There are several warning signs that your dog may have a heart problem, the most telling being sudden collapse and difficulty breathing. If your dog experiences these symptoms and exhibits other symptoms, such as fever or lethargy, they likely have a heart problem. If your dog does not recover within a day or two, please schedule a vet visit for a complete exam.

Common Symptoms of Heart Disease in Dogs

There are several possible symptoms you may notice if your dog has heart problems. Many can be related to other causes, but if a number of these symptoms present together, heart issues are more likely.

Vomiting

A poor appetite often accompanies this.

Swollen belly

Typically from a fluid buildup in his organs — including his lungs.

Fatigue

Your dog is getting tired more quickly than usual or refusing to play.

Fainting

Because not enough blood can get to the brain.

Fever

The normal body temperature of a dog ranges from 99.5 °F to 102.5 °F (37.5 C° to 93.1 C°). A body temperature of at least 103.5 °F (39.7 °C) indicates fever.

Increase in heart rate

In critical cases, you can observe this by simply laying your hand on your dog’s chest.

Excessive coughing

Especially while or right after exercising or an hour or two before bedtime.

Breathing heavily

Showing difficulty breathing or while exercising.

Loss of weight

Weight loss happens with heart disease because your dog loses its ability to store healthy fat.

Discomfort

You may notice your dog pacing more than usual and avoiding laying down due to pain.

Bluish-gray tongue or gums

This is due to the poor flow of oxygen.

Common Causes of Heart Issues in Dogs

Heart issues in dogs can come up for various reasons, some of which are genetic and others that are more lifestyle related. For example, breeds like Great Danes and Irish Wolfhounds are predisposed to heart disease because of their size and weight, but smaller species can also get it if they have the wrong diet or suffer from obesity. On the other hand, dogs who lead a sedentary lifestyle with low physical activity levels will be at higher risk for developing heart disease. All of these factors, in addition to the ones below, make it essential to monitor your pet’s weight and activity level so that they can enjoy a long and healthy life. 

Old Age

Just as with people, the hearts of dogs get weaker as they age. Aging can lead to several different health problems.

Injury

If your dog is hurt in specific ways, it can damage her heart or cause added pressure that forces the heart to work harder — for example, a broken rib.

Infection

Various types of infections are known to cause heart damage. These include bacterial infection of the membrane around the heart, parvovirus, Lyme disease, and Chagas’ disease.

Diet

A poor diet high in fat can make it much more likely for your dog to develop heart problems — especially if you allow them to grow obese.

Exercise

Dogs need exercise, but you also have to know their limits. If you put too much strain on a dog’s heart, it can cause problems.

Breed

Some breeds are just more susceptible to heart issues than others. It’s a long list, so consult your veterinarian about your breed or breed mix. The top six dogs on the list, susceptible to three or more likely heart conditions, are the German shepherd, boxer, cocker Spaniel, Great Dane, Labrador retriever, and Rottweiler.

General Tips for Canine Heart Health

Want to keep your dog’s heart healthy for as long as possible? While it’s impossible to prevent heart disease in every case, there are things you can do to decrease your dog’s odds of developing cardiac issues.

Maintain Proper Body Weight

If a dog is overweight, it means that his heart has to work harder, and it will be more likely to develop issues. Ask your vet for dietary help and suggestions to help your pup lose excess weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Engage in Regular Exercise

Consider first your dog’s abilities. Even if you start slowly, work your way up gradually and pay attention to your dog’s specific needs. Regular exercise will make her heart stronger. In addition to a stronger heart, you will notice a decrease in behavioral problems such as chewing, barking, digging, and excessive licking.

Pay Attention

Watch for the signs and symptoms shared in this article. Your vet should always check for signs of a heart murmur or abnormal rhythm. Be sure to ask your vet about it and follow her advice.

Go to the Vet

Regular vet checkups are vital to keeping your dog’s heart healthy. Time is of the essence when it comes to cardiac problems. If you suspect that there is a heart issue, don’t delay! Get to the vet immediately for a proper diagnosis and the most appropriate treatment.

Tips for Caring for a Dog with Heart Disease

The sooner the disease is detected, the better chance your furry friend will have of living with little to no pain. Your pet provider can develop a care plan that enables them to enjoy life.

Be Mindful of Treats

Many dogs with this condition should not be fed human food or a lot of treats. These animals usually have trouble digesting food, and it is best to stick with a set diet. It is also necessary to monitor how much they eat so they do not gain weight which would cause extra stress on their heart.

Monitor Salt Intake

A side effect of heart disease is swollen belly and water in the lungs. A low-salt diet can help lower this symptom so your dog can sleep and exercise comfortably.

Medicine

Treatment for dogs with heart disease usually consists of medication to regulate their heartbeat and reduce fluid buildup in the lungs. Your veterinarian may also prescribe additional treatment that could lengthen your dog’s life expectancy, providing them with a healthier lifestyle day-to-day.

Pacemaker

Some veterinarians may feel comfortable implanting a pacemaker inside your pet’s body to regulate its irregular heartbeat. Pacemakers are most often used for young pets born with congenital heart conditions requiring medication or surgical solutions at an early age. Older pets are not recommended for this procedure because it would be too traumatic for their aging bodies.

Supplements

Some dogs who suffer from heart disease do exceptionally well with vitamin B supplements. Amino acid supplementation and Vitamin E help them to digest food properly, as well as provide enough energy so they can sleep better. Simple supplements such as these are often available for an affordable price and offer relief for many symptoms of the disorder at any stage of it.

Does your dog suffer from a heart problem? How do you help keep them healthy?

The post Warning Signs that Your Dog Has a Heart Problem appeared first on Cesar's Way.

Below is a guide to understanding the causes of constipation, recognizing the symptoms, and treating your pet.

Causes of Dog Constipation

A variety of different factors can contribute to constipation in your pet. Some of the most common causes of dog constipation include:

• Blocked or abscessed anal sacks
• Dehydration
• Enlarged prostate
• Hernias
• Ingested dirt, grass, or debris
• Ingested hair from excessive grooming
• Insufficient exercise
• Recent surgery (meds used during procedure and surgery itself)
• Insufficient fiber in the diet
• Kidney disease
• Stress and physiological issues (a stressor in the environment that leads the dog to hold it)
• Side effects from medication
• Orthopedic disorders that make it difficult to squat
• Tumors or masses around the anus
• Spinal injuries and disease

Symptoms of Dog Constipation

If your dog has not defecated in two or more days, this is often a telltale sign that she is suffering from constipation. Additional constipation indications include straining, crouching, or whimpering while trying to defecate. Grass particles, string, or matted feces around the anal area may also be signs of constipation in your dog.

Treatment for Dog Constipation

If you notice any signs of constipation in your dog, you should visit your veterinarian as soon as possible. Your vet can determine the causes of your dog’s constipation and advise you on the best treatment method for your unique pet.

Common Treatments for Relieving Constipation

• Increasing your dog’s fiber intake by adding pumpkin, wheat bran, or fiber supplements
• Increasing exercise
• A dog laxative or stool softener
• An enema treatment (given by veterinarian)
• Medication that will strengthen the large intestine

At-Home Remedies to Relieve Constipation in Dogs

If your dog is experiencing constipation and you want to try some remedies at home before going to the vet, check out some options below.

Canned Dog Food

Mix your dog’s regular food with some canned food to help prevent an upset stomach. The canned food is softer, and the higher moisture will help balance the digestive system and form a softer stool.

Provide Fresh Water

Encourage your pup to drink plenty of water to ensure they stay hydrated. If they are refusing to drink water, please seek medical attention.

Pumpkin Puree

Talk to your vet before giving your pet pumpkin puree to make sure it’s the right solution for you. When you give your dog 100% pumpkin puree, they are ingesting extra fiber and moisture, which will help get their digestive tract in order. DO NOT use pumpkin pie filling! You don’t need to cook or warm up the puree. Simply give the treat right from the can. Your furry friend will love it.

Movement

Play a game of fetch or chase to get the body moving and prompt the bowels to make a healthy movement. Go for a long walk, do some running exercises, or do anything to get the body moving in a positive direction.

When Should I Take My Dog to the Vet?

Sometimes it’s hard to know when to call the vet, and you want to avoid bothering them if it’s not an emergency. However, in your pet’s case, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Constipation should typically resolve within 48 hours if you’ve kept your dog hydrated, given plenty of exercises, and offered a balanced and nutritious diet. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pup is vomiting or showing signs of discomfort or pain. If you press on the abdomen and it is tense or painful for your furry friend, let your pet care provider know. If they can produce even small amounts of fecal matter, note what it looks like so you can inform the vet.

What Will My Veterinarian Do to Help My Dog?

Once you are at the vet’s office, they will complete a physical examination to determine what could be causing constipation. The doctor will check for foreign objects, tumors, or a distended colon. A distended colon (megacolon) is when waste inside the colon causes the colon to become abnormally enlarged and blocks the passage of feces and gas. Sometimes, your vet may need to order blood work, x-rays, or ultrasounds to make a prognosis on the cause of constipation. Once they have figured out the root of the issue, they will give a treatment plan that best suits your pup.

While constipation is natural in growing dogs, you can work to prevent it by helping your dog to get plenty of exercise, feeding her a healthy, fibrous diet, and ensuring she drinks plenty of water. If your dog is a male, neuter him at a young age to prevent prostate enlargement.

Boiled or canned pumpkin is a well-known supplement to help a dog’s digestive system. What other natural remedies have you tried successfully?

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You and the family are sitting around, maybe watching TV, with the dog sleeping at your feet, and all is well. Then, without warning, it’s like a mustard gas attack as a terrible aroma fills the room. Everyone starts coughing and maybe clearing out, expressing their displeasure.
The dog looks up at the commotion and seems to be the only one enjoying it, oblivious that he’s the culprit.

Congratulations! Like countless other dog owners, you’ve just been a victim of the infamous silent but deadly canine flatulence. The “silent” part is a fact of anatomy. Because the usual position of a dog’s rectum is horizontal, their sphincter doesn’t have to be quite as tight as a human’s; our rectums generally point straight down, so we need extra security.
A looser opening means less resistance, so most dogs can pass gas while making little if any, sound. So, unlike a human doing the same, dogs rarely give an audible warning of the coming storm.

One French inventor, Christian Poincheval, is now selling a powder that he claims will make pet flatulence smell like flowers, inspired by his earlier creation of pills that will do the same thing for humans in the scents of ginger, chocolate, or roses. So it is possible to turn your dog into a walking air freshener, but what if you want to reduce the frequency and eliminate the odor almost entirely?

Why Does it Smell Bad When Dogs Pass Wind?

Like humans, a dog’s intestines are full of bacteria that feed on the food passing through us and release gas. Depending upon the composition of that gas, the smell can be benign or horrifying — sulfur is a particularly nasty culprit. Also, depending on other factors, a dog can be more or less inclined to sudden flatulence. Here are some of the causes.

What Causes Flatulence in Dogs?

It is normal to have some gas while food goes through the digestive process. However, excessive flatulence or very foul-smelling gas shouldn’t be happening. When a dog’s digestive system has food that is having a hard time processing, it essentially sits in the colon and ferments. Digestive issues typically stem from obesity, poor diet, lack of exercise habits, and sometimes medical conditions like a parasite. For most dogs, as with humans, it all comes down to diet and lifestyle.

Food Consumed

Like humans and the infamous beans. Some foods are likelier to make a dog flatulent than others. Things to avoid are beans, cauliflower, cabbage, brussel sprouts, meat, and soybeans.

Eating low-quality food full of soy or corn fillers can also cause problems; unlike humans, dogs are not fully adapted to digest vegetable fiber.

Finally, if your dog is lactose intolerant and eats dairy products, this can increase the frequency and foulness of flatulence.

Top Ten Foods That Give Dog Gas

• Legumes and beans
• Low-quality dog food
• Dairy
• Too many fruits and vegetables
• Too much meat
• High-fat foods and treats
• Food from garbage cans
• Spicy food
• Table scraps
• Sudden change in diet

How Your Dog Eats

In dogs and humans, a significant source of intestinal gas comes from swallowed air, although this flatulence is rarely as smelly. If your dog gulps their food down too quickly, it’ll swallow a lot of air, and there are only two ways for it to come back out — either in a burp from the front end or a belch from the rear.

The Dog’s Breed

Some breeds are more inclined to flatulence than others, as any boxer owner will tell you. This tends to be an issue with dogs with brachycephalic or “pushed-in” faces, like pugs, bulldogs, Pekinese, and Boston terriers; since they breathe through their mouths, they naturally swallow a lot of air.

Other breeds that tend to be gassy include the German shepherd, mastiff, Labrador retriever, Doberman pinscher, poodle, and beagle. If you own one of these breeds, that powder to give them a pleasant scent might not be a bad idea.

Medical Conditions

If your dog is suddenly excessively gassy, it may be due to a medical condition. Possible causes include pancreatitis, liver disease, food allergy, or lactose or grain intolerance.

If your dog has diarrhea, vomiting, or loss of appetite in combination with excess flatulence, it’s time to visit the vet.

Parasites, like intestinal worms, can also worsen the problem, so it’s a good idea to talk to your vet about possibly prescribing a broad-spectrum intestinal wormer for your dog every three months.

How to Reduce Flatulence in Dogs

If your dog is regularly gassing you out of the house, there are steps you can take to stop flatulence in your furry friend.

Better Quality Food

Feed your dog the highest quality food you can afford, high in protein and without fillers like corn, wheat, or soy. Many cheaper dog foods contain large amounts of beans and peas, which lead to gas.

In all cases, though, remember to make changes to your dog’s diet gradually. They do not adapt as quickly as humans do to new food. Also, try to limit the variety. Bouncing from chicken to beef to lamb and back constantly can contribute to your dog’s gassiness.

Tips for Choosing the Best Food for Your Dog

Your vet is a great resource for selecting high-quality foods for your furry pal, but you can also research options on your own. Look for labels that include the following:

• Little to no chemical preservatives
• The label includes words like “low residue” or “highly digestible”
• The ingredient list contains at least two animal-based proteins at the top

Stop Offering Human Food.

Also, avoid giving your dog human food, especially if it’s fatty, sugary, or high in carbs, and cut down on the dog treats — more to digest equals more to expel. How we cook our food does not usually sit well with a dog’s digestive system, and the ingredients cause smelly flatulence that is hard to live with.

Exercise, Exercise, Exercise

An active pup is crucial to having a balanced dog and can help them have a balanced digestive system and reduce flatulence in our pets. Exercise stimulates the intestines to do their job efficiently, and the more efficient digestion is, the less gas will be produced.

Take plenty of time for the walk and outdoor playtime, and don’t worry if it doesn’t work at first — it’s much better to be outside with your dog than when she lets loose with a barn burner.

Encourage Slower Eating

If your dog eats too quickly, try putting a ball in their bowl or buying a slow-feed dog dish, which has raised obstacles that will make your dog eat more slowly. An option you can use right away is a muffin tin. Put a small amount of food in each spot to add time between eating.

Weight Management

Obesity can contribute to excess smelly flatulence in any breed, so if your dog is overweight, work with your vet and design a diet and exercise program to help him lose weight and develop a healthy balance of intestinal bacteria.

Keep Trash Secure

When dogs eat spoiled food or go digging in the garbage can for a treat, they risk getting sick to the stomach, which can cause gas. Keep your kitchen trash secure, and when on walks, train your dog to obey when you give the command to “leave it.”

Natural Remedies

Yogurt with live culture can help adjust the balance of bacteria in your dog’s gut, as can canine probiotics from your vet, leading to lower production of volatile gasses.

Ginger and edible peppermint oil are known to reduce flatulence symptoms naturally. Add a few drops of peppermint oil to the water bowl or sprinkle some ginger on top of their food. Talk to your vet before incorporating any natural remedies into your dog’s diet.

Supplements Can Help

Talk to your veterinarian about supplements to help with your furry friend’s farting. Supplements paired with a healthy diet and exercise can be a beneficial way to reduce flatulence. Ask your dog’s vet for the best supplement for them.

A Breath of Fresh Air

A dog’s gas will never naturally smell like roses and rainbows, but it doesn’t have to reek like a slaughterhouse inside a burning sewage treatment plant. With a few simple steps, you should be able to reduce the volume and the aroma and take the “deadly” out of “silent.” Your nose — and your dog — will thank you.

Has your dog ever embarrassed you with her farting? Or do you have a remedy that has worked for your pup? Tell us all about it in the comments.

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First Aid Kit Items

What exactly do dogs need in a first aid kit? Some of the items are probably obvious, but others may be more surprising. That’s why we decided to put together this comprehensive list of what you should include and why.

Wound Spray

Your dog can get cut, scratched, or otherwise suffer injury to its skin, both around the house and outdoors.

Self-Cling Bandage

If your dog suffers a severe laceration or other injuries, you’ll probably want to cover it with a bandage after using the wound spray. Look for self-cling bandages that won’t stick to your dog’s fur to avoid painful removal later.

Bandage Scissors

Unless you want Fido to look like a mummy when you bandage him, include a pair of bandage scissors in your kit designed to cut through gauze, clothing, and (yes) bandages.

Antibiotic Ointment

If your pup gets cut or scratched, the injury needs to be treated immediately. Antibiotic ointments will help prevent infection and relieve pain while also acting as a barrier from bacteria for them not to become septicemic (a severe condition caused by an untreated wound).

Eye Wash and Ear Wash

If your dog gets some pollutant or other contaminants in her eyes or ears, it can cause itching, stinging, burning, or worse. Dog-safe eyewash and ear wash can help you flush out the problem materials with a dropper nozzle and even be used on any dressing needed.

Flashlight

A flashlight might be one of the items you didn’t consider adding to the first aid kit, but it could be helpful when you’re trying to pull out a splinter or drop a pill. Keep extra batteries on hand or invest in a solar-powered flashlight. If you choose a solar flashlight, make sure you store it in a location that has plenty of sunlight.

Rubber Gloves

Rubber gloves are recommended for any medical emergency. Always wear protective gear when dealing with blood or bodily fluids!

Grooming or Wet Wipes

Wipes are a must-have for every pet owner. You can use them before getting in the car after an accident has occurred and when cleaning dirt or blood off wounds to get better visibility to see the injury.

Dog Cone

The problem with eye and other head-related issues is that your pup will do whatever he can to scratch and rub at the area with his paw. Prevent this from happening by using a dog cone, which will also prevent your dog from being able to chew at stitches from surgery or lick at a hot spot during treatment. Your vet may also refer to this as an Elizabeth Collar or e-collar for short.

A Comfort Item

When you find yourself in a high-stress situation with your pet, such as during an incredibly traumatic event or severe storm, it’s essential to have something they can clutch onto to make them feel safe and comforted while witnessing this difficult moment.

Keep any old favorite toy or blanket handy, so it is available when needed! The sight of these cherished objects may help settle down your pup in an uneasy situation.

Muzzle

Even a normally calm and balanced dog may lash out when injured, and he may also bite at a wound, making it worse. Like the Funny Muzzle, muzzles serve the dual purpose of keeping a nervous or aggressive dog from harming others or bringing harm to himself.

Leash

A leash is an essential tool to have in your first aid kit because it’s a way for you, as the owner of your dog, to gain control when they may be panicking and try running away. You want this item because the focus isn’t solely on keeping them from fleeing but also on assessing any injuries sustained before determining how best to administer first aid.

Hydrogen Peroxide

If your dog consumes poison, you might not have time to get them to the vet. Depending on the poison, making your dog vomit can be a vital tactic until you get them to treatment. One safe and effective way to induce vomiting and get the poison out of their system is to force them to drink hydrogen peroxide. Always keep a fresh bottle on hand.

But don’t assume that hydrogen peroxide is the answer in every situation. Your best bet is to call the Pet Poison Helpline at (800) 213-6680 to get their recommendation on how to handle the situation right.

Water and Treats

Keep a bottle of water for your dog in case you don’t have access to their regular supply and keep an emergency stash of food ready. You can also give a reward after allowing you to remove thorns or ticks from their body, such as biscuits (or any other treat).

Medications

Talk to your vet about keeping an extra supply of any prescribed medications in the first-aid kit.
If you are traveling, the pet emergency kit will have a backup of all medications. It is always good to have some over-the-counter medicines that your vet approved. These include flea and tick meds, antacids, or drugs for stomach issues in case of an emergency on the road!

Important Phone Numbers

You want to be able to reach help fast in an emergency. Include the phone number for your veterinarian, your emergency vet clinic, and the ASPCA poison control center: (800) 426‑4435. We suggest putting this information inside a clear plastic cover to prevent water damage.

Medical Records

If you have to take your dog to seek help from someone other than his regular veterinarian, it can be valuable to provide them with his medical background and proof of his rabies vaccine.

With these items, you’ll be prepared to help your dog through the most dangerous situations they’re likely to encounter, but remember, it’s always best to seek veterinary care. A first aid kit should be used to remediate an emergency until you get to the vet or address minor injuries like a superficial wound. Ultimately, having a well-prepared kit takes some forethought and planning on the part of pet owners. But with its many benefits for our animal companions, it is worth the effort! So whether you’re at home or out on the road with your furry friend, make sure that you have a well-stocked kit.

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Because burns on dogs is a serious injury, it’s important to provide medical attention immediately to avoid complications and ensure a speedy recovery. Today, we’ll cover the details on how to care for burns on dogs, as well as how your local veterinarian will treat the burn wounds.

While burns on dogs are a serious condition, there is no need to panic as long as you know how to properly treat the wound. Read on to learn how to care for burns on dogs and the different types of burns on dogs to be aware of.

How to Care for Thermal Burns on Dogs

There are three main types of burns in dogs: thermal burns, electrical burns, and chemical burns. Each one of these burns can be broken down into three different categories: superficial burns, partial-thickness burns, and deep burns.

Superficial burns, which involve the outermost layer of skin, are comparable to a human’s first-degree burn. Partial-thickness burns, which affect the epidermis and the outer layers of the dermis, cause blistering similar to second-degree burns in humans. The final type of burn, deep burns, damage the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissues, causing a wound similar to a human’s third-degree burn.

Superficial Thermal Burns

Superficial thermal burns can be treated by immersion of the affected skin in water or by applying an ice pack. After rinsing the wound, remove any hair or debris from the burn and gently pat dry. Do not use oil-based medications on a burn wound. A non-stick telfa pad can then be applied followed by a light bandage to hold it in place. If the burn wound becomes infected or is not healing, veterinary care is needed.

Deep Thermal Burns

Deep thermal burns extend below the surface of the skin and require immediate veterinary care. While waiting for your veterinarian, you may treat the wound by placing a cloth loosely over the burn area. Do not rinse with water or place any medications in the wound. Because these wounds are very painful, some dogs may even go into shock.

How to Care for Electrical Burns on Dogs

Electrical burns are usually the result of a dog biting into an electrical cord. Although these burns are usually seen on the lips and tongue, the dog’s entire body receives an electrical shock. If you see your dog bite an electrical cord, do not touch the dog or try to pull the cord from its mouth, as you may get shocked. Instead, pull the plug from the outlet and check for breathing and a pulse in your dog. If breathing or the heart has stopped, you may need to perform CPR.

After any electrical burn or shock, seek immediate veterinary care. Even if your dog appears fine, there is a possibility that complications may occur.

How to Care for Chemical Burns on Dogs

Chemical burns (acid or alkali compounds) may occur on the surface of the body or may be ingested. To care for a chemical burn on dogs, rinse the chemical off with water as soon as possible. If the compound is an acid, you may also rinse the area with baking soda dissolved in water. Vinegar and water may also be used only if the compound is alkaline.

If your dog ingested the compound, check the container to see if there is an antidote and seek veterinary care immediately.

How Your Vet Will Treat Burns

No matter the level of severity of the burn, medical attention should be provided by your veterinarian as soon as possible. Your vet will monitor your dog’s blood pressure, as well as perform a number of diagnostic tests to ensure no complications arise during or after treatment.

How your vet will treat burns depends on the severity of the burn and the type of burn received. In most cases, your vet will clean the wound and apply bandages with dressings. To prevent dehydration in the dog, your vet will likely hook up IV fluids to the canine. If the dog’s mouth was affected by the burn, your vet will flush the mouth with water and provide medication to prevent infection.

Because infection is a major concern, your veterinarian will treat the wound with topical creams as well antibiotics to prevent infection from occurring. Additionally, your vet will likely give your dog painkillers, as burn wounds can be extremely painful.

A number of tests will be performed during your dog’s hospitalization. Depending on the severity of the burn wound and your dog’s reaction to it, your vet may need to treat your dog for shock. Tube feeding may be necessary if the dog is unable to eat. For dogs unable to stand, your vet may re-position him every few hours to prevent bed sores.

Before your dog comes home from the veterinary clinic, your vet will likely prescribe painkiller medications and topical creams for the burn wound. If your dog was internally affected by electrical burns or chemical burns, your vet will prescribe medication to promote the healing of mucous membranes in oral cavities.

How to Prevent Burns on Dogs

There are a number of precautions dog owners can take to prevent burns on dogs. Watching your dog closely and removing dangerous objects are just a couple of ways burn wounds can be prevented. Here, let’s take a closer look at how to prevent burns on dogs.

Watch Your Dog Closely

Dogs are curious animals and thus get into trouble easily. To prevent a burn accident from occurring, dog owners should watch their pups closely. If your dog is in a new environment, he should be kept on a leash or remain by your side at all times.

Make Sure Dangerous Objects Are Out of Reach

As a dog owner, it is your responsibility to keep dangerous objects out of reach from your pup. Always keep chemicals locked up in a secure location, and keep your dog back when using electrical devices. If you have an open fire, such as a campfire, you may need to block off the area to prevent thermal burns in dogs from occurring.

We hope this article has helped you identify the different types of burns on dogs and how to properly treat them. Remember, seeking medical attention from your vet is the most important step when treating burn wounds in dogs. By visiting the vet after a burn wound, you can speed up the recovery process and even save your dog’s life.

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No matter how careful you are with your dog, accidents happen — and sometimes they’re costly ones. Just ask Les Kaciban of Ashburn, Virginia, whose Komondor puppy Charlie swallowed a corn cob and required emergency surgery to remove it.

The bill came to a whopping $3,600. It was a good thing that Kaciban had pet health insurance. His out-of-pocket expenses came to an easier-to-swallow $1,000, while his insurance policy covered the difference.

Pet owners today face higher veterinary costs than ever. The American Pet Product Association, a trade organization based in Greenwich, Connecticut, reports that because technological advances in procedures for pets, like hip replacements, physical rehabilitation, and chemotherapy, have become more available, spending for veterinary services for dogs have exploded to an average of $407 per year for surgical procedures and $248 per year in routine wellness visits.

A pet health insurance policy can help defray those costs, explains Kristen Lynch, executive director of the North American Pet Health Insurance Association in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. This financial risk-management tool can make the difference between affording health care for your dog — and not.

Insurance Benefits and Drawbacks

Pet health insurance has its benefits, says Carol McConnell, DVM, vice president and chief veterinary officer at Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. in Brea, California. “It gives dog owners freedom,” she says. “It’s less restrictive for them. They don’t have to make a medical decision for their baby based on cost.”

Among its other benefits, notes Lynch:

• Pet insurance protects a dog’s family’s finances against unforeseen medical costs, offering them peace of mind knowing that they have resources should their pet become injured or ill;

• Pet insurance gives people the confidence to take their pet in for veterinary treatment without hesitating or waiting before a medical condition worsens;

• Pet insurance allows the veterinarian to provide pets with top-notch care and practice the most advanced medical treatments; and

• Pet insurance helps the dog live a longer, healthier life.

“Pet insurance is designed to be used,” Lynch says. “When people wait to take their dog in for medical care, it ends up costing more — especially with pets that are so good at hiding their illness.”

Of course, pet health insurance policies have their limitations, too. Depending on the type and its fine print, certain conditions may be excluded, such as pre-existing illnesses, anything related to pregnancy and/or birth, some routine treatments like parasite management and dental maintenance, and the purchase price of the dog if she passes away after a certain age.

At the time of underwriting, insurers may also look at factors like the dog’s age, whether she’s purebred or a mixed breed, and where she lives, Lynch says.

“And there are waiting periods, too,” she says. “Typically, there is a 48-hour wait for accident insurance, and a 14-day wait for policies that cover illnesses as it takes a longer time for illnesses to manifest.”

Demystifying Insurance

The pet health insurance process works similarly to human health insurance, says Emily Pointer, DVM, medical coordinator and staff internist at the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital in New York City. After choosing a plan that works best for their pet, policyholders pay a monthly premium and are responsible for co-pays and deductibles when they take their pets to the vet, she says.

“One important difference between pet and human health insurance is that even if the pet owner has insurance, she is usually responsible for paying the cost of veterinary care at the time of service,” Dr. Pointer says. “The pet owner then submits a claim for reimbursement.”

The process usually looks like this:

• Visit your vet (providers usually allow you to take your dog to any licensed vet).
• Pay your vet bill.
• Submit a claim to your insurance provider.
• Your provider looks into your receipt, visit details, and vet records and pays out the claim according to your policy.
• You receive reimbursement from your insurance company.

Sounds pretty straightforward, right? Well, selecting a plan is where it can get complicated.

A dozen different companies provide health insurance plans for pets, and each one has its own range of policies and premiums. When comparing them, first think about the type of coverage that fits your situation the best.

Coverage Options

In general, policies cover three distinct categories, says Lynch: accident, illness and wellness. Accidents include unexpected injuries, like Charlie’s corn cob meal that required emergency surgery; illnesses include diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions, like diabetes or urinary tract infections; and wellness (also termed routine or preventative care) includes vaccinations, laboratory work and dental work.

Insurers often combine the different types of coverage in their plans, Pointer says. “And then there is a price difference as well. The more a policy covers, the more expensive the premium,” she says.

Think of it like good-better-best policies, Lynch says.

Selecting Insurance Plan Variables

On top of that, many insurers allow you to customize some or all of your plan variables. For example, with SPOT Pet Insurance, you select the deductible, annual limit, and reimbursement rate. Other providers may have a pre-packaged recommendation or requirement for the variables within their plans. Pet parents can think about how much involvement they want to have in building their policy and let that help them narrow down which provider to use.

The deductible in dog insurance works the same way as in human health insurance: you’ll need to meet your deductible before you can be reimbursed. Once the deductible is met, you’ll be reimbursed up to the percent defined in your policy. A low deductible could be $100, and a high deductible could be $1,000. The options available for deductibles depend on the insurance provider.

For annual limits, insurers typically offer lower-end coverage of less than $2,000, mid-range coverage in the $2,000 to $3,000 range, higher-end coverage in the $3,000 to $5,000 range, and unlimited coverage, “which is like the Cadillac of pet health insurance,” she says. “Sixty to 80 percent of policyholders have mid-range coverage. That’s because if a pet has to stay overnight for treatment, for example, it can cost about $2,000 or $3,000.”

For reimbursement rates, dog owners can expect to get 70, 80, or 90 percent back on eligible claims. Again, some providers will have a set reimbursement amount while others allow you to choose your deductible when you set up your policy. Premiums vary depending on the deductible, annual limit, and reimbursement rate.

Something else to consider when choosing a policy: Whether the provider has a cap on particular conditions, like $500 for kidney disease or $1,000 for foreign body surgery; a set percentage that it will pay of the overall cost, such as 70 percent of the bill for a foreign body surgery; any per-incident maximums; or specific policies regarding coverage of chronic conditions, Pointer says.

“There may also be restrictions for hereditary or genetic conditions if you have a purebred dog,” she says. “So be sure to read the fine print of each policy.”

Become Pet Insurance Savvy

Deciding whether to invest in pet health insurance and can be a painstaking process. But with some careful research and reading of various policies’ fine print, you can choose the one that’s right for you and your dog.

“It is very important for pet owners to be well informed about this complicated subject before picking a policy,” Pointer says.

Cesar Millan is the chairman of SPOT Pet Insurance, and that’s who ensures his pack. They share his mission of creating healthier pets, better humans, and a better planet.

What are your thoughts on health insurance for your dog?

Considering health insurance for your dog? We can help!

The post How Does Dog Insurance Work? appeared first on Cesar's Way.

Every dog owner has experienced their pooch shaking off water after a bath or a walk in the rain. But what about other instances of dog shivering, shaking, or trembling?

A dog tremble, shake, or shiver can mean all kinds of different things — some good and some bad. Let’s break down each of them.

Happy or Positive Shakes and Shivers

Drying Off

We already mentioned this one, but it’s worth noting that there is absolutely nothing wrong with your dog shaking off excess water after getting wet — other than getting your house and you wet, of course! In fact, this reflex actually helps dogs to prevent hypothermia because all of that water can make them feel really cold if it just hangs around in their fur. Dogs and other animals have perfected their shaking abilities to the point where they can remove 70 percent of the water from their fur this way.

Solution: Other than keeping the spray of water away from things you don’t want to get wet, there’s nothing to fix here!

Excitement

Have you ever experienced a dog tremble or shiver in the middle of a game of fetch or while offering affection? It may look odd, but it’s nothing to worry about. Shaking when excited is completely normal and healthy for dogs — it just a way of lowering that excess energy.

Solution: There’s not necessarily a solution required, but sometimes physical displays like this can increase a dog’s energy instead, and cause her to get too hyper. If this happens to your pooch, work on ignoring hyperactivity and rewarding calm behavior.

Intelligence

Many pet owners offer love and affection when they notice their dog is shaking or shivering. Some dogs pick up on this and will start to shiver or tremble when they want your attention. Pretty smart pup, huh?

Solution: While this may be a good indicator of your dog’s intelligence, it’s not really a great behavior to reinforce. Curb it by providing affection only when your pooch is calm and submissive, and ignoring them when they shake for attention. Eventually, they will get the message and stop.

Dog Shivering and Trembling to Look Out For

Cold Environment

You know how dogs shake off excess water to prevent hypothermia? Well, many dogs also shake when the weather cools down for the same reason we do — they’re cold. While this usually isn’t something to worry about, it can pose a big problem if your pup is out in cold or freezing conditions for an extended period.

Solution: Most dogs who are bothered by the cold will be sufficiently warmed with a simple dog coat or sweater. Also, remember to provide protection for their paws, such as booties.

Sickness or Pain

Often, dogs will shake or shiver if they are in pain or suffering from some kind of sickness — just like we might tremble due to a cold or fever. Canine illnesses associated with trembling include distemper, generalized tremor syndrome (GTS), kidney disease, Addison’s disease, poisoning, nausea, seizures, and inflammatory brain diseases.

Solution: If you suspect that your dog is sick or in pain, your first course of action should be to contact your vet.

Stress

Just like people, dogs can get stressed out and become anxious. Also just like people, there are many reasons why this may happen: riding in a car, beeping alarms, fireworks, trips to the vet, and so on. Worse, different stressors can develop over time based on negative experiences. When faced with these stressors, many dogs may tremble or shake, and some even engage in bad behaviors such as chewing on furniture.

Solution: Most dogs can alleviate their anxiety through training. If that doesn’t work, you may want to talk to your vet about medications that can help.

Old Age

As your dog gets older, you may notice that he develops tremors in his legs. While a certain amount of age-induced shaking is to be expected, don’t simply assume that everything is proceeding normally. Shaking in senior dogs can also be a sign of pain, particularly joint pain and discomfort.

Solution: Work with your vet to see if there are any treatments or therapies that may alleviate any pain or deterioration your dog is going through. Additionally, it’s important to remember that older dogs simply aren’t as physically able as younger dogs, and you should adjust your exercise routines accordingly.

The bottom line is not to ignore it when your dog shakes, shivers, or trembles. While the reason behind it may be completely benign, it’s important that you pay attention so you can make sure your pooch gets help if she needs it.

In what circumstances does your dog usually shake or shiver? Tell us in the comments.

The post Shake, Shiver, And Tremble: Why Dogs Do It appeared first on Cesar's Way.

And it’s not our dog’s friend either. All dog owners know that wintertime is a balance between giving our dogs a chance to roam and exercise outside, while also maintaining their warmth. Most of the dog owners who live in a snowy area are well versed in the dos and don’ts of dogs and wintertime. But if you’re new to a climate with snow, or you’ve just adopted a dog and live in a snowy area, or if you just are curious about additional precautions you can take while walking your dog in the snow, then here are some VetStreet tips below:

Tips to Follow

Buy Your Dog a Winter Jacket

Pet accessories aren’t designed to just be a fashionable statement, some of them do serve a functional purpose, like a dog winter jacket or coat. Dogs with short hair, or really small dogs, are the ones who are particularly prone to being uncomfortable in freezing temperatures and definitely need an extra boost conserving their body heat. Of course, this doesn’t mean that a large hairy dog, like a St. Bernard can’t rock a winter coat. It’s a great idea for all dogs. When you got to pick out a coat for your dog, be sure to get one that is waterproof and covers the chest and abdomen. Brighter colors work better for visibility, especially if your dog has lighter fur – that way if they’re off-leash at any point, you can spot them.

Paws Need Protection with Dog Winter Boots

While dogs’ paws are quite tough and can withstand some pretty tough terrains, prolonged exposure to snowy or icy surfaces will become uncomfortable. One way to protect their paws is to apply a wax or gel to help protect their skin, however, you need to remember to wash it off when you’re done outside. Other pet owners prefer to put their dogs in winter booties as they’re designed to keep your dog’s paws dry and weather-resistant. If your dog resists wearing booties, you can put them on, then try distracting them by giving them a treat – or just go straight outside.

Choose the Right Leash for Winter Walks

If your dog is the type who ends up walking you, be sure to get yourself a leash that will allow you to maintain more control over unpredictable winter surfaces. A harness both takes the strain off the dog’s neck while allowing you to direct the path much easier. Don’t use retractable leashes since they make it more difficult to control the slack. If you’re prone to walking over really precarious areas, get a jogger’s leash since it fits around your waist and will keep your dog tied to you should you slip and lose your grip.

Do a Post-Walk Check

If you let your dog go completely barefoot outside after a walk, be sure to rinse off any salt or antifreeze as soon as you get home. It is also a good idea to wipe down their belly as well since it can also come in contact with de-icing products. These compounds are not only irritating to their paws, but they are also toxic if ingested. If you’re walking outside, be sure to steer them clear of any chemical puddles they might encounter outside.

Watch for Signs Your Dog is Uncomfortable

Dogs tend to shake, turn towards home, or leave their paws raised when the cold is getting to be too much for them. There are certain breeds who are a little more tolerant of the cold than others, but you should always be cautious, especially when temperatures go below 30°F. There is a chart for information on weather conditions and the potential risk to animals. If you observe any of these signs in your dog, then it’s always a good idea to end the walk and get them home immediately to warm up.

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