Dog Obesity & Weight Management

HEALTH AND WELLNESS ILLNESS PREVENTION

Dog Obesity & Weight Management

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As we all review our body shape after the holidays, it is a good time to look at our dogs in a critical light. Have we let them down by feeding them too much and not walking them enough?

Sadly obesity in pets is as common as it is in the human population: the most recent studies from the US show that 44% of dogs there are overweight or obese! The Australian Veterinary Association believes that Australian dogs are not that far behind.

As with us, the most common reasons are too much food and too little exercise. It is just too easy to "love" our pets by giving them treats or more food, but in so many cases this is quite the wrong thing to do.

I think it is fair to say that most dogs love their food. Just because they love it, is not a good reason to keep feeding them. Friends of ours have a Labrador and her all time record was convincing four family members that no one had fed her that night, resulting in four dinners, and she was still looking for more!

Certainly some breeds are more keen on their food than others, but we have to be their self-control, because they will just keep eating.

So how do you judge if your dog is overweight?

I am often asked this by my clients, who want me to look at the reading on the scales rather than at the dog itself.

Don't get me wrong, I think it is really important to know the weight of your dog and to keep recording it, so you can judge how you are both going. 

The important thing is to determine what is the correct weight for your individual dog. There are lots of breed charts around that can give you an idea of what a dog of a particular breed and sex should weigh, but it is a bit like saying how much should a person weigh, without looking at their build. 

The starting point is to get down and give your dog a good cuddle (something they would rather you did than feed them anyway!); have a good feel over their rib cage. 

Can you feel their ribs? (Really feel them?) if you can't, then your dog is overweight. There is nothing over the rib cage of a dog other than skin and perhaps fat. It is the same for men - just look at the swimmers on the blocks at the Olympics. Those guys have pumped every muscle to the max, but you can see every rib. 

So now we know that if the ribs are not easily felt, your pet is carrying excess fat. Most dogs should have a "waist" as well - their bodies should taper in behind the rib cage. Too many have the "love handles" where we can carry extra weight. In fact, clients often ask me if their dog has a growth - and yet it is a solid pad of fat on each side. 

Don't forget that your vet will always be keen to help you judge whether your dog is overweight.

Now if you have worked out that your dog is too fat, a good idea is to get a weight on your pet so you know where you are starting from and can gauge your success.

Most vets will be delighted if you pop in for a free weigh in. Get them to record the weight for you, if you like. Alternatively, you can probably weigh yourself on bathroom scales at home, then pick up the dog and subtract your weight from the total, to get your dog's weight.

So, why do we need to worry about the weight of dogs? They always love us when we feed them and always want more.The reasons are virtually identical to the hazards of obesity in humans.

The Principal Risks of Dog Obesity

#1. Reduced quality of life and reduced lifespan. We all want our dogs to live for as long and as well as possible, so why are we so intent on feeding them too much? It is conclusively shown that obesity sets us and our pets up for higher rates of cancer, and also damages so many internal organs like the liver.

#2. Increased risks of Arthritis. So many of my patients have arthritis and their owners ask what wonder drugs do they need. Certainly we have some amazing medicines that can help relieve the signs of arthritis, but without exception, reducing the weight of a pet will make an enormous difference.

#3. Increased risk of acute joint damage. Nature designed dogs to have ligaments and tendons strong enough for their bodies. If the body is too heavy, then the risk of ligament damage is vastly increased. Cruciate Ligament injuries are expensive to fix, and yet are much less likely to rupture in slim dogs.

#4. Diabetes. As in the human population, diabetes is a common and significant result of obesity. When a dog has diabetes its cells cannot absorb sugar from the blood. The cells lose their ability to absorb the blood sugar when they become insulin resistant, as a result of over feeding. The cells need energy to make them work. When the energy giving glucose cannot get into the cells, the dog will tire easily, but it will also be crying out for food, as the cells think they are starving, so the dog will eat more and pump more sugars into its blood stream trying to satisfy those starving cells. 

Too much blood sugar overwhelms the kidneys and it flows into the urine drawing water with it. A diabetic dog urinates away a lot of energy rich urine, so it is both hungry and thirsty, and loses weight. You can find more information in our post on Dog Diabetes.

#5. Reduced exercise capacity. Surely one of the greatest joys of having a dog is watching it run fast and free. Overweight dogs are not just carrying more fat on the outside, they have more on the inside, too. 

Think of your dog's rib age as a boney box. Inside the rib cage your dog needs to fit a beating heart and soft fluffy lungs. Overweight dogs have loads of fat inside that boney box. Something has to give, and guess what? It is the fluffy lungs that get squeezed, restricting their ability to fill with air. So not only is the overweight dog carrying more weight, but it has less capacity to absorb oxygen, slowing it down even more. As well as compressing the lungs, extra fat will compress windpipe and airways and make dogs that have airway challenges struggle to breathe even more. 

I encourage my clients to think of their dog's excess weight in terms of milk cartons. We quite often see dogs that are ten or twelve kilos or more overweight. 

I ask their owners how they would feel if they had to carry home six 2 litre milk cartons, or what they would say if they saw someone strap three 2 litre cartons into paniers on either side to make the dog carry home the milk?

Above is a photo of Tara who was 12 kilos overweight - she was carrying the equivalent of six 2 litre cartons every step she took 24/7.

What can you do if your dog is overweight?

The most important thing is to get the whole family on board. If one family member is surreptitiously feeding your dog, then all your good work will be undone.

How much should you feed your dog? 

There are two simple answers - less than you are feeding at present, and almost certainly, less than the dog food manufacturer recommends. Most of the feeding guides are based on exclusive feeding of that particular diet to an active dog. Most of us give other foods to our dogs and sadly, with all the pressures on our lives, few of us walk our dogs as much as we should.

It is essential to measure your dog's food. It doesn't matter how you prefer to feed your dog. Once it is overweight, you know you need to feed it less! It might be a good time to talk to a vet about what you are feeding your dog.

Many human foods are completely unsuited to dogs and can cause obesity and other problems like pancreatitis. If you like to prepare home cooked meals, that is fine. Just remember that the things that make us fat are likely to make our dogs fat as well. 

The most important thing is to measure the amount you are feeding and stick to the measure. If you like to feed dry dog foods, get a plastic cup and keep it with the dry food. Draw a line with a permanent marker on the container, and stick to that measure so you can gauge results. 

I have had dozens of dogs over the years and I still don't trust myself to gauge the amount I feed them. I measure every meal. Regardless of what you feed your dog, work out how much you are feeding and then give about 75% of this as a starting point. If your dog is not losing weight after a month then reduce the amount by another 10%.

1. Don't leave food down for your dog. Dogs are not grazing animals. In the wild they would have run down their prey and then gorged on it, laying down fat from a large feed as insurance (emergency food supply) against the "rainy day" when there was nothing to eat. None of our pets has a "rainy day" to worry about so does not need that reserve of energy.

2. Increase your dog's exercise - this is the part you should both love! Show how much you love them by going for regular long walks together. The bonding will be amazing and the weight will fall away more quickly. Be careful in the early stages if your dog is unfit or very overweight. 

Go in the cooler parts of the day or consider swimming, which is great if there is any sense of Arthritis. There is a growing number of hydrotherapy facilities in Australia, but a swim at the beach or river, or in your pool will give a fabulous work out without stressing the joints of an overweight or unfit dog.

3. Consider one of the many different brands of "prescription diet" from your vet. The proven technology behind these is fantastic. They really do work and your vet can often enrol your dog in a free computer recorded programme. 

The research behind these diets is the opposite of the human junk food industry. It is rather alarming that food technologists in the human food industry know which ingredients make us want to eat more, and which ingredients make us feel full or satiated. The junk food industry adds those "eat more" ingredients and takes out the "I'm full" components, which is why we find it hard to resist some snacks. 

Fortunately for our pets, the dog food manufacturers are doing the opposite, and have incorporated lots of the "I'm full" ingredients into the best weight loss diets. I know they cost a bit more than normal dog foods, but if they save you the cost of medicating a sick or arthritic dog you will be ahead.

Now back to Tara... I adopted her from an old man who had to go into a nursing home. She could barely hobble around and was on pain medication.

We put her on a diet and in three months she lost twelve kilos (her six 2 litre milk cartons) and runs on the beach with our other dogs, weighing a healthy 28 kilos. Oh! Yes she is not on any pain medication now either!

Dr. Gordon Heslop, 2016
Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine. Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. B.Vet. Med., M.R.C.V.S.

Gordon qualified as a vet from the Royal Veterinary College and after five years in practice in the UK he migrated to Australia. He now owns two veterinary hospitals in Sydney. Gordon has special interests in surgery and medicine in dogs and cats, and also in communicating veterinary matters to pet owners. He is a great believer in demystifying science, making it understandable to dog and cat owners. 

He was the resident vet on the Channel 10 morning TV show. 
Gordon is a co-founder of the VetPost online discount animal health website, bringing pet owners more affordable products for treatment and prevention of parasites, nutrition and health care.

Gordon has been a vet for over 35 years, and happily embraces every day at work and all the new challenges that each day brings. 

Seizures and Epilepsy in Dogs: Causes and Treatment

ILLNESS

Seizures and Epilepsy in Dogs: Causes and Treatment

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Seeing your beloved dog go through a seizure for the first time can be pretty scary, not least because he can't speak to you and let you know what is happening. 

As a first time dog owner, I was shocked to see our young Belgian Tervueren collapse on the grass after a trip to the local dog park when he was less than a year old, after having seemingly lost complete use of his back legs. He was also panting and drooling and he looked seriously distressed.

Fearing a paralysis tick, he was immediately whisked away to our local vet, where after a thorough examination no tick was found and he progressively came down. This was however a mild attack and since that day, we have only witnessed around two episodes of epilectic seizures each year.

As a responsible dog owner, you need to learn to identify both the symptoms and appropriate responses for both seizures and strokes so that you can help your pooch if needed.

CAUSES

Seizures and strokes have different root causes in dogs, as they do in humans. A seizure is the result of an electrical malfunction in the brain, when an electrical storm in the brain causes seizure symptoms. If your dog has repeated seizures over time, your veterinarian might diagnose canine epilepsy. Epilepsy can have a genetic basis or it can result from an injury to the brain or chemical imbalance. 

Seizures in dogs are common, with a prevalence of 0.5% to 5.7%. Idiopathic epilepsy is genetic in many dog breeds and is familial, meaning that it runs in certain families or lines of animals. 

The breeds for which a genetic factor is either proved or highly suspected include the Beagle, Belgian Tervueren, Dachshund, German Shepherd Dog and the Keeshond. A high incidence of seizure disorders is also found in Boxers, Cocker Spaniels, Collies, Golden Retrievers, Irish Setters, Labrador Retrievers, Miniature Schnauzers, Poodles, Saint Bernards, Siberian Huskies, and Wire-Haired Terriers.

Causes for seizures in older dogs may be an underlying heart condition, kidney or liver condition, or there may be a tumour on the brain. This last possibility is, thankfully, not all that common. Traumatic injuries to the head can lead to fits in any age dog, as can infectious causes, such as viruses (canine distemper) or bacteria.

A fit can also be caused by low blood sugar whether due to insulin shock, genetic hypoglycemia or just a general inability of the liver to store and release glycogen in a timely manner. Occasionally poisons, such as snail bait (metaldehyde) will cause a dog to fit. In any of the above cases it is important to treat the underlying problem, if possible, and so eliminate or control the fits that way.

Seizures can also be caused by strokes, although the root cause of a stroke is physical rather than electrical. A stroke is caused when an artery becomes blocked, or bleeding occurs within the brain.

SYMPTOMS 

Signs of an impending seizure may include a period of warning, where the dog – as with humans - will experience what is called an aura. During this time your dog may appear worried, stressed, or frightened. It may experience visual disturbances and may seek help from his owner.

We certainly experience the latter every single time, as our dog will come and find us in any part of the house before an episode. Just as there are some dogs that can sense when their epileptic owner is going to have a seizure, other dogs can also detect when another member of the pack is going to have an epileptic episode. Since the arrival of our second dog (Belgian Malinois) we noticed him sniffing his brother with intent at the onset of an episode, possibly detecting a change in pheromones?

In many cases, a certain set of symptoms or activities (a prodrome) can precede a seizure.

Your dog may experience contractions in his limbs or muscles, and may have difficulty controlling urination and bowel movements and  obviously the last thing he needs is a big fuss about it. He may also experience an altered mental status before progressing to a seizure, as well as develop other neurological symptoms.

If the seizure is mild, (minor tremor or shaking of the head) it is referred to as a “Petit Mal”. If the signs are more extreme (he is rendered helpless by uncontrollable muscle spasms), it is considered to be a full-blown, tonic, clonic, “Grand Mal”. Even though the duration of the seizure usually lasts only a few minutes it can go on for several hours, although this is, thankfully, very rare. 

Complex partial seizures (formerly known as psychomotor seizures) can be much more difficult to recognise. They cause no typical convulsions and only result in unusual behaviour. Commonly reported behaviours associated with these complex partial seizures include: frenzied barking, licking or chewing themselves, staring into space, snapping at invisible objects and accidental defecation or urination.

Like general seizures, partial seizures (both ‘standard’ and complex) are preceded by an aura phase. They also result in impaired awareness and responsiveness.

Perhaps the most obvious symptoms of a stroke are problems with balance and movement. You might see your dog tilting his head to one side, or having trouble walking. If one side of the brain is damaged by a stroke, your dog might walk in circles while leaning toward the damaged side of the brain.

After a stroke, your dog might have problems with bowel and bladder control. Incontinence is a symptom of a seizure in progress, but is unlikely to be a continuing problem after a seizure has ended. Other seizure symptoms include falling over, shaking and having rigid, jerking convulsions in part or all of the body. Your dog's eyes might roll back during a seizure, and consciousness might be lost for a period of time.

Dogs which suffer from primary epilepsy will usually have a fit when they are relaxed or asleep. 

The severity of the fit is variable; it may be very mild and so not noticed at all by anyone. Where signs are seen, your dog may collapse have spasms and paddle with his feet. This usually lasts only a few seconds, possibly up to two minutes, but when you see it happening to your dog, you feel it lasts much longer. 

During and after his fit, your dog is unaware of his surroundings and can react unpredictably. There is a danger that a normally placid dog will inadvertently bite. Recovery is again variable, sometimes taking several hours, during which time your dog may appear lightly un-coordinated, bumping into things, apparently blind, or pacing incessantly.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

Always consult an experienced veterinarian regarding the health and treatment of your pet. If you suspect your dog is having a stroke, get immediate veterinary assistance. Strokes are relatively unusual in dogs, and the recovery chance increases if the dog survives and starts to recover in the days following the stroke.

In the case of a seizure, you can help prevent further injury to your dog by clearing away any furniture or obstacles in the vicinity of your dog. Move your seizing dog away from hazards such as open fire or swimming pools, stairs, etc. but otherwise leave the dog where he falls. The general advice is to put soft pillows or blankets around his head and back and to keep other pets away. 



In our experience we found that holding our dog tight whilst speaking to him whilst he is experiencing a seizure, seems to comfort him and speed up the recovery period.

Once he has regained full consciousness and is able to move unaided, your dog will still require a quiet space to rest and recover and he’s also likely to be extremely thirsty and/or hungry after all the uncontrolled drooling.

POSSIBLE RESPONSE 

A one-off seizure might not require any specific treatment. If your dog however is experiencing regular epileptic seizures, your veterinarian might prescribe anti-seizure medications.

You can help prevent further seizures by giving your dog a regular schedule for eating (we noticed in our case a distinct correlation with blood sugar levels as a seizure would come on within an hour after his dinner time) and sleeping. We did a lot of research at that point and changed our dog’s diet to a grain-free, premium food high both in protein and fats, referred to as a ketogenic diet. Since that time, our dog has not experienced any seizures around meal times.

Common advice is not to allow your dog to jump on and off surfaces such as couches: in small breeds with tendencies toward back problems, a back or neck injury can precipitate a seizure.

If your dog has had a stroke, your vet will try to determine the cause before prescribing treatment. If the stroke involved swelling of the brain, corticosteroids are commonly prescribed to reduce swelling. Dogs can recover well from strokes, often within only a few weeks. However, some permanent damage or changes can remain.

The more seizures a dog has, the more likely there is to be damage among the neurons in the brain, and the more likely the animal is to seize again.

TREATMENT

In some cases, certain medical procedures, including surgery to remove tumours that may contribute to seizures, may be needed. Drugs may help reduce the frequency of seizures for some animals. Some corticosteroid medications, anti-epileptic, and anti-convulsant medications may also help to reduce the frequency of seizures. The type of medications given will depend on the type of epilepsy your dog has as well as other underlying health conditions .

The two most commonly used prescription anti-seizure medications for pets were phenobarbital (PB) and potassium bromide (KBr).

However even when diets, dosages, and all else remains ideal, between 25-33% of dogs are not helped by either PB or KBr.

Unfortunately these medications may have serious side effects in your pet: liver damage, drowsiness, weight gain, change in personality, and interfering with bone marrow so that your pet has insufficient infection-fighting white blood cells and blood clotting cells (thrombocytes).

A new-generation drug called Pregabalin is now available and has been proven to be a safe and effective medication for seizure control as well as an effective modulator for neuropathic pain. There are some instances in which the use of Pregabalin should be closely guarded: if your dog takes ACE inhibitors, antidepressants, antihistamines, anti-anxiety medications, narcotic pain medications, sedatives, tranquilisers, or any other anticonvulsant medication for seizure control.

Pregabalin should be avoided in pets that are pregnant or nursing, as well as in those with a known sensitivity to the drug.

Decreasing the Side Effects

To decrease the possibility of side effects—which are more severe as the dosage is increased—some veterinarians recommend using smaller amounts of two medications rather than a large amount of one medication. Veterinarians also recommend avoiding toxins and using supplements to support the brain and liver so that medication dosages can be kept to a minimum.

If your pet is diagnosed with seizures and prescribed these medications, be aware that PB and KBr are slow to become effective. Phenobarbital takes two weeks to reach a steady state and KBr takes three to four months. Periodic blood tests will be necessary to measure your pet's blood levels.

Which Pets Should Take Anti-Seizure Medication?

Anti-seizure medication is recommended for pets that have more than one seizure every four to six weeks, have cluster seizures, have extremely violent seizures, are less than a year old when seizures begin, have structural problems within the brain causing the seizure (hydrocephalus, cancer), or are aggressive during recovery.

Living and Management

As with every illness, early treatment and proper care are vital to your dog’s general health and wellness. Younger dogs are more at risk for severe forms of certain types of epilepsy, including primary and idiopathic epilepsy.

With our dog’s diagnostic occurring before he was 12 months old, we were worried about the possible increase in frequency or severity of his attacks and had he suffered from more than 2 on average per year, we would definitely consider using the latest medication to control his seizures.

Make sure you take your dog to your veterinarian early if you suspect it may be at risk for this, or any other type of disease. Together, you and your veterinarian can determine the best possible course of action for your dog.

10 Most Common Dog Health Problems

ILLNESS PREVENTION

10 Most Common Dog Health Problems

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No two dogs are alike. Likewise, no two dog breeds are alike, especially when it comes to their health. Dog health problems range from allergies to heart disease and cancers, and it’s up to us to keep our furkids healthy by understanding some common dog illnesses and diseases.

Depending on the size of your dog, some health problems are more prevalent than others. For instance, large breeds tend to deal with more bone and joint problems, whereas smaller dogs tend to suffer more with organ and breathing disorders. Again, each breed is unique, but it is important to understand what common dog illnesses and health issues affect your pet. 

See below for the most common types of dog health issues and if you think something serious is wrong with your dog, take them immediately to your vet for a health check.

1. HEARTWORMS

Heartworms are a serious and potentially deadly disease in which parasites infect a dog’s heart and arteries. Dogs are exposed to larvae through a mosquito bite and, if unchecked, the larvae can develop into large worms. Symptoms of heartworm disease range from coughing to lethargy, collapsing, and depression (moping or not greeting you at the door).

A heartworm infestation can progress to heart failure and death. Though not always successful, treatment options include medications to kill the parasites and, in advanced cases, surgery. Fortunately, heartworms are easily prevented. Options include oral chews, topicals or yearly injection.

2. SKIN PROBLEMS

Most skin problems in dogs are due to parasites, skin infections, and allergies. The most common skin problem in dogs is demodectic mange, which is caused by a mite that lives in the hair follicles. Common parasites that involve the skin include fleas, ticks, ear mites, and sarcoptic mange mites, which cause scabies. Ringworm is a common skin infection; it’s a highly contagious fungal infection that can cause hair loss or short hair or scaly patches. Allergens such as pollen, mould, and dust mites can trigger itching and rashes.

Dogs can also develop allergies to common dog food ingredients such as soy, corn, wheat, beef, or chicken, triggering skin problems. And some dogs may simply cause irritation of the skin by licking an area too much, possibly from boredom or stress.

To prevent fleas and ticks, ask your vet about available options. If your dog is infected, treatment options include using special medicated shampoos to kill parasites, antibiotics or antifungal medications, and corticosteroids and antihistamines to control itching. Your vet may also prescribe a diet to reduce food allergies or injections to control allergic reactions. 

Since there are so many kinds of allergies dogs can have (from food to flea/tick bites and a wide range of other possibilities), it’s important to look for any change in behaviour when exposed to something new. If your dog goes a few days showing lack of energy, has a consistent cough or sneeze, or if anything else seems out-of-place, you might be dealing with allergies.

First, determine what the allergen is. Common allergies can be treated by changing your dog’s food or the shampoo you use when bathing. Seasonal or environmental allergies can be treated with medications, but those will eventually weaken the immune system if administered repeatedly.

3. EAR INFECTIONS

Ear infections are a common canine health problem, and they can be caused by allergies, yeast, ear mites, bacteria, hair growth deep in the ear canal and more. 

Symptoms your dog may have with an ear infection include:

• Head shaking or head tilting
• Ear odour
• Vigorous scratching
• Lack of balance
• Unusual back-and-forth eye movements
• Redness of the ear canal
• Swelling of the outer portion of the ear
• Brown, yellow, or bloody discharge

Again take your dog to the veterinarian if you think he has an ear infection. In most cases, cleaning and medicating the ear canal will quickly clear up an infection. However, surgery can be needed for chronic infections or if forceful head shaking results in the rupture of a vessel within the outer part of the ear.

4. ARTHRITIS

Arthritis usually, but not always, affects dogs as they grow older. It is the most common health problem in older pets. Your dog will eventually begin to move around less and take more time getting up from lying or seated positions.

Sadly, arthritis cannot be cured, but there are things you can do to make it easier on your pet as he ages. Diet and nutrition are the two biggest things you can do to slow down the aging process in your senior dog. Regular walks and a balanced diet of proper (age appropriate) food will keep your dog’s nutrition levels where they should be. If your dog’s arthritis is severe, your vet can prescribe medications to alleviate the symptoms.

5. DOG OBESITY

Obesity is a common pet health problem. Just as in people, being overweight can have negative health effects on your pooch. Overweight dogs face a higher risk of joint pain, diabetes, and liver disease. 

The signs of obesity might seem obvious, but having regular weight checks is important in order to keep records of your dog’s weight over time. It is important to recognise your dog’s weight gain early to give him the best chance possible for recourse.

A balanced diet (decreasing calorie intake) and regular exercise (increasing calorie output) are the two things needed when your dog is overweight. It’s important to recognise the severity of your dog’s obesity and be sure to administer the right changes in nutrition and exercise. Too much exercise, or too significant a reduction in food, can cause other issues, so you should consult your vet before making any drastic changes to the diet.

6. KENNEL COUGH

Kennel cough is a highly contagious form of bronchitis. It is a respiratory infection and can be easily transmitted from one dog to another when they interact either at doggie daycare, a groomer’s or boarding kennel. Look for lethargy, coughing, leaky nose and eyes or loss of appetite as common signs that your dog might have kennel cough.

Vaccines can be administered regularly to prevent some types of kennel cough. If your dog catches kennel cough you should take him to your vet where he might be prescribed antibiotics that will speed up the recovery process. Keep your dog away from other dogs (especially in public places where the illness can spread rapidly), and give him lots of rest. You can also try using a humidifier or take your dog into a steam-filled bathroom.

7. INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Another common pet health problem in dogs is infectious diseases, notably canine parvovirus and distemper. These and other common infectious diseases in dogs can be prevented by proper vaccination starting when they are puppies.

Canine parvovirus is extremely contagious and potentially deadly, contracted through contact with the feces of an infected dog. Symptoms can include bloody diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite.

Canine distemper is a virus transmitted through direct contact with an infected dog’s urine, saliva, or blood. It affects a dog’s respiratory system as well as her gastrointestinal and central nervous system and even the eyes, specifically the membranes that cover the eyeballs and the underside of the eyelid. Symptoms include sneezing, coughing and difficulty breathing, fever, sudden loss of appetite, vomiting or diarrhea, discharge of thick mucous from the eyes and nose, and possibly seizures.

An isolated bout of vomiting and diarrhea in dogs is not a cause for concern, but if your dog vomits repeatedly or for more than a day, take him to your vet. Watch for symptoms such as blood in vomit or diarrhea, dark or black diarrhea, lethargy, weight loss, fever, or a change in appetite. To prevent dehydration, give your dog plenty of water. After a bout of vomiting, try bland foods such as boiled potatoes, rice, and cooked skinless chicken. To combat diarrhea in dogs, the general rule is to avoid feeding your dog food for 12 to 24 hours or until your vet gives you the go-ahead.

As for treatment, options for canine parvovirus include IV fluids to prevent dehydration, anti-vomiting medication, antibiotics, and anti-pain medications. 

For canine distemper, treatment usually includes IV fluids, antibiotics (if your dog is coughing) to prevent pneumonia, and medications to control seizures. There are currently no medications that can destroy either virus.

8. DENTAL DISEASE

Periodontal disease, an infection of the gums, is very common in dogs, affecting an estimated 80 percent of dogs by the age of 2. It has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and other serious dog health problems. 

Symptoms range from smelly breath to difficulty eating and facial swelling. Treatment may include removing dental plaque and, if necessary, teeth. To prevent dental dog health problems regular check-ups with a vet and regularly brushing your pet’s teeth with dog toothpaste are recommended (your toothpaste can upset a dog’s stomach).

9. DIABETES

Symptoms of diabetes in dogs include changes in appetite, excessive thirst and vomiting. Urinary tract infection and cataracts can occur if the diabetes goes untreated for an extended period of time.

Like humans, dogs should get regular insulin injections (up to twice a day) to control diabetes. Oral medications and a high-fibre diet can also work to reverse the disease and get your dog back to a healthy state.

10. CANCER

No one wants to think about their dog getting cancer but it is one of the biggest killers in dogs and one of the most expensive diseases to treat. Look out for unusual lumps, swelling, sores, lameness, drastic weight loss, or long-lasting changes in behaviour.

One common form of cancer in dogs is skin cancer, characterised by “white patches on the top of the nose and ear tips”.

Early detection will give your dog the best chance for recovery. Treatments include surgery to remove the tumour in some cases, chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy. In other cases, medications can be prescribed to allow your dog to tolerate the pain better. As with humans, the type of disease and the stage of the cancer can affect the outcome.

Regular vet check-ups and preventive health can keep your dog in top condition. And should you notice any unusual behaviour or symptom, getting prompt attention at the vet’s office will often mean a speedy recovery from a dog illness.

Caring for your Older Dog

HEALTH AND WELLNESS ILLNESS NUTRITION PREVENTION

Caring for your Older Dog

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Even though your dog may be slowing down a little, there’s no reason why his later years should not be some of his most rewarding. After all, he’s wiser as well as older, and with regular veterinary attention, daily care and proper nutrition, your senior dog can still experience a very happy, healthy life.

However, you can’t ignore the fact that your dog’s body condition will change as the years go by. Important bodily functions, normally taken for granted, may start to slow down or malfunction.

Just like humans, the senses eventually start to deteriorate, leading to impaired vision, hearing, taste and smell. Appetite may decrease and very old dogs often get thinner, with the shoulders and spine becoming more prominent.

HOW OLD IS YOUR DOG?

Senior dogs have different care requirements than those of a younger dog. This fact probably doesn’t come as a surprise to anyone.

But how do you know when your dog is considered to be a senior?

It really depends on the individual dog. In general, giant breed dogs age faster than smaller breed dogs. A Great Dane is considered to be senior by roughly 5-6 years old whereas a Chihuahua would likely only be middle-aged then, and probably not considered a senior until 10-11 years. 

Large breed dogs fall somewhere in between. A Labrador Retriever might be considered senior by 8-10 years of age. Genetics, nutrition, environment; all of these play a role in how fast your dog ages.

In addition to a dog's breed, specific lifestyle factors – such as diet, exercise and medical history – affect how long a particular dog will live.

THE SIGNS OF DOGGY AGEING

The most practical way to tell if your dog is growing old is to observe his or her behaviour and appearance. Simply put, how old does your dog act, look, and feel?

Your dog may develop arthritis or other degenerative diseases that cause him to slow down. He may not be able to walk as far or play as long. He may tire more easily. 

He may have difficulty getting up or finding a comfortable position to sleep in. He may experience apparent stiffness in the joints and have difficulty getting up after lying down, or after a long walk. He may become reluctant to go up and down stairs or have difficulty getting into and out of the car.

Senior dogs frequently suffer from kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease and other conditions that may result in weight loss.

On the other hand, some senior dogs may have the opposite problem. Some dogs will become less active with age, essentially becoming couch potatoes, and will gain weight as a result. Obesity in a major health issue in dogs of all ages and senior dogs are no different.

Other signs to watch out for include:

• Thicker, less pliable skin. Rougher and thinner coat, with bald patches or white hairs.
• Deafness, revealed by a failure to respond to commands or calling their name.
• Tooth and gum conditions – look out for food being dropped or excessive salivation and pawing at the mouth. Swellings below the eye may be signs of tooth root abscesses and need vet attention.
• Warts, fatty lumps and even tumours may appear. Check these out with your vet, as early detection may save your dog's life.
• Excessive thirst and frequent or uncontrolled urination.
• Confusion or failure to recognise their surroundings
• Depression, disobedience and occasionally destructive behaviour.

NB: These last two could be indicating that your dog suffers from Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD) or dog dementia.

• A hazy, bluish cast on the eyes, which is normal and usually does not hinder the eyesight. However, the hazy, whitish growth of cataracts can lead to blindness. Your vet can help you distinguish the difference.
• A tendency to sleep more during the day but sleep less at night. Some dogs may prowl around the house at night because of sore joints, senility or even loneliness.

The day will come when you’ll start spotting the signs of old age but that doesn’t mean you have to wrap your dog in cotton wool and start to worry. You just need to adjust your routine and take a few precautions.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP YOUR SENIOR DOG

#1. Daily routine

A consistent daily routine is important to your older dog's physical, mental and emotional health, providing comfort and a reassuring framework.

#2. Proper medical care

Regular check-ups (twice a year) with your veterinarian are a must for older dogs. In addition to annual vaccinations and examinations, talk to your vet about special geriatric screenings for your dog as many diseases are not apparent. Also, try to keep a record of any warning signs and report them to your vet.  Ask for a body condition evaluation during each vet visit. Body condition is crucial to determining whether your senior dog is overweight, underweight, or at an ideal body weight.

#3. Exercise your senior dog 

It can help keep your older dog lean and maintain healthy joints and muscles. However, tailor your dog’s exercise needs to his individual requirements. For a large breed dog, walking around the block is probably just getting started but for a tiny Pug, a brisk walk around the block may be a long trek!

If your senior is not used to exercise, start slow and gradually increase the intensity — and only after you’ve consulted a veterinarian. Also, be careful with short-nosed dogs on hot days as they're prone to heat stress.

#4. Feed your older dog a high quality diet

In general, dogs of seven years and older start taking life a bit easier and, as a result, their nutritional needs start to change once more. Senior dogs are less active and have a slower metabolism, so fewer calories are required. But high-quality, easy-to-digest protein becomes more important than ever, to help maintain overall body condition.

Also, learn to read the dog food label and choose a diet that is appropriate for your dog’s age and lifestyle. You should feed your dog once or twice a day, but may find your dog prefers to eat smaller meals more frequently. This is quite normal, as it’s easier to digest several small meals than a few large ones.

#5. Keep your senior dog at his ideal body weight

• Overweight dogs have a higher incidence of diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, skin disease, even cancer. Your veterinarian can help you choose an appropriate diet for your dog, especially since overweight dogs must be fed carefully to ensure that all nutrient needs are met while still allowing for weight loss.

• Consider fortifying your senior dog’s diet with fatty acids such as DHA and EPA. They have been shown to be useful for dogs with mobility issues due to arthritis or other joint diseases. Nutraceuticals containing Glucosamine and Chondroitin are also beneficial for senior dogs.

• Consider a special diet if your older dog has heart or kidney disease. For example, diets lower in sodium are sometimes advocated for dogs with heart disease, while diets which help control phosphorus, calcium and other electrolyte levels are given to dogs with kidney disease. Your veterinarian can help you choose the best food for your dog based on your dog’s individual situation.

#6. Healthy teeth and gums

Routine dental care from your vet is very important, as older dogs are more prone to gum disease and tartar build-up. In addition to regular visits to a professional, it's always a good idea for you to check your dog's teeth and gums regularly.

Brushing your dog’s teeth may seem like a silly idea but it can help keep your dog’s mouth healthy. If you cannot brush, consider dental treats and use a dental chew toy that helps keep the teeth clean.

#7. Provide plenty of toys to keep your senior dog occupied. Food puzzles, for example, are not only useful for entertainment but for weight loss purposes as well.

#8. Provide your older dog with special accommodations  

For instance, dogs with arthritis might benefit from soft bedding in the form of a special dog bed or towels/blankets on which to sleep. Ramps can be used to make stairs easier to navigate if they cannot be avoided. 

Even providing carpeting or rugs over hard-surface flooring can help your arthritic dog gain his footing and make it easier for him to get around.

#9. Emotional support

Try to be sensitive to what your older dog is going through and understand that a lot of psychological changes are taking place. Instead of letting it worry you or deter you from adopting a senior dog, use it as a reminder to live in the moment.

Daily care of your older dog requires a little more patience on your part. Your loving care and commitment really helps create true quality of life during these senior years.