Canine Vomiting Causes, Treatments

Whether it is a dog or a cat that you own, vomiting is a problem that you will inevitably have to deal with as a pet owner. A dog that is vomiting could be seriously ill, or it may be something trivial, but the worry that this behavior generates is usually that of anxiety and panic. While some anxiety in your part would be understandable, your dog’s vomiting should be no cause for panic. In most cases the symptom is caused by something trivial and passes swiftly, without much intervention.

It is important that you stay calm, as the key to the dog’s survival may depend on you, if there is some serious health condition. Treatment for dog vomiting depends entirely on the cause, and it may be necessary for you to identify potential causes and accordingly provide your dog with the necessary care, if you cannot wait to get to the vet.  Understanding the problem, potential causes, and how to treat it can help you make better decisions, leave you more prepared, also helping you stay calm and capable of exercising better judgment. Such supportive care is important as it could make a world of difference to the dog, with a quick recovery, or an extended bout of illness that requires treatment.

Dogs can be like unruly little kids at times, digging up and eating things they shouldn’t, often not even food items. In most cases of a dog vomiting, the cause is due to ingestion of some unfamiliar or non food object. Gastritis or an inflammation of the lining of the stomach is another very common cause that could again be caused by consuming some unfamiliar food, a non food item, or via a virus. Irrespective of the cause, the first thing you need to do, is to give the dog’s stomach a chance to rest. This is also true in case of a stomach upset or minor food poisoning.

Allowing your dog to continue eating and drinking will only worsen and aggravate the inflammation causing the inflammation to worsen. Dehydration is however a cause for concern. Keep up the fast for just 12 hours in case of a minor stomach upset or extend it by another 12 hours if the symptoms do not abate. Fasting can however cause hypoglycemia in dogs, so you need to look out for the warning signs. Simply rub some maple syrup or honey into the gums to avert this condition.

During the first four hours it would be advisable to offer your dog ice cubes, as fluids, including water, are also best avoided. This will help avert or reduce any risk of dehydration, while preventing the dog from gulping copious amounts of liquid that would simply prolong and accentuate the symptoms. Once the symptoms have abated wait for a couple of hours and put the dog on a bland food diet, but serving only small portions.

Do keep in mind that if the vomiting does not show any signs of abating within 18 to 20 hours, or if there are any other accompanying symptoms  or violent and excessive vomiting then you need to rush the dog to a vet.

Cat Kneading

Cat kneading can seem strange and confusing to the uninitiated cat owner. But there is little that cats do that we actually truly understand. Much of their activity is shrouded in mystery, probably just the way they’d want it. The fact is that cats are truly wild, and although you may domesticate them, you can never tame one. They will always retain their independence and unique personality and behavioral traits.

Cat kneading is not as inexplicable a cat behavior as it may seem. You’ve probably seen your cat do it a hundred times before, and pondered over it, wondering ‘why do cats knead?’ There are explanations for this behavior and for the most part it is believed to be a positive expression. You would have most likely seen your cat begin kneading its favorite pillow or blanket, before settling down in its comfy spot. If you haven’t already noticed cats can be pretty picky and have strong and distinctive likes and dislikes; right down from food to sleeping places. Cats often tend to knead the spot they are about to settle down in and may even begin purring contently when doing so. At times they may even extend their claws whilst kneading. This can be a wee bit unpleasant if it’s your lap or tummy that is receiving the kneading. But if it is any consolation this is a sign of affection!

One theory to explain this peculiar behavior suggests that kneading may be an evolutionary left over. The wild ancestors of the modern cat would tread down or knead grass foliage to create a temporary nesting space. The other theory is that this behavior is in some way a remnant of a newborn kitten’s behavior of kneading at the mother’s teats to facilitate or encourage milk secretion. Most cats also tend to purr when kneading, and the same behavior is also observed in kittens, who also tend to fall asleep after kneading. This behavior in adult cats would generally indicate feelings of comfort and security. If your cat nestles up to you and starts kneading your lap, arm, or belly it’s just feeling safe and comfortable and most probably intends to settle down for some petting or a nap.

Another possible explanation for the behavior at times may be attributed to the presence of scent glands in the pads of their feet towards the claws. This reasoning basically implies that it could also be a behavior to mark territory. In all likelihood a cat kneading is influenced by all of these factors, not any single one.

Tick, Flea Control for Dogs

Dogs are a favorite host for fleas and ticks. These parasites suck blood from their hosts and are the root cause for the transmission of a number of diseases. This is why controlling tick infection in dogs is so important.

• You should keep your dog out of the woods and other grassy areas as it helps minimize any possible exposure to the parasites.
• Always perform a tick check on your pets, including around the eyes and inside the ears, after they return home from a romp outside. By removing a tick within 24 hours of infestation, you can reduce the chances of disease.
• On a monthly basis apply topical insecticides on your pet’s back. They are easy to use and protect your pet from ticks and fleas. These insecticides kill both adult fleas and larvae. You must consult a veterinarian before using them on sick, aged, pregnant, or nursing animals.
• There are also sprays for flea or tick control which come in pump bottles or aerosol cans. Use the spray in small doses on all the areas of the animal. The sprays repel fleas and ticks and also stop development of flea eggs.
• You can use special shampoos to get rid of ticks. For tick and flea control in dogs you must apply the shampoo all over the dog’s body and allow it to stay on for at least ten minutes prior to rinsing it off. Make sure that the shampoo doesn’t enter the eyes or ears as it may be harmful.
• Medicated collars are also effective for tick control for dogs. You must use the collar properly and ensure that that the dog doesn’t chew the ends. You must use collar in conjunction with other flea and tick products. A good tick collar will kill the ticks in 24 hours or less.
• You may also use special dips which contain permethrin, pyrethrin, or organophosphates. Place cotton balls on your dog’s eyes and ears before using such dips and ensure that you apply them in an area that is well ventilated.
• It is important to confirm that your dog is responding well to the products that you use for tick and flea control. In case you suspect an adverse reaction or observe symptoms such as loss of appetite, elevated body temperature, labored breathing, seizures, and increased excitability you must visit your vet. Meanwhile, bathe your dog with a mild detergent and rinse its body with large amounts of water.
• Apart from using tick control measures on dogs, you must spray the kennel and yard properly to avoid tick and flea attacks. Ticks like leaves, debris, bushes, and long grass, so it is vital that you remove these things from your lawn, and from the areas where your dog plays. Regular use of insect development inhibitors may reduce the risk of fleas becoming established in the indoor and outdoor environment and on your pets.

Onion Toxicity in Dogs

All dog owners must be aware of the fact that there are many foods which are harmful to dogs and onions are one of them. Feeding a dog onions can be toxic to the animal and it may fall seriously ill. As a responsible pet owner, you must keep your dog away from such toxic foods. It’s not only raw onion which is harmful for dogs, even the cooked onions are bad for dogs. The toxic effect of onions is the same whether the product is raw, cooked, or dehydrated.

Onions are known to contain a substance called thiosulfate which is poisonous to dogs. This is because dogs do not have the enzyme which is required to digest thiosulfate. Apart from thiosulfate, onions also contain organosulfur, which causes poisoning in dogs.

The active ingredient in onions is allyl propyl disulfide, a potent oxidizing agent to the hemoglobin and the red cell wall. It is this primary ingredient of onion oil that causes damage to red blood corpuscles, or RBCs. So, allowing your dog to feed on onions can lead to the development of a condition termed as Heinz body anemia. Allyl propyl disulfide causes an irreversible breakdown of hemoglobin and causes permanent damage to the RBCs. Anemia and oxygen deprivation begin to set in when an adequate amount of red blood corpuscles are destroyed. In addition garlic contains thiosulfate, although the amounts are lower. Consuming large amounts garlic is also known to cause similar toxicity problems in dogs.

The common symptoms of food poisoning to look for in dogs are:

• Skin rash
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Lack of appetite
• Drooling
• Hallucination causing over-reaction to light or sound
• Seizure
• Liver or kidney problems
• Pale or bluish gums
• Bloody urine.

The symptoms depend on the amount of onions consumed, the size of the dog, and the period for which the onions have been consumed. You must immediately take your dog to a vet to start the treatment as early as possible in order to prevent further complications. Some types of poisoning can cause heart failure in dogs or even death, if immediate treatment is not given.

The different dog health problems that occur due to onion ingestion are:

• Liver damage
• Allergic reactions
• Difficulty in breathing
• Weakness
• Discolored urine
• Anemia
• Dermatitis.

Treatment of Onion Toxicity

• The treatment for onion toxicity can either be a regular treatment or long treatment. If the ingestion of onions was not too long ago, decontamination and providing intravenous fluids can be the most effective treatment. In case of skin infection, the dog must be bathed and dried. If the anemia is severe, there may even be a need for blood transfusion. If dogs show signs of poisoning or allergic reactions, activated charcoal is used.
• In order to prevent onion poisoning in dog, you must check the ingredients in any formulated or processed before giving it to your dog. You must ensure that no food provided to your dog has onions or large quantities of garlic in any form in it.

Aloe Vera for Dogs

Aloe vera is a natural product with many health properties and is safe for dogs. Aloe vera products are used often to assist healing in dogs. Aloe vera extracts in any form are used for various purposes such as treating skin disorders, infections, and open wounds.

Aloe vera contains amino acids, calcium, folate, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, and zinc. It contains vitamin such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E. It is anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergic in nature and also acts as an anti-oxidant. Aloe gel for dogs contains enzymes which break down inflammatory proteins and enhance healing. It is essential to consult a veterinarian before using aloe vera or any other herb on your dog.

Here are a few conditions where you can use aloe vera for dogs to stimulate quick recovery of wounds or incisions:

• Before applying aloe vera, you must clip off the fur carefully from the affected areas on your dogs body. You must then take a wash cloth soaked in cool water and clean the affected areas gently.
• If you dog has a swelling on its leg or minor skin punctures, using aloe vera will give quick and effective results. Aloe vera juice for dogs is highly recommended and should be given daily as a part of its food. Also, aloe vera gels for dogs can be applied directly to the dog’s wounds and rubbed onto its leg to ease swelling. In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, it is also soothing, toning, protective, and moisturizing to the skin.
• For treating surgery incisions, aloe vera gel for dogs must be applied several times a day to hasten healing. It also reduces itching on wounds after surgery.
• Aloe vera also brings immediate relief to fleabites and poison ivy.
• Aloe vera for dogs can help soothe and heal dog skin allergies. Apply a thin layer of aloe vera gel to the affected areas. You must repeat this process every day, until the rashes begin to heal.
• Use a dog shampoo that contains colloidal oatmeal and aloe vera for bathing your dog once or twice a week. After your dog’s fur dries, apply some fresh aloe vera gel onto the affected spots.
• Aloe vera gel is also recommended in case of dog eczema treatment.
• Aloe vera is safe for dogs when applied externally on the affected areas. Dogs will also refrain from licking the part of their body where the gel has been applied due to the herb’s astringent flavor.

Dog Skin Disorders

Dog skin disorders or diseases are the most crucial conditions that dog owners deal with. A dog’s skin and coat is an absolute indicator for its general health. Skin disorders in dogs are characterized by itching, skin rashes, very dry skin, and fur/hair loss. Skin disease can be caused by various agents such as parasites, allergens, and bacterial and fungal infections. The most commonly encountered skin problem in dogs is itchy, dry and red scaly skin. This condition is commonly called as eczema, a general term used to describe various skin disorders in dogs.

A dog’s skin can, at times, be extremely sensitive, so it is vital that the dog owners take certain precautionary measures to keep away their pet from allergens and any substance which can cause harm to their skin. Dog dry skin compels them to continuously scratch the skin which then disrupts its sleep and normal life. In addition to constant itching, fur loss and breakage is another common result of red scaly skin. The diagnosis of skin disease in dogs can be extremely complicated.

Dog Eczema Causes

• Irritants such as industrial chemicals, household detergents, fumes, paints, bleach, foods, cosmetics, and shampoos.
• Allergens such as animal or vegetable proteins from commercial dog foods and pollens
• Stress and depression.
• Boredom and loneliness.
• Extreme changes in temperature.
• Parasites such as fleas, scabies, and mites.
• Fungal infections such as yeast infections and ringworm.
• Other causes could be auto-immune disorders, internal intestinal parasites, dietary deficiencies, and frequent bathing.

Dog Skin Disorder Symptoms

• Dog flaky skin
• Dog scaly skin
• Dog red skin
• Loss of hair
• A dry, dull-looking coat
• Lumps of bumps on or under the skin
• Red and scaly patches on the skin
• Excessive scratching
• Excessive licking.

Dog Skin Treatment

• Completely avoid commercial dog foods and environmental irritants.
• Soak or compress the affected skin area with potassium permanganate.
• Use neem shampoo accompanied by neem oil on the affected area for bathing as it decreases the itchiness and redness of the skin. Anti-fungal shampoos work to eliminate yeast infections.
• You must enhance your pet’s immune system with an improved and special diet. A high protein dog food including fruits, vegetables, and fish oil is often recommended.
• If the bacterial infection has progressed deep into the skin, then you must give regular doses of antibiotics as prescribed by a vet.
• If you see that the flaky skin persists, you must take your dog to a vet. In order to properly diagnose skin ailments, the vet may conduct various tests such as a complete physical examination under a special light, biopsy, and/or blood tests.

Mercury Poisoning in Dogs

Mercury, also often known as quick silver, is an extremely poisonous heavy metal. This silver colored liquid is usually used for medical treatments. However, it is fast becoming a major threat to our environment.
For some time, mercury was used extensively for manufacturing medical equipment and in other industries. In the recent times, the toxicity of mercury has been studied and it has been seen that mercury is extremely poisonous, because of which its use has been largely regulated. Still it is not uncommon to come in contact with mercury, since it is used in many of our daily use equipments.

Mercury poisoning in dogs is most usually caused due to exposure to large quantities of airborne mercury particles. When mercury containing garbage is simply incinerated and not disposed off properly, it can cause mercury particles to get airborne. Later, the mercury particles settle down in the ground and may contaminate the soil and the ground on which our pets play and lie down.

Residents living in areas close to large industrial units are also often exposed to large quantities of mercury and other isotopes which are discharged as industrial waste in nearby lakes, rivers, and other water sources. When the marine life gets contaminated with mercury, it passes on to humans along the food chain.
Some of the common sources of mercury discharge around the house are broken fluorescent lights, thermometers, thermostats, barometers, button cell batteries, medical devices which measure blood pressure, and electrical switches.

Mercury and iron toxicity in dogs, along with any other kind of metal poisoning, can be fatal. This is because the dog’s body cannot process excessive amounts of these metals. Metal poisoning in dogs causes severe damage to the nervous system. The cardiovascular system, kidneys, and digestive system may also get affected. Depending on the severity of the exposure the dog may develop genetic defects which cause puppies to be born with several congenital defects. To protect your pets from mercury exposure, make sure that your surroundings are clean. In your household switch to products which do not contain mercury. Electronic thermometers and thermostats are some healthy alternatives to mercury based equipment.
Apart from taking these precautions, also make sure that you always recycle any used bulbs and other fluorescent lights, especially those lights which use mercury powder to coat the glass from inside. Make a separate waste basket for hazardous waste and always recycle this kind of waste material.

Lead Poisoning in Dogs

Lead poisoning is a common kind of poisoning in both humans and their pets. Just like humans, dogs also experience lead poisoning. Lead poisoning in dogs occurs due to accidental ingestion of lead paint and other lead products. Lead paint is often used during household renovations. At this time, it is important to keep a close watch on your pet so that the pet does not ingest any amount of lead paint.

A teething dog may also often get exposed to high levels of lead when it begins chewing on substances that contain lead. Painted toys, tiles, and other things which are easily accessible to the dog contain large quantities of lead and can therefore be harmful to the dog. Some of the more harmful sources of lead poisoning are golf balls, car batteries, plumbing materials, and soldering materials. Since puppies are more prone to chewing any thing that they get their teeth on, they are more prone to lead poisoning.

Metal poisoning in dogs usually has specific symptoms. Lead poisoning specifically affects the circulation of the dog as lead alters the structure of the blood material. Seizures are one of the commonest symptoms of lead poisoning in dogs. Apart from that, if the blood lead level shoots beyond normal ranges, it can cause dog vomiting, lethargy, nausea, severe pain in the abdominal region, moodiness, and diarrhea. Seizures are usually an indication of high levels of lead poisoning. Iron toxicity in dogs can cause similar symptoms, therefore, it is recommended that dogs be diagnosed properly before a treatment plan is laid out for the animal.

If the dog has accidentally swallowed a lead object, X-rays and scans can easily detect such objects. In an X-ray, the object appears light grey or white. Lead levels may also be high in the feces of the dog. When given time, treatment for lead or iron poisoning in dogs can be effective. If it is an object stuck in the digestive tract of the dog that is causing the toxicity, treatment includes making the dog vomit to extract the object. In severe cases, the object may have to be extracted using a surgical procedure. For dogs that have had heavy lead poisoning, chelation is the preferred therapy. In this therapy, drugs are used to extract the object stuck in the tract of the dog. Certain drugs may also be used in order to extract the lead materials in the dog’s feces.

Household Dangers for Dogs, Cats

There are many dangers around the household that our pets can encounter. Imagine if your pet drinks from the toilet where you have used self cleaning chemicals! There are unending hazards that the pet could experience. Keeping your pets away from all sorts of household chemicals and other household dangers is a responsibility that few pet owners really understand. Just like you would baby proof a house when you have a small baby crawling around, you also have to take care that your pet doesn’t accidentally electrocute itself, get injured, or swallow poisonous chemicals. Here are some common household dangers for pets which can easily be subverted.

• Shredders: These machines can be especially dangerous if you have small pets around the house. When shredders are not in use, they should ideally be turned off so that their automatic feed buttons cannot be pressed accidentally. The shredding teeth are very sharp and if a small pet nestles near the warm motor, the fur could get caught in the teeth and tear off from the body. When you are not using a shredder, either switch it off or completely unplug it.
• Washers and Dryers: Always keep the lid of any washers and dryers closed so that your pet may not accidentally fall into it. Washers and dryers present one of the biggest household dangers to pets. When your washing machines and dryers are not in use, make sure that they are turned off and that their lids are closed.
• Wire Crates: Wire crates are commonly found in households. However, a pet who is playing within the crate may accidentally get caught in the bars. If the wire is meshed close, a dog tag or a collar may get caught into the mesh and the pet may get suffocated. Do not keep any wire crates strewn around your house unattended. If you keep your pet in a crate, make sure that you remove the collars and tags before you put the animal in.
• Power Outlets and loose wires: One of the biggest household dangers for dogs and cats are loose live wires and power outlets. Power outlets which are within reach of your pets should be covered using safety covers. This ensures that your pet does not electrocute itself. If you have any loose wires around the house, they should be removed or clipped and sheathed so that they are no longer dangerous.
• Chemicals: Household cleaning chemicals, detergents, antifreeze, and other such chemical products that you keep in a closet or your garage, should always be kept away from the reach of your pets. These pose grave household dangers for cats and dogs. If your pet accidentally swallows these chemicals, it could lead to poisoning and eventual death of the pet. It is therefore important to be extremely careful.
• Cat and dog safety at home is in your hands. Make sure that your house is a safe place for your pets to roam around freely.

Dog and Water Safety

There are several things to consider when discussing dog water safety. While it is important to consider water safety when your dog is playing in a pool or is swimming in a lake or another source of water, water safety may also include the kind of water that your dog is consuming. Most dogs spend most of their time outdoors and if they have been very active, or if it is especially hot outside, the dog might need more water than it normally requires. If you are around and notice your pet’s needs, you can immediately offer the dog water or replenish the water in the dog’s bowl. However, if the dog’s water bowl is running empty and you are not around to give it water, it may end up drinking from a questionable source. This exposes your dog to a variety of parasites and microbes that poison the water and make it unfit for drinking.

Stagnant bodies of water are home to many species of bacteria and fungi. Ponds, bogs, and other small sources of water will usually be your pet’s first stop if it requires water and cannot find it in its bowl. Consuming contaminated water can cause dog vomiting, diarrhea, and flatulence. If the dog consumes water contaminated with blue-green algae, the dog can even die.

For maximum water safety, make sure when your dog is participating in an activity or is outside, it has plenty of clean water to drink. Keep checking the dog’s bowl to see if the water is running low.
Another great danger that pets have from water sources is that of drowning. Dogs are usually good swimmers, unlike cats who hate water. However, depending upon the age and the physical condition of the dog, swimming to large distances may not always be a good idea. Swimming is an excellent exercise for your dog. However, proper dog health care and precautions should be taken to make sure that your dog is safe while in the water. One of the best dog swimming tips is to make sure that the dog is supervised closely while it is swimming. Also make sure that the water in which the dog is swimming is clean. Algae infested waters are as dangerous to your pet as they would be to your child. Therefore, always make sure that you check the water source for cleanliness before you let your dog in.

Dog pool safety is an issue that many dog owners take seriously. While in a pool your dog is safe from sudden currents, keeping the dog in the pool for a long duration of time is not advisable. The dog may have a cramp and may drown before you have the chance to help it. If you are taking your dog swimming with you, always make the dog wear a life jacket approved for canines as a safety measure.