Dog Pink Eye Treatment

The most common eye problem in dogs is conjunctivitis or dog pink eye as it is called. Pink eye is the inflammation of the inside of the eyelids and the front eye. There is no major difference in pink eye in humans and dogs. It is not a severe condition unless not treated on time. If left untreated, it can become a serious condition which can affect the dog adversely. If the eyes are not swollen, you can treat the pink eyes in dog by yourself at home. Wipe the dog’s eyes with a soft cloth dipped in lukewarm water. A cotton ball dipped in lukewarm water also works well. You will have to clean the eyes twice or thrice a day to get rid of the discharge that comes out of the eyes.

Symptoms of Dog Pink Eye

A dog afflicted with pink eye will have bloodshot eyes accompanied with inflamed and irritated eyelids. This infection causes the eye lids to get puffy and the surrounding tissue gets inflamed. Due to the inflammation, the dog may not be able to open its eyes or blink. You may also observe pus-filled, thick, discharge from the eyes. Simply observing the eye color is not enough to diagnose if the dog has been infected with pink eye. Pink eye can cause severe itching as a result of inflammation. You may notice your dog wiping its eyes with its paw or scratching its eyes. You will also notice tears in the dog’s eyes. There is an increase in the amount of fluid that the tear ducts produce.  This is because the eyes also try to flush out toxins.

Dog Pink Eye Home Remedies

It is important to assess the condition of your pet’s eyes before you start any home remedies for dog pink eye. If you observe any foreign object in or around the eyes, flush your dog’s eyes with lukewarm water. Make sure the water is only lukewarm else it may cause damage to the eyeballs. Use a soft cloth to wipe the area around the eyes to clean any extra discharge or remove any foreign material. If both the eyes are infected make sure you use different cloths for both the eyes. If you don’t see any improvement or these remedies are not working, you should contact vet immediately and start administering the prescribed treatment. If your vet diagnoses canine pink eye, he/she may prescribe some antibiotics for the treatment.  Antibiotic drops and pills will definitely provide relief to the dog’s eyes. Many vets also recommend herbal drops for dogs that frequently get pink eye. This is a natural treatment for bacterial conjunctivitis in dogs.

Dog Sprained Paw

Just like human beings and especially children, dogs can sprain their paws too, when they hurt themselves while jumping, running, bouncing or playing. A dog’s sprained foot is caused by injury or damage to the tissues that support the joints in a dog’s foot. Identifying a sprain in a dog can be a bit stressful for any pet owner, as most animals cannot communicate and let their owners know exactly where they are hurt. At most times, the only indicator of a sprain may be a cry or a limp. A dog’s sprained paw could range from mild to severe.

Dog Sprained Paw Treatment

It is not advisable to treat dog paw sprain injury at home. In case you notice your pet limping or suspect that a foot may be sprained, you need to take your dog to a vet, without any delay. Even the smallest limp should not be ignored, as it could indicate a serious injury. Allow the vet to check the paw along with the joints, hips, legs & toes carefully to confirm if there is a sprain. Painkillers & anti-inflammatory medication should only be given to the dog, upon a vet’s recommendation. At times, the vet may also suggest that a supplement be added to the dog’s diet, to prevent any further injuries and to strengthen the dog’s bones and joints. It is usually difficult to get dogs to take pills and supplements. Check with your vet if they can be hidden in peanut butter, just so that your dog can take them.

Regular activities should be restricted until the time when your dog’s sprained paw heals. Your dog should only be allowed to walk to the bathroom and back. This could be a problem for younger puppies or dogs that are usually very active. Do not take your dog for walks and avoid playing games like tug of war and fetch. Instead, try to reinforce activities for your dog that are much calmer. You could encourage your dog to stay in one place, by purchasing an edible bone and a mat that he could lie down and chew on.

Most paw sprains take approximately 2 weeks to heal properly. Make sure that you keep revisiting your vet for follow-up appointments till the time that your dog’s paw has completely healed. At least one follow-up appointment is important, even if your dog appears to have healed, as some dogs are good at adapting to the pain. In case the paw has not healed the way it should have, further x-rays and instructions may be required.

Dog Growing Too Fast

There are several first time pet owners, who often wonder if their pet dogs are growing at the pace that they are supposed to or if their dog’s growing too fast. Just as in the case of human beings, there are various dog growing stages too. Most puppies go through predictable stages, while they mature. Although the growth stages differ slightly for each breed, the general timeline will be more or less the same. Being aware of the various dog growing stages is important for every single pet owner, to know what to expect at different stages. If you are a pet owner it can also help you in planning any socialization and training activities for your puppy. It is also very important for you to monitor your dog’s growth, so as to assess if your dog is growing too fast or too slow. It isn’t uncommon for us to wish that our babies or pets would stay small for a bit longer, so it is normal to fell that your dog is growing too fast, but more often than not this is not the case.

There could be several reasons for a dog growing too fast. At times, this rapid growth can be caused by the diet that your dog is on. Puppies or younger dogs that are regularly fed foods that are very high in calories may grow at a faster rate than seems normal. Therefore, before planning a diet, it is important to consult a veterinarian and find out about the total caloric intake that is recommended for your dog, along with the recommended doses of calcium, protein, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. An overdose of any nutrient is just as harmful as the lack of it. Therefore, make sure that your dog follows a healthy and balanced diet. Dog treats should be restricted to certain occasions only, or during training sessions, as they could add to your pet’s caloric intake of the day, leading to problems, where you may see your dog growing too fast.

Apart from a rich diet, there may be other factor that causes dog growing at a rapid rate. This includes certain conditions such as

• Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy (HOD): HOD is a very painful bone disease that affects young puppies that belong to the “large dog” breed. While treating this condition, anti-inflammatory medicines, antibiotics & painkillers are prescribed for the dog. Certain steroids and supplements may be also be used in the treatment. During this time, the dog should be strictly on bed rest.
• Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD): This disease usually affects the joint cartilage in larger dogs. Treating this condition could either require strict rest and medication or surgery, depending on the dog’s age & medical condition.
• Panosteitis (Pano): Pano refers to a painful bone disease that affects young dogs. Though there is no specific treatment for this condition, painkillers may be prescribed to control the pain.

Never give your dog any medication without consulting a vet. In case you notice any health problems in your pet, please consult a vet immediately.

Dog Panting After Giving Birth

A dog panting after giving birth should not give you any cause for alarm. This seemingly excessive dog panting may last for a few weeks. This contraction of the uterus stimulates lactation. Keep in mind that panting is common behavior in dogs. All dogs pant. Panting is when a dog’s tongue protrudes out of the mouth and it breathes rapidly. Dogs do this to bring their body temperature down. Unlike human beings, dogs do not sweat. They pant. Dog panting after giving birth is normal due to the contraction of the uterus. There is a purpose behind the rapid breathing that accompanies a pant. More air enters the mucous membranes of the dog’s mouth and his respiratory tract when he pants. This results in a lowering of the body temperature. If however, you notice excessive dog panting and your dog has not been engaged in any physical activity or exposed to heat and so on, it is necessary to take him to a vet. There are many reasons that lead to excessive panting in dogs.

Some possible reasons for a dog panting excessively after giving birth could include:

• Hematologic problems: Your dog might be panting excessively either due to anemia or carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Heat problems: Hyperthermia or heat stroke might cause excessive panting as well. Dark red gums on a dog are a symptom of hyperthermia as is a high rectal temperature.
• Heart problems: Heartworm, congestive heart failure, heart murmurs and Cardiomyopathy could lead to excessive panting. Coughing spells, difficulties in breathing and lethargy could be signs that your dog has a serious medical problem.
• Respiratory problems: Your dog’s nasal passage could be blocked due to upper respiratory infections and this will make the dog breathe in more oxygen. A lower respiratory tract infection or a collapsed trachea will also make your dog pant more than usual. Growths in the nose or back of the throat may also lead to excessive panting.
• Pain: If your dog is in pain, chances are he will pant even more.
• Fever: This is yet another cause for excessive dog panting.
• Bleeding problems: Internal bleeding is another reason. Check to see if your dog’s gums are pale.
• Hormonal problems: Another reason behind the excessive panting is hypothyroidism. Your vet will be the best person to determine if this is the reason.
• Neurologic Disorders: The respiratory center could be affected if your dog suffers from any neurologic disorders. These include brain tumors, head injury/trauma or even some abnormalities in the respiratory tract.

If your dog is panting and you are unaware of the cause, do take him to the vet so that proper treatment can be started immediately.

Dog Nausea Medication, Home Remedy

Dog nausea is a common problem that can occur due to a variety of causes. This ailment can cause discomfort to the dog and hence an owner should be aware of how to relieve it. It is advisable to take a sick dog to the vet immediately in order to rule out more serious underlying causes of the nausea. Dog nausea treatment depends upon the cause of the problem.  Some cases of dog nausea may not be serious and may vanish without treatment. However, in other cases, there may be a more serious underlying illness and medical treatment becomes vital. Some of the causes of dog nausea include change in the diet, motion sickness, stomach upset, worms, stomach or intestinal problems, illness and pregnancy in female dogs. There are some signs and symptoms which dogs tend to display when they feel nauseous. These symptoms are indicative of nausea, but they could also occur due to other factors. Some of the signs of nausea include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, and dry heaving. The dog may also lick or chew excessively when they are suffering from nausea. In case the dog exhibits other symptoms such as abdominal swelling and dullness of the coat, the problem could be worms. Dog owners that are not familiar with these signs may find it difficult to identify that their pets are suffering from nausea. If the dog is still displaying good appetite and continues to be alert, then it may not be a cause for concern. In case an owner suspects a temporary cause such as a new type of dog food, then there are certain ways to relieve the symptoms.

If the nausea symptoms last for only a couple of hours, then it is likely that the problem will subside by itself. In the meantime, ensure that the dog gets plenty of water to drink so that dehydration is prevented. This is especially important if the dog has been vomiting. Dehydration caused by vomiting can make an illness worse. Nausea often occurs when the dog consumes an excess amount of dry food at once. If this is the case, then feeding the dog frequent smaller meals is beneficial. The dog’s food may also be mixed with some water so that the nausea is relieved. A dog nausea home remedy involves giving peppermint to the dog. However, one should always consult a vet before administering any home remedy to dogs. The vet may also prescribe certain dog nausea medications depending on the severity of the problem. Dog nausea medicine is usually administered intravenously or through an injection.

Swollen Lymph Nodes in Dogs Rear Leg

Dogs are known to possess the external and also the internal lymph nodes. These nodes cab be found to be smallish tissue masses which mainly are responsible for the functioning of the dog’s immune system. These particular lymph nodes in the dog’s are considered to be the blood filters and also found to help in the storing of the white blood cells. When these lymph nodes which are present in the dog get infected, it causes the swelling of the lymph nodes. If the vet and the owner know the way that these lymph node infections work then they can take the necessary steps towards taking care of their dog’s health. Swollen lymph nodes in dogs like the dog lymph nodes in rear leg or dog lymph nodes under arm are the primary sign that their dog’s tissues have now become infected.

When the infection begins the white blood cells in the dog start increasing their own production. These white blood cells will then drain from the dog’s tissues into its lymph nodes which will then lead to the swelling occurring. This condition wherein the swelling of the lymph nodes occurs is known as Lymphadenitis. This kind of lymph node infection can also lead to one’s dog displaying other signs like losing its appetite and also the dog developing a feeling of lethargy. When the dog exhibits signs of trouble with its breathing then this may also be an indication of lymph node infections. Lymphadenitis is thus that condition which causes the lymphatic glands in the ground to become infected due to an infection. If tone’s vet conducts a biopsy on the animal then he or she can then ascertain with the help of a tissue sample whether the cells present in the dog have turned cancerous. There may possibly even be a spread in these cancer cells from one part of the dog’s body to various other locations in its body. This condition is called as metastasis. Some of the dog’s lymph node swellings will be detected by the vet or even the owner by the simple means of touch. However there can possibly be other times when there are no clinical symptoms to aid in the identification and diagnosis of these swollen lymph nodes in dogs. These dog lymph node infections under arm and rear leg can be caused by various factors including bacterial and fungal infections.

Canine Leg Tumors

Osteosarcoma is a condition which is characterized by canine leg tumors. These tumors begin to form on the bone. Usually, these tumors form on the bones of middle aged or older dogs. However, this can occur with any dog of any age or sex. There is a greater tendency in large breeds to suffer from canine leg tumors. Larger breeds may also develop these problems at a much younger age.

Though osteosarcoma may develop in any bone of the body, but in 80% of cases the tumors occurs in the bones of the limbs. The tumors may begin to form deep inside the bones and as they grow outwards, it causes a lot of pain to the dog. The dog may eventually not be able to move around much as the tumor destroys the leg. The dog experiences intermittent lameness which might become permanent. In about one to three months, the dog may become completely lame. As the tumors grow in the dog’s legs, the outward swelling may become apparent. The bone which is sustaining the tumor may not be as strong as the other bones. In fact, the bone becomes corroded and brittle. The slightest of injuries can cause fractures in the bones. This fracture is known as a pathologic fracture. Even if the fracture heals, the bone is not strong and there are chances of there being other dog leg problems and broken bones.

The earliest symptom of the condition is the apparent swelling on the legs. The dog may not be able to walk around much or may prefer to remain inactive due to the pain in the joints. A radiograph of the joint can show if the bone has been eaten away or has been corroded. The legs may also become slightly deformed. There may be intermittent lameness too. The dog may not be able to climb stairs anymore and may also begin to avoid play activities. You may find the dog squirming in pain while trying to sit or get up from a seated position. The dog’s bones become brittle and canine leg tremors may also be observed. Read on dog leg injuries.

Fortunately, the damage done by the tumors usually does not spread to the joints and therefore the deterioration of the bones is slow.  To confirm the diagnosis of osteosarcoma, the doctor may call for a biopsy. A small surgery is performed to get a sample of the bone and the doctor examines it to look for signs of cancerous tumors.

Home Remedies for Dog Cold

Canine colds should not always be taken very lightly. In fact, canine colds may often be an indication of a serious condition. The symptoms of dog cold are very similar to severe infections. The immune system of the dog may be weak and the infection may spread fast in the body. Therefore, treatment for what seems to be a common cold should be provided immediately to the dog.

Canine influenza virus, which can be quite dangerous, may be behind your dog’s runny nose. Therefore, dog runny nose treatment becomes all the more important. Canine cold symptoms as well as treatment are quite similar to that of cold in humans. Along with medication, home care is important in treating the dog’s cold. Here are some of the commonly used home remedies for treating canine cold:

• Use vitamin C tablets for a few days to improve your dog’s immunity. This should be done as soon as the first signs of the cold are experienced. Keep giving the dog a quarter of a vitamin C tablet everyday for at least four days. Give your dog garlic and zinc supplements along with the vitamin C tablets. Consult a vet if there is no change in the dog’s condition after four days.
• Use colloidal silver to help the dog with the cold. The dosage is usually dependant on the age and the weight of the dog. You may want to consult your vet before you begin using this remedy.
• One of the best dog cold remedies is elderberry extract. Use this extract to reduce the symptoms of the common cold. This remedy works well with both humans and dogs. You could also use this as a preventive remedy in order to suppress the cold from remerging.
• Discuss with your vet about other medications you can give to your dog. Usually cold medications meant for younger children are safe for dogs. However, before giving any such medication, the vet should always be consulted first.
• You may keep a mist vaporizer near the dog’s resting place. This allows the air around the dog to be most so that the respiratory system gets some respite. If your dog has a stuffy nose, you can add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to the vaporizer. This is also an effective home remedy for dog runny nose and will give your dog immediate relief.
• Extra boiled chicken and rice is the perfect meal for a dog who is suffering from a cold. The dog may not want to eat anything when it is sick. However, do try to make it eat something so that it regains its strength.

Dog Paw Problems

It is quite common to see dogs jumping, running and playing about in parks, backyards, at the beach or just about anywhere. The pads of a dog’s paw are just as soft as a human’s foot and they feel the exact same pain as we do. Therefore, dog paw problems have become a common occurrence, causing severe pain and distress at times. As these dog paw problems progress and become worse, they can cause a normally gentle dog to become aggressive or even sad and depressed. Therefore, it is important to check and clean your dog’s paw regularly, to avoid the risks of a dog paw infection as well as prevent other paw related problems from getting worse. Some of the most common dog paw problems are:

• Fractured or torn nails: This normally occurs when your dog catches his nail on something. It could be a very painful condition and should only be treated by an experienced vet. Never try to remove the nail on your own. Unless the trauma to the nail bed was extremely harsh, the nail should eventually grow back.
• Chewing or biting the paw: If you do notice your pet licking, biting or trying to chew on his paw, it could be a sign of an allergy. The assistance of a vet is required to determine exactly what your dog is allergic to.
• Dry or cracked paw pads: If a dog’s paws feel too dry or look like they are developing cracks, apply some moisturizer to the dog’s paws. However, this should not be done too often, or else the paw pads will become too soft and sensitive, leading to further problems.
• Cuts on the paw: Cuts on the pads of the paw are quite common for dogs that run around on uneven terrain. If you do notice any cut, you need to wash them out and apply an antiseptic ointment on them. In order to prevent your pet from licking the wound, it is best to wrap some gauze around it and cover it with a sock. However, if the cut is too large or deep, is should be examined by a vet.
• Long toenails: A dog’s toenails should be trimmed regularly and this can be done at home, at a vet or at a dog grooming salon. Shorter toenails help the dog walk more comfortably.
• Foreign objects being lodged in the paw: Objects like seeds, burrs, dried mud and fur can often be found stuck, between the dog’s toes or within the pad. These objects should be removed very carefully, to avoid causing further damage.
• Inter-digital cysts: These refer to the lumps that can form between the paw pads of your dog.

There are several other forms of dog paw infection and sores that could affect the paws of your dog. In case you notice any infection, sore or problem on your dog’s paws, please consult a veterinarian immediately.

Read on dog paw care and dog paw first aid

Home Remedy for Dog Conjunctivitis

Just like human beings, dogs too can suffer from conjunctivitis, which is also known as pink eye. Conjunctivitis in dogs is quite similar to humans, as the infection affects the mucus membranes around the eyes, causing the eyes to feel extremely itchy and sore. The whites of the eye usually turn pink and the flesh surrounding the eye swells. At times, the symptoms of this condition are more subtle. Your dog could be producing a higher amount of tears, may flinch, wince or squint without any apparent reason or may just want to sleep all day long. Conjunctivitis can be the symptom of a problem in dogs or at times, it could also be the main problem. Therefore, if you ever realize that your dog is suffering from the pink eye, it is best to check with a doctor without any delay. A veterinarian may prescribe some antibiotic eye drops, which need to be applied every few hours. There are artificial tears, eye ointments and pills which could also be used in the treatment of this condition.

However, most pet owners prefer opting for dog conjunctivitis home remedies, in addition to conventional treatments, to speed up the healing process. Given below are some simple dog conjunctivitis home treatment options:

Organic apple cider vinegar is believed to work wonders on dogs suffering from eye infections. For a small dog, mix one tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar, with a tablespoon of water and rub the mixture on the back of your pet’s neck using a piece of cotton. In some cases this home remedy for dog conjunctivitis can completely cure the problem. However, there have been many reports stating that apple cider vinegar only improves the condition, by reducing the pain and the inflammation. Wipe your pets eyes regularly, using cooled water that has already been boiled. Dip a ball of cotton wool in cold water and allow it to soak generously. Then, wipe your pet’s eyes, one by one, using different pieces of cotton for each eye. Do not leave the dog’s eyes wet; please make sure that you pat them dry. Colloidal silver has been considered an excellent home remedy for dog pink eye. It needs to be applied directly into the dog’s eyes, just like any other normal eye drops.

There are several other home remedies that can be used, to treat conjunctivitis in dogs, like essiac tea, a combination of lavender oil and chamomile tea, salt water, honey, green tea bags, honey as well as a combination of rosemary and tea tree oils. However, not all home remedies may be suitable for your dog. Before trying any home remedy for dog conjunctivitis, it is best to check it’s feasibility with a doctor.