrich fur, eye and brain cells.

The final word on hip dysplasia in dogs

Joint problems are an unavoidable part of life for some dog breeds. Just knowing a pet is vulnerable can be very distressing for owners. It’s difficult to know your canine is likely to develop congenital issues.

However, you must keep in mind the happy go lucky nature of dogs. Yes, they experience pain and can struggle sometimes. Without a conscious understanding of sickness though, they are rarely anguished.

They have you, their favorite toys, and a daily routine they adore. Even for a dog with pain issues, life can be sweet.

Sources

1. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/hip-dysplasia-in-dogs/
2. https://iheartdogs.com/the-18-breeds-with-the-most-risk-of-hip-dysplasia-is-your-dog-at-risk/
3. https://www.certapet.com/hip-dysplasia-in-dogs/#Causes_of_Hip_Dysplasia_or_Hip_Joint_Pain
4. https://www.caninejournal.com/canine-hip-dysplasia/
5. https://toegrips.com/medicine-hip-dysplasia-dogs/
6. https://lessonsfromaparalyzeddog.com/mobility-brace-for-dogs-with-arthritis-and-hind-end-weakness/
7. https://www.thedrakecenter.com/services/dogs/laser-therapy-for-dogs
8. https://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2017/10/dogobesity/
9. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/acupuncture-acupressure-for-dogs

Can Dogs Eat Lettuce?

Dogs are loved and adored by many, sometimes we allow our dogs to eat every kind of food we take. You should know that allowing your dog to eat every kind of food you have in your house is not the best for your fido. So amongst other questions, you might be wondering if dogs can eat lettuce.

The truth is, lettuce is a very healthy vegetable for human beings but could it have equal benefits to our dogs so the answer is yes, dogs can eat lettuce and benefit from it. Lettuce can be a great alternative to treats that have high levels of calorie for our dogs. This is because lettuce is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, all these vitamins should be included in every dog’s diet.

Lettuce has fiber which is very essential in streamlining the dog’s digestion system and also contains very low levels of calories in them. This means lettuce brings a lot of benefits to our pets that we may not be aware of.

This said, however, the levels of nutrients available in the lettuce will depend on the method of preparation and its type. It is also worth noting that lettuce may be safe for dogs to feed in appropriate quantities. Similar to other vegetables, like avocado, if your dog feeds on too much lettuce, he or she may suffer stomach upsets which may lead to diarrhea. It is therefore very important to limit the amount of lettuce you give your dog.

Here are the benefits of including  lettuce in your dog’s diet:

• Lettuce is a source of fiber which is very beneficial to your dog with digestion.
• Lettuce is a high source of vitamins and some of them are very critical for the health of the canines.
• Lettuce is low in fats and calories hence healthy for your dog.
• Lettuce can be used as a healthy treat for your dog.

Here are some disadvantages of lettuce to your dog.

• If the dog is fed with excessive amounts of lettuce, stomach upsets may occur leading to diarrhea.
• Some dogs will have a hard time digesting lettuce.
• Lettuce that is not well prepared may not have enough bioavailable nutrients to really be of benefit to your dog.

Cooked vs Raw lettuce.

There is a variety of lettuce that can be fed to our dogs. They range from iceberg lettuce, Romaine lettuce, and regular lettuce. All these can be eaten by dogs either raw or cooked. One thing though, that every dog owner should know is that you should never feed your dog with lettuce with mixed veggie salads or dressing. These dressings contain many ingredients that can be harmful to your dog. This is because they contain some substances that your dog should not be eating like sodium and some other condiments.

When feeding your dog with lettuce, ensure you chop it up in fine small pieces, this will make it easier for your dog to digest, you can either cook it or serve it raw, your dog won’t mind. However, ensure that you do not add any spices at all.

If you are introducing lettuce to your dog for the first time, it is essential to begin with small portions. Lettuce can be a good source of vitamins to your dog if you feed it with the right amounts. This said, however, lettuce alone should not be the main meal for your dog. It may contain nutrients but will not be sufficient to be termed as a balanced diet.

The most convenient method of feeding your dog with lettuce is by adding it to a hearty cooked meal or giving it as a treat. Given that lettuce contains 90 % water in it, the nutritional content may be low and it should not be given as a main meal. So always incorporate lettuce to the main meal for your dog.