Dog Cancer | Canine Cancer | Dog Diet

Poor Annie.

For the first 12 years of her life she was as normal as most dogs. That is to say she spent her days in search of the doggy basics: food, walk, play time and loving. Not to mention the never ending hunt for the single best place to pee or poop.

Then about a year ago Annie began to develop dog allergies. At first we thought she had fleas. We diligently applied Frontline, gave her flea baths and combed and brushed her but this did not relieve her itching for long. Over time she developed red and scaling sores on her belly and especially on the butt near her tail.

Her licking and scratching went on every day and, worse, into the night. It was not uncommon to be awakened by the sound of her licking. She, and I, needed relief.

We visited the vet and she informed us that dog allergies occur in over 40% of the dogs that seeks vet treatment for itching and scratching. She explained that these allergies are caused by any number of food or airborne allergens.

The first issue was to get her licking and scratching under control.

To do this involved a three step approach. The first step was a medicated bath that helped sooth the skin. Step two was to start Annie on a course of antibiotics to kill the sores that had formed on her body. Finally, to control the scratching, a 10 day steroid dose was prescribed. In terms of side effects the main issue was the steroids that caused her to drink a ton more water than normal and to be hungry all of the time. Fortunately she did not start to exhibit personality changes brought on by mood swings caused by the steroids.

Within 3 days Annie was feeling much better. She was better but the cause of her dog allergies was not yet understood.

Was it in her food? Was it in our home? Was she allergic to our cat?

The search for answers is a long process much like getting to the bottom of a human allergy problem. There are many approaches to take but we chose to focus on the food related possibilities. The first step was to eliminate all the store bought food from her diet. But wait, this can have unforeseen side effects. You see as bad as dog food is, given the fact that it contains simply unknown parts of unknown animals, there has been enough testing to know that from a nutritional standpoint it does provide the right blend of nutrients to keep our normally healthy dogs healthy. So by feeding a diet of homemade food we effectively removed the potential allergen but compromised her health. An alternative solution was to move to a vegetarian based dog food and get the animal impurities out of her system.

The follow up step was to do lots of research, as even the best vet in town does not have the time to dedicate to understanding the issue as much as the dogs owner. The internet contains a huge database of information on dog allergies as written by drug companies, veterinarians, pet owners, and complied into many useful sites.

Don’t let your best friend suffer. Start by getting some help for your dog today and then do your homework. Making your dog feel better will make you feel better.

Dog Food Allergies – natural solutions through nutrition

How to boot the scoot
Dear Dr. Forsythe: My Cocker spaniel is constantly scooting on his butt all around our house. I have had his anal glands emptied by the groomer, so I’m wondering what else could be making him so miserable. Incidentally, he almost always scoots around whenever company is over or when someone is at the door. It [...]
Dog wearing DermaPaw Stay-Put Socks

Runny nose, watery eyes? Sneezing all the time? Do you have a dog allergy? Maybe your best friend is what’s got your allergies going. After all there really is no dog breed that is truly non allergenic because they all produced dander, urine, and saliva.

Some dogs are less likely to cause allergies because they have less dander. There is a misconception that it is the fur that causes the allergies so the heavier the dog sheds the more likely you are to suffer. This is not the case. It is all about the dander. That is what actually causes the dog allergy.

Urine is generally more of a problem with cats than dogs because dogs go outside. And all dogs salivate. The pet hair becomes a problem when it collects other common allergens such as dust, pollen, dander causing a dog allergy.

The problem goes even deeper than what you are allergic to. You see people with allergies have an immune system that is super sensitive so it reacts to things that are harmless like pet dander. A dog allergy can cause wheezing, fatigue, coughing, headache, itchy watery eyes, sneezing, and in some cases asthma attacks. It can happen as quickly as five minute or be a delayed reaction occurring much later. And some people are allergic to only certain breeds.

There are also skin care products that you can use on your dog to reduce the amount of dander your dog produces. And there are some breeds that just by nature produce less dander so they can be a good choice for anyone with a dog allergy.

There are several things you can do to help reduce your dog allergy. For starters you can choose a natural product to help boost your immune system. You might also consider doing a detox to remove toxins from the body. Over the years our bodies build up large amounts of toxins which affect our immune system and can play a role in it short circuiting.

A dog allergy is just one of the allergies you might be suffering with that are environmental. Keep the dog dander to a minimal in your home. Run a HEPA filter in each room and use a vacuum with a HEPA filter. Vacuum at least once a day and don’t forget to vacuum in the vents where hair, dander, and dust gather. Also vacuum the furniture. HEPA filters make a huge difference.
Keep the dogs out of the bedroom. If you don’t want to close the door then install a baby gate to keep them out. Consider removing carpets and installing flooring. It reduces all kinds of allergies and is a known asthma reducer in children.

Bathe your dog at least once a week and wash dogging bedding and toys once a week. Spray areas where the dogs spend time with an anti allergen spray which helps deactivate allergens. Keep dust to a minimal.

You can also receive immunotherapy allergy shots if testing showed a pet allergy to begin with although it’s not as effective as they would like to see it. You can also use over the counter medications to reduce symptoms and of course there are some excellent natural products that are worth trying if you have a dog allergy.

A dog allergy can develop out of nowhere. Or it can be something you have lived with for years that got worse over the years. Whatever the reason you now suffer with a dog allergy you can reduce the effects of that allergy using natural products and these tips.

Skin Allergies in Dogs and Cats Part 1

These days, so many people are trying to live allergies and pets…Dealing with the constant congestion, itching and wheezing, the splitting headaches and other discomforts of allergies, and loving the furry source of all this misery is a tough spot to be in. But it’s exactly where an estimated ten million American pet owners find themselves right now.

Beyond the wonderful companionship and unconditional love, dogs and cats have some remarkable physical effects on the body.

Caring and cuddling these little (and sometimes not so little) critters can reduce anxiety and actually lower our blood pressure. What an enjoyable, simple and totally natural way to do something good for your health.

Allergy symptoms that are caused by pets bring on the discomforts we’re all familiar with – those itchy, watery eyes, blotchy hives, constant sneezing, awful congestion – sometimes even asthma.

Experts believe that you can develop a dog allergy some months or even years after making the pet a part of your life. If this happens to you, your best bet is to get tested to be sure your symptoms are a result of man’s best friend – and not other allergens like pollen, dust or mold – that can also be culprits.

In rare instances people outgrow allergies, including those to pets.

One of the best ways to comfortably co-exist with your beloved furry friend is to identify your allergy and undergo a series of shots to desensitize your system. Over the counter or prescription medications are also available to treat the symptoms, though the best remedy is to remove the pet from the home.

If you’re a pet lover with identified allergies, you may have heard of hypoallergenic breeds, like those being considered by President-elect Barak Obama’s family. The problem is, according to experts, there really is no such thing as hypoallergenic breeds.

Research has shown that allergies aren’t caused by the hair, allergens are produced by the animal’s saliva, dander and urine – so even a hairless dog, or one of the breeds often identified as hypoallergenic such as bichon frises, poodles and Malteses willproduce allergens that are brought into the environment.

There really isn’t any research that points to whether certain breeds are more allergy-friendly than others, though the main dog allergen that people often react to isn’t present in all dogs. The most important factors related to pet allergies are the size of the animal and the volume of hair it has. Of course an outdoor animal can bring pollens, mold spores and other allergens into the home that may also trigger an allergy attack.

Before you commit to a new pet, consider a trial period so you can see how the person who has the allergies manages.

If you just fall in love with a four legged friend, yet someone at home has pet allergies, here are some tips you can try to keep everyone happy. You can…

- Keep the bedrooms pet free zones, no exceptions.

- Wash bedding weekly, including the pet’s bed.

- Have as little carpeting in the main living area as you can.

- Vacuum any carpeting daily.

- Use a HEPA air filter in the bedroom to trap and remove allergens from the air.

- Wash the dog once or twice each week.

- Wash your own hands after interacting with the animal.

By following these few steps you can help yourself cope with the awful symptoms allergies to pets cause and still live with the pet you love.

Eliminate Your Allergies Naturally and Drug Free – Forever.

I had my dogs teeth cleaned in February?

the vet found a tumor in her mouth. I opted to not know if it was cancer or not. She is a cockerspaniel and is 11 years old. I also don’t have the funding to go thru all the chemo and don’t want her to have to go thru that treatment. My question is….I have been giving her hamburgers for dinner since then and wonder if that is healthy or not.
just a note…the vet did remove the tumor as best he could.

Mix the ground beef with white rice. Any vet will tell you that is a healthy dog food.

Carolyn Scott & Golden Rookie: A 15 Year Partnership

What pet food storage container is the best?

I have tried several different kinds of pet food storage containers and have yet to find one that I like. So far I have tried the stackable storage bins by blitz (http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441781987&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302025790&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302023689&bmUID=1182728312968&itemNo=10&In=Dog&N=2025790&Ne=2) and one by rubbermaid I believe (http://www.petco.com/product/12461/Rubbermaid-Pets-Scoop-n-Store-Pet-Food-Storage.aspx). Neither met my expectations. Within days I had ants galore. Not good. The rubbermaid one looks good but the lid broke and no longer works. Didn’t want to pay the money for a new one till I find one with good remarks. The only requirements that I have is that it can hold at least 40 pounds of dog food and be able to keep out unwanted pests.

Hi! I purchased my containers (on wheels!) from PetEdge and LOVE them! Our clinic also purchases the air-tight containers from them. Let me try to find the exact site for you! Hang on!!

OK! Here it is: http://www.petedge.com/Pet-Food-Containers-with-Wheels-ZX175.pro

P.S. I purchased the container that holds 50 pounds and I can actually fit 60 pounds comfortably in that container.

how can i cure my dog from her allergies?

my dog has really bad rashes and she can’t stop scratching. my mom says shes like allergic to everything and shes allergic to most medications. so can someone help me with this?

Dogs can take benadryl. You will need to speak to your vet about the proper dose.

Dog Training, Feeding & Care : How to Care for a Dog Who Has Allergies

How many dog owners know something about dog health food when they buy their pets? If they don’t get informed about dog’s nutritional needs, they are very likely to be confronted to all sorts of health problems that result from the improper food they feed their animals on. There are special dog health food tips that a vet can tell you about, since you may not know very much about the digestive needs of your pet. First of all, in order to meet the requirements for dog health food, you have to be sure there are minerals, calcium in particular and quality protein in the diet.

As it is very comfortable, we usually feed our four-legged friends on special dog meals, but this is not always dog health food. It is usually prepared by blending hemoglobin powder, with bones and meat, all processed at very high temperatures. Then, there are flavors and vitamins added, and this is the dog health food we find in the supermarket. For all dog owners I need to say that this is not great at all for your pet. Try to combine processed meals with dog health food you prepare at home.

What should real dog health food be like? First of all, have fresh meat and boil it for around ten minutes. Thus, you destroy the unfriendly bacteria while also preserving all the nutrients intact. Then, cut it into small pieces, it may seem natural that your dog should tear it alone, but you don’t want any mess around the house. For the calcium in dog health food, you may use a natural supplement such as ground egg shells or calcium powder available in drug stores. Try to mix the pieces of meat with a little water for a better hydration of your pet.

As for bones, I know all dogs like them, but research shows they don’t make the best dog health food at all; on the contrary there may be side effects and even ailments. Thus, never feed your dog chicken or pig bones. The only ones that are fully digested and make real dog health food are the leftovers from your cooking veal for instance. Another tip many people don’t know is that for dog health food, not only proteins are necessary, vitamins are also important. A little grated carrot added together will pass unnoticed but it’ll be of great help for the pet’s well-being.

President Obama Holds a Health Care Town Hall in Colorado

Breast cancer statistics show that over 1.2 million persons will be diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide this year, according to the World Health Organization. For breast cancer and prevention, it has long been known that regular physical activity has been shown to decrease the likelihood of having breast cancer. What has not been known or studied has been the effect of regular physical activity on the breast cancer survival rates or likelihood of death in women that already have breast cancer. That is, until now.

The breast cancer statistics and findings as reported by the American Medical AssociationÂ’s Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in May 2005 were astounding! Certain participants in the study of women with Stage I, II or III breast cancer achieved a 50% reduction in the death rate from breast cancer.

Here are these breast cancer statistics: the journal reported that in the study 2,987 female registered nurses had been diagnosed with breast cancer during the years 1984-1998. What the study found was that the women who had physical activity equivalent to walking at a steady pace of 2.0-2.9 miles per hour for 3-5 hours a week had a death rate of only 50% of the death rate of women who had physical activity equivalent to walking less than one hour a week. The conclusion of the breast cancer statistics in the study was that physical activity after breast cancer has been diagnosed may reduce the risk of death from breast cancer. The study found that there was little evidence of any relation between increased physical activity and increased benefit.

ItÂ’s time to dust off those walking shoes!

As a physical activity, walking can be done almost anytime by anyone anywhere. All thatÂ’s needed is a good pair of walking shoes. Walking is fun and reduces stress. As for injuries, walking has the lowest injury rate of all the various kinds of exercise.

You can walk with a partner, friend, family member or dog, maybe even a neighbor’s dog. Or you can walk with your favorite headset and music. If you are walking outdoors with a headset, keep one ear open to hear the sounds around you.

As for basic walking tips:

· As you begin regular walking, take it easy. Standard advice is to check with your physician before starting any exercise program. If it’s been years or decades since you walked regularly, perhaps you can begin with 5 minutes of walking and slowly increase your time and distance.

· Walking at a pace of 75–95 steps a minute will have you walking at a speed of about 2-3 miles per hour.

· Walk with your head up, looking out in front of you. Do not walk looking down right in front of you except to navigate any obstacles.

· Really take it easy the first 5 minutes of walking to warm up. Afterwards, gently stretch for 5–10 minutes while your muscles are warm.

· Practice good walking form. Your arms should swing naturally in the direction you’re walking, not from side to side across your body. Your foot should strike the ground on your heel, then a rolling motion forward toward the ball of your foot, then pushing off with your toes.

And here are some basic walking shoes tips:

· Buy your walking shoes from a sporting shoes store with large selections. That will give you plenty of choices. And buy your walking shoes later in the day when your feet will be larger.

· Buy cushioned, supportive walking shoes. To see if a shoe is supportive, do this test — take a shoe and turn it upside down. Holding each end of the shoe, try to fold it. If you find the shoe bends in the middle, then that shoe is not a supportive shoe. A supportive shoe should bend where your foot normally bends, near your toes.

· You should allow the width of your index finger between the end of your shoe and the end of your longest toe, or about one-half inch.

· Buy two pairs of walking shoes, one for home and one for the car or workplace. And if one pair gets wet, you can use the other pair that day.

Walking is the closest thing to the perfect exercise. In todayÂ’s fast-paced society, regular walking can be a welcomed break from the stress of the day. Maybe youÂ’ll get to know your neighborhood or neighbors better. There may be walking trails youÂ’ve never seen but wanted to.

Wherever and however you choose to walk, not only can the experience be fun, youÂ’ll know youÂ’re being good to your body in a variety of ways. Besides the incredible breast cancer statistics and findings of the breast cancer study, walking helps with weight control and bone strength, elevates mood, helps build and maintain healthy muscles, joints and heart. With so many great health benefits, why not get started walking today!

Copyright 2005 InfoSearch Publishing

Black Dog Cancer

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BALLWIN Lost or Found a Pet? Those who have lost or found a dog or cat can call the Ballwin Police Department, which keeps a detailed list of all animals lost and/or found along with contact information. Police say they have reunited many owners with their pets. Call (636) 227-9636.
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