To his owners, Moby, a 4-year-old Australian Shepherd, was a very healthy, spry dog, so when his veterinarian told them that beneath his thick, reddish-brown coat he had a weight problem, they were a bit shocked.

Apparently, all that baby food licked off the floor, and the lack of activity that came with the two toddlers who had recently joined the family, added about 10 extra pounds on a normally 65-pound dog. The good news is the veterinarian was able to put Moby on a program of diet and exercise, and he was back in perfect shape within a year.

Studies show that pet obesity is an epidemic in this country. According to a 2005 study, approximately 35 percent of American dogs and cats are obese or overweight, and some veterinarians report that they see even higher percentages now.

“I would say that probably more than 50 percent of the animals that we see are overweight,” says Dr. Larry R. Corry, a companion animal practitioner in Georgia and president of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). “We say that people are ‘killing their pets with caring.’ They want to give too much food, table scraps and too many treats. They simply don’t realize how unhealthy that can be.”

Obesity can cause a number of health problems, including diabetes and heart problems. Diabetes in animals can be treated successfully with diet and insulin, but treatments are expensive and difficult to undertake successfully with cats. Diabetes treatments require animals to eat on a consistent basis, and cats don’t often enjoy following a schedule. Treating obesity before the animal becomes diabetic is a far simpler solution, Dr. Corry says.

“If we can get pet owners to comply with weight-loss plans, usually we don’t have any problem getting the animal’s weight under control,”Corry says. “Weight-loss diets generally involve specially formulated pet foods or simply a reduction of the amount of food the animal receives.

“Every member of the family has to be in agreement, because if one person is slipping the dog scraps under the table, the program won’t work,” he continues.

For dogs and cats on a diet, one little treat can truly be a diet buster. For example, giving a cat one potato chip may not seem like an extravagant snack, but it’s equivalent to giving an adult human half a cheeseburger or half a candy bar. And giving your cat an ounce of milk is equivalent to eating four and a half cheeseburgers. Giving your pet pooch one hot dog is equivalent to you eating two cheeseburgers. Needless to say, giving a pet table scraps is a sure ticket to pet obesity.

The AVMA has partnered with Hill’s Pet Nutrition Inc. to combat obesity by sponsoring the Alliance for Healthier Pets – Obesity Awareness and Prevention Program. The initiative’s primary goal is to educate the public on how to recognize obesity and to suggest simple solutions. Visit www.petfit.com to see examples of how common pet treats translate into major calories. Watch as personal trainer Gunnar Petersen teaches pet owners how to exercise with their pets and then take the “Pet Fit” Challenge.

For more information about animal health, visit www.avma.org and visit www.avmatv.org for an informative video about pet obesity.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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(ARA) – No matter how many canine companions you have or what their ages are, every day is a new opportunity to make their lives happier and healthier. Keep a few simple tips in mind and you’re sure to get four paws up.

Food and water
It’s crucial to always keep a bowl of water available for your dog to make sure they stay properly hydrated, but not just any water will do. Fill your dog’s bowl with fresh water every single day and remember to clean the water bowl regularly to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria that could sicken your furry friend. For healthier, great-tasting water, use a pitcher filtration system.

Equally important is the dog food in the bowl next to the water dish. Eating poor-quality food on a daily basis can dramatically impact your dog’s health in the same way eating fried foods frequently can negatively affect your overall health. “Do your research and read labels before deciding on which food to feed your dog,” says nationally renowned veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker. “If some of the first ingredients listed are proteins, then you’ve found a quality recipe.”

Nutro Ultra food for dogs features the Ultrassential Superfood Blend. Superfoods are nutrient-dense whole foods containing high levels of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Common superfoods that are beneficial for both humans and canines include tomatoes, spinach, blueberries, carrots and flaxseed. “Some of the benefits of feeding ‘superfoods’ to dogs can include: a healthy skin and coat which comes from essential fatty acids, lean muscle mass from high-quality proteins, strong teeth and bones from calcium and a strong immune system from antioxidant-rich foods,” says Becker.

When it’s time to treat your best buddy, make sure the treats are high-quality and made specifically for dogs. Remember that treats add calories to your dog’s diet so don’t give too many. Human food can be unhealthy for canines (even deadly, in the case of certain foods like chocolate, grapes and raisins), but if you can’t resist a “people” snack, try giving him a few fresh vegetables like a small carrot or green bean. “A good guideline is that treats should not make up more than 10 percent of your dog’s diet,” says Becker.

Playtime
The average dog needs about 20-30 minutes of daily exercise or vigorous activity. Just like humans, inactive dogs can suffer from weight gain, muscle loss and even depression and disease. Take your dog for at least one walk every day (it’s good for you too), run around the yard or at an off-leash dog park and have fun playing fetch or tug of war.

To help keep playtime fun, make sure your dog knows basic commands (sit, stay and drop it, for example) and be consistent in using them. Encourage good behavior with lots of positive attention and correct mistakes immediately by redirecting your dog to the correct behavior. Never physically punish your dog as it can lead to aggression and fear biting.

Health
Most cities require dogs to have their shots and be licensed. Make sure to bring your dog to the veterinarian annually (or as recommended) and keep him up to date on shots and medications. Brush your dog’s teeth regularly (at least once per week) to prevent gum disease, the buildup of plaque and costly canine dental procedures down the line.

For more information, visit UltraHolistic.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Constant scratching by your dog can indicate a skin disease caused by environmental allergies called atopic dermatitis.

(ARA) – Most people consider their dog to be more than just a pet. Dogs are true members of the family. So when your dog is itching uncontrollably, it is frustrating not to know what’s wrong. Once owners rule out the possibility of fleas, they are often left with questions unanswered. One problem frequently overlooked is a skin disease caused by environmental allergies.

Like humans, dogs can be hypersensitive to common airborne allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites. But instead of showing symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes and a runny nose, dogs present symptoms on the skin that they try to relieve through constant scratching, licking and gnawing. These symptoms are typically signs of an allergic skin disease known as canine atopic dermatitis.

More than an itch
According to Kadence Research, canine atopic dermatitis affects about 16 percent of the canine population. As with human allergies, symptoms are often seasonal but can develop into a year-round problem if not properly treated. Dogs with atopic dermatitis usually start showing signs of the disease between the ages of 6 months and 3 years old, but some will show signs later due to changes in their environment.

Atopic dermatitis is characterized by intense scratching or chewing of the skin, hair loss and a foul odor resulting from the nonstop chewing and licking. The continual scratching can be bothersome to owners when their dogs are restlessly itching. It can also make the dog lethargic because they are unable to sleep due to constant irritation.

“Sam has had allergies for five or six years,” said Marj Voorhees, owner of Sam the Siberian husky. “He was doing lots of scratching, licking and itching. He lost a lot of hair around his face, eyes and ears.”

Voorhees tried using traditional medications and shampoos, as well as immunotherapy and zinc supplements in attempts to end Sam’s suffering. Sam’s therapy made him hungrier than normal and he gained 20 pounds. He also continued to itch.

There are numerous methods used to try to control the symptoms of canine atopic dermatitis. Veterinarians regularly try everything from antihistamines to steroid injections to keep their clients’ dogs from itching.

“Symptoms range from mild to severe,” said Steve Milden, VMD. “But the quality of life for a dog with atopic dermatitis can be diminished if the symptoms go untreated.”

Without a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, dogs with atopic dermatitis will continue to live in pain and discomfort; they won’t simply “grow out of it.” Anyone with active allergies can attest to how miserable life can be with an itchy throat, clogged sinuses and red eyes, so one can only imagine how unhappy dogs are when they have unstoppable itching. Luckily for dogs and their owners, there is a solution for the symptoms of atopic dermatitis.

Not your average backscratcher
The solution for dogs with atopic dermatitis comes in the form of a prescription product called Atopica (Cyclosporine capsules, USP) MODIFIED that specifically targets the immune cells involved in the allergic reaction. Similar to humans taking allergy medicine year-round to prevent flare-ups and misery, the same concept can be applied to treating dog allergies.

“I’ve been prescribing Atopica to dogs for about five years,” said Milden. “My clients couldn’t be more pleased. Their dogs seem to be happier now that they don’t itch all the time and their owners are thankful to have finally found relief for their best friend.”

Like Milden’s clients, Voorhees was able to find relief for her dog. Once Voorhees’ veterinarian prescribed Atopica, Sam was completely different.

“It made a tremendous difference almost immediately,” said Voorhees. “All of his hair grew back. It took care of the itching, too. He’s noticeably more comfortable.”

Owners should speak to their veterinarians if they think their dog may be suffering from allergies. The veterinarian will be able to answer questions and recommend a proper treatment. For more information on canine atopic dermatitis and ways to treat the disease, visit www.atopica.novartis.us or the Novartis Animal Health home page at www.petwellness.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

——————————————————————————–
EDITOR’S NOTE:

As with all drugs, side effects may occur. In a field study, the most common side effects were gastrointestinal signs. Gingival hyperplasia and papillomas may also occur during the initial dosing phase. ATOPICA is a systemic immunosuppressant that may increase the susceptibility of infection. ATOPICA is not for use in reproducing dogs or dogs with a history of neoplasia. For a full product insert, visit www.atopica.novartis.us.

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(ARA) – Do you hate your pet’s breath? Well, did you know that bad dog or cat breath is a sign of dental disease? About 80 percent of humans brush our teeth at least twice a day, according to the American Dental Association. But most of us completely neglect our pets’ teeth. There is no time like the present to start maintaining the dental health of your four-legged friend to help prevent problems like gingivitis, periodontal disease, infections and tooth loss.

“There are many symptoms of dental disease to watch out for, including bad, almost putrid, breath,” explains Dr. James Cook, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association. “Your pet could be in a lot of pain, and you might not realize it. For example, if you see your pet approach a bowl of food then back away, that could be a sign of tooth pain. Your animal can’t tell you he or she is suffering or in pain, so it’s important to get your pet’s teeth checked by your veterinarian.”

Here are six tips to help keep your pets’ smile healthy:

* Brush their teeth.
Specially made toothpaste in flavors like chicken, seafood, beef and mint and soft, pet-friendly toothbrushes are available at pet supply stores or from your veterinarian. With some training (visit www.avmatv.com for a 5.5 minute instructional video) pets can learn to tolerate or even enjoy a daily brushing.

* A dental checkup.
If you’ve never had your veterinarian check your pet’s teeth, your pet is long overdue. Schedule an appointment today. Veterinarians recommend at least an annual checkup of your pet’s teeth. If periodontal disease is found, your pet can be sedated for teeth cleaning.

* Give a rawhide treat.
Rawhide is that piece of raw leather your dog looks forward to so much, but it also helps scrub plaque off your pet’s teeth. A small daily treat that makes a dog so happy could save money at the veterinarian years from now and save your dog’s teeth. Check with your veterinarian to make sure rawhide is an appropriate treat for your dog.

* Wrap up a rope toy.
Rope toys for dogs and cats help keep plaque and gingivitis at bay. Just carrying a rope toy in their mouth helps to keep an animal’s teeth clean, and playing with it does an even better job.

* Try dental treats.
Specially made dental treats are available at pet stores and at your veterinarian’s office. These treats are made to be difficult to chew and swallow, and are shaped to help scrub teeth as they’re consumed.

* A pet food present.
Consider feeding your pet a specially formulated pet food designed to improve dental health in pets.

For more information on pet dental health visit www.avma.org or www.avmatv.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Dog health care is an important issue for anyone who keeps dogs as pets. It keeps the dog in good health, cutting vet costs that one might otherwise pay for treating dog infections and diseases. Diet, exercise and grooming are the main ingredients of basic dog health care. However, becoming well informed about possible health risks to dogs and disease prevention is the most fundamental need of caring dog owners. Educational material like books, magazines and DVDs related to dog health care should be consulted in order to better manage dog heath issues.

Dog Health And Food

Proper diet is the key factor in maintaining a dog’s health. Junk foods do the dog the same kind of health damage that they do to humans, as it makes them listless and overweight. Healthy natural foods for dogs boost the dog’s immunity and prevent diseases related to digestion and other body functions. Some dogs are allergic to particular foods or nutritional components especially in commercially available dog foods. While buying commercial foods, try to avoid those like corn, wheat, soy, beef and foods containing synthetic colors and preservatives. Dehydrated raw food prepared for dogs is getting popular now as a healthy diet for most dogs.

Exercise For Dogs

Exercise is an essential component of dog health care just like it is for human health. Daily exercise keeps the dog’s weight in control, maintains muscular health and keeps the breathing system in good condition. In addition, regular exercise also keeps the dog mentally active and happy. For dogs, exercise means both health and entertainment. Dogs certainly cannot take exercise like humans. Dog exercise consists mainly of walking and running. They should be stimulated to do this about three to four times daily. Jumping and swimming are also good exercises for dogs. The dog gladly, while imitating or playing with the owner, usually joins all these activities.

Grooming

Grooming is another essential component of dog health care. It includes trimming and brushing the dog’s hair, clipping nails, giving the dog a bath and cleaning the dog’s eyes, ears and teeth etc. Regular grooming keeps a dog in good shape, preventing germs and parasites from infesting the animal. Grooming may be done at home or by a professional groomer. It is recommended to groom a dog well at least once a week. The dental care of a dog is usually the tough part of dog health care. The dog may be taken to a vet to get its teeth cleaned or one may use special dog biscuits that clean the teeth.

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Veterinarians at the North Pole Give Expert Advice on Winter Care

(ARA) – Dr. Margaret Eastman wasn’t born at the North Pole. She was attracted to life in the town of North Pole, Ala. (located near Fairbanks), in part by her love of dog sledding. While studying veterinary medicine in Wisconsin in the early 1990s, she saw her first dog sled race and she was hooked.

Since moving to the North Pole in 2004, she’s become a winter pet-health expert. She’s served as a veterinarian on the world-famous Iditarod dog sled race — a 1,150 mile race between Anchorage and Nome, Ala. — and also as head veterinarian on the Yukon Quest, a 1,000 mile dog sled race.

Upon arriving in Alaska, she had some surprises. Dehydration is an important consideration on a cold day, Dr. Eastman says. Cold air is dry air, and, contrary to common assumption, pets do not hydrate themselves well by eating snow, it chills the body and a large amount of snow melts down to a tiny amount of water.

“In the cold Alaskan air, it’s easy to dehydrate,” she says. “Older dogs are especially susceptible. You think it’s not a problem in winter because it’s not hot, but if you’re out for a long walk with your dog on one of those beautiful winter days, keep in mind that you need to stop for water just as often as in the summer.”

Dogs love snow, but thin ice should be avoided. “It’s not uncommon for a dog to fall through the ice,” Dr. Eastman says. “Dogs don’t judge ice well, and, once they fall in, it’s very difficult to get them out. Use some common sense around lakes and rivers in the wintertime.”

Dr. Stuart Nelson Jr., has worked on the Iditarod as a veterinarian for over two decades, including the last 13 years as the chief of veterinary staff. He and his staff of about 45 must be ready for any canine ailment. All 1,200 sled dogs must have physical examinations, electrocardiograms and other tests within 14 days of the race. And the dogs are randomly tested for performance-enhancing drugs. He said he was attracted to the sport because he admires the dogs and compares them to marathon runners in their abilities and physique.

“I’ve always been interested in animal athletes,” he says. “These dogs are very hardy. Working on the race, we have very few incidences of frostbite in the animals. We’re far more vulnerable than dogs to frostbite.”

Winter Pet Checklist
Pets in many parts of the country face extreme temperatures in the winter and face winter dangers. Drs. Nelson and Eastman and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) offer these cold weather tips:

* Watch cats for frostbite. “With cats, the tissue on the ears is very fragile, and it’s not uncommon to see frostbite,” Dr. Eastman says. Frostbitten skin is red or grey in color and may slough. Apply warm, moist towels to thaw the frostbitten area slowly until it appears flushed and contact your veterinarian immediately.

* If you have an outdoor cat, check your car engine before starting your car. Many cats seek out the warmth of a car engine on cold winter nights, and starting the car with them on top of the engine block can be deadly.

* Most pets should be brought inside during the coldest days of winter. If a pet must be kept outdoors, Dr. Nelson recommends that it be provided a dry dog house, some insulation such as straw, a constant source of fresh water (a heated bowl can be a great comfort) and also it’s very important that the animal be naturally, gradually introduced to the cold with the change of seasons. An indoor dog cannot be moved into the backyard in January, because it will not have built up a thick, warm winter coat.

* In the wintertime, an indoor dog may need slightly less food, because the house pet may be less active than in warmer months, but outdoor dogs require more fuel to keep warm. For example, Dr. Nelson says Iditarod sled dogs feast on about 10,000 calories a day, with up to 80 percent of the calories coming from fat. An average house pet of the same size might eat about 1,500 calories a day. Talk to your veterinarian to get dietary tips for your pet.

* Far more dangerous to pets than icy weather are chemicals commonly used in the wintertime, such as road salt and antifreeze. Antifreeze tastes good to pets and small children but is highly poisonous. Keep any containers well out of reach and clean up any spills. Road salt can dry out and crack the paw pads of a dog and will cause stomach upset if a pup licks it off. Remember to clean your dog paws after a winter walk.

* Dr. Nelson says that booties are used by sled dogs to protect the webbing between toes from injury, and they also can help protect against road salt for city pets.

* Dog jackets and sweaters are also recommended for outdoor dogs during extreme weather, and for indoor dogs that haven’t built up a full winter undercoat. Dr. Nelson explains that these jackets need only cover a dog’s torso to help keep the animal warm and comfy. “We almost never see frostbite around the extremities of a dog,” Dr. Nelson explained.

For more information on winter health for dogs and cats, and any other health questions or concerns about your animals, please visit the AVMA Web site at www.avma.org.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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A researcher at the University of Hertfordshire, England, has proven that pets and their owners often look, think and act alike. Unfortunately, that’s not always a good thing; pets and humans can have similar weight problems.

It’s estimated that between 25 and 40 percent of dogs and cats and 31 percent of people in this country are overweight. The problem is even worse for pet horses; a recent study at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine and Virginia Tech found roughly half were overweight.

What’s the solution? Add your pets to your own weight-loss resolutions for 2008. Having a companion will help you lose weight and improve your pet’s health. Studies have shown that people who exercise with friends are far more likely to keep up a workout regimen and that people diet more effectively with friends. Exercising with a four-legged friend results in a healthier pet owner, and can even help a human recover from surgery more quickly.

“What many of us assumed was true for decades has now been proven — taking a dog for a walk is healthy for both the dog and the dog’s owner,” says Dr. Roger K. Mahr, past president of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), who has spoken out on the important linkages between animal and human health. “Many pet owners are probably more concerned about exercising their pets than they are about getting some exercise for their own health, but both will live a healthier life as a result. Pets don’t just improve your quality of life; they also improve your health.”

Just like humans, overweight dogs and cats are more likely to get a number of diseases and health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, skin conditions, liver disease, and joint problems. So putting yourself, Fido, Fluffy, and/or Flicka on a diet and exercise regiment will result in a better new year for everyone.

Here are some AVMA pet weight-loss tips:

* A visit to your veterinarian is the best way to determine if your pet is overweight, but there are a couple common sense guidelines. A dog should have a discernible waist without fat deposits, and ribs should be easy to feel while stroking a dog. In cats, if there is any rounding of the abdomen or bulging in the back, limbs, neck or face, you’ve got a fat cat.

* Carefully measure the food you give your pets and feed them at least twice a day. If the pet hasn’t finished their food in about 20 minutes, take the bowl away to discourage overeating. Dogs and cats fed once a day, or continuously, tend to be the fattest.

* Monitor the number and size of the treats you give in praise. A large dog treat can be over 100 calories, while a small treat has as little as 10 calories. If you can’t help but treat your beloved pet, break them in half to cut the calories.

* Diet pet foods are available but must meet certain standards to qualify for that designation. For instance, “low-calorie” dog food must be no more than 310 calories per cup for dry food or 90 calories per 1/2 cup wet, and “low-fat” or “lean” must be no more than 9 percent fat in dry food and 4 percent fat wet.

* High-fiber pet foods can help a pet’s diet by making your best friend feel full with fewer calories. No-salt, canned string beans can be added to either dry or wet food to provide bulk and fiber with very few calories.

* The more exercise the better … research has shown that dogs are 10 percent less likely to be obese for each hour of exercise they got every day.

* To exercise a cat, engage them with a feather, string or laser pointer, and try to get them running after a toy as they swat at it. To exercise a dog, consider agility training, play time with other dogs, and chasing a ball or Frisbee. There is no better exercise for dogs, horses and humans than a brisk walk.

* Hypothyroidism is a common cause of obesity in humans, dogs and cats, but it’s much easier to diagnose in humans. If your dog or cat is obese without a clear cause, make a veterinary appointment.

* Finally, if your pet is a little on the pudgy side, and you think it might benefit from an increased exercise regiment, see a veterinarian first. No exercise program should begin without a veterinary checkup. If your pet is more than 20 percent overweight, consult your veterinarian immediately.

For more information on pet health, please visit www.avma.org.

Courtesy ARAcontent

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Playing outside with the family dog is a joy during the warm weather. Whether you’re running in a park or just playing catch in your own backyard, dogs offer companionship and delight. But with tick-borne diseases on the rise, dog owners need to be vigilant about making sure an unnoticed tick doesn’t make their furry family member sick. The extra effort could make the difference in keeping the whole family healthy.

More than just Lyme disease, other tick-transmitted infections are becoming an increasingly important health matter for urban and suburban dogs in all areas of the country. Tick-borne diseases are present as much in the backyard as they are in the back country.

“The range and density of several tick species in North America are expanding as a result of climactic changes, wildlife populations and conservation efforts,” explains Michael Dryden, DVM, a Kansas State University professor of veterinary parasitology. “Reforestation, changes in agricultural practices and wildlife conservation efforts have contributed to an explosive growth in deer populations – a key factor in the expansion of several tick species’ habitats.”

As cities and towns continue expanding, animals that host ticks are coming into metro areas because they’re good places for both feeding and breeding, explains Pat Smith, president of the Lyme Disease Association (LDA).

“Children, ages five to nine, are at the highest risk of acquiring Lyme disease,” said Smith. “Since dogs play in some of the same areas as our children, we pet owners need to monitor our dogs’ health so we can better protect our children and ourselves in the process.”

Not Just Lyme

Some ticks can transit multiple diseases with one bite. This affects not only pets, but means the entire family is more susceptible — children and adults. Here are some of the most common and dangerous tick diseases that can affect your pet:

* Lyme disease is transmitted by black-legged (deer) ticks. The most common visible signs of Lyme disease infection are recurrent arthritis and lameness that lasts for three to four days, sometimes accompanied by loss of appetite and depression.

* Canine ehrlichiosis is commonly transmitted by the brown dog tick and the lone star tick. Early stage symptoms may include fever, lack of appetite, depression and weight loss.

* Canine anaplasmosis is sometimes referred to as dog fever and is transmitted by the same vector that carries Lyme disease, the black-legged (deer) tick. Disease symptoms are often arthritis-like with multiple painful joints.

Protect Your Family

Tick-borne diseases are often difficult to diagnose based on symptoms alone. Accurate diagnosis requires a trip to the veterinarian. Left undetected, these diseases can leave dogs with debilitating effects.

A 2006 survey conducted for IDEXX Laboratories, a leading veterinary diagnostic company based in Westbrook, Maine, found that despite the potential debilitating effects of canine Lyme disease, only 12 percent of dog owners were concerned about their dogs contracting the disease. Furthermore, although Lyme disease has been reported in all 50 states, only 41 percent of dog owners surveyed believed their dogs could become infected.

The good news is that dog owners can take a few simple steps to help protect their pets from tick-borne illnesses:

* Talk to a veterinarian about the tick-borne diseases in your specific area.

* Be aware of the common symptoms or signs of the tick-borne diseases that may be present in the area.

* Make screening for tick-borne diseases a requirement during annual exams at the vet.

* Check your dog’s coat daily for ticks.

* Use a tick-prevention medication.

“While Lyme disease continues to be a concern, the fact that a growing number of dogs enter my clinic with multiple tick-borne infections adds a new wrinkle,” said Matt Eberts, a veterinarian who practices in the tick-endemic area of Brainerd, Minn. “There’s really no way for owners to know what’s wrong with their dogs without getting their dogs checked regularly.”

To learn more about tick-borne diseases and risks for dogs, visit www.dogsandticks.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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German Shepherds by and large are very healthy, no more prone to illness than any other breed and healthier than many. But there are certain conditions that tend to occur among some breeds more often than others. Ear inflammations are a case in point.

As a long-eared breed a condition called Otitis Externa, an inflammation of the outer ear canal, occurs in about 20% of individuals from time to time. There are a dozen different possible causes.

Some German Shepherds are sensitive to wheat or corn in their diet, which is a common ingredient in many commercial dog foods. The resulting sensitivity can prompt an allergic reaction that manifests itself, in one way, as Otitis Externa.

But even simple ‘mechanical’ things can encourage ear inflammations. Water retained from a bath is one possibility. Even though Shepherds will shake their head vigorously, some water can stay inside the canal. Occasional treatment with a half and half mixture of 5% vinegar and water can help prevent that.

Hair trapped in the canal, from shedding or scratching, can create blockage and provide a medium for bacterial growth. Wax can do the same. In either case, keeping the ear canal free of material will help encourage good air flow which assists in keeping ears dry and germ free.

Those germs can take a number of forms. Ear infections are caused variously by fungus, bacteria or parasites. The parasites themselves don’t usually do the major damage, but they carry bacteria and viruses that are injected when they feed. Ear mites are responsible for about 10% of cases.

In rare cases, the cause can be the result of an autoimmune system disorder. With poor breeding programs, that rely too much on too-closely related individuals, the odds of that go up substantially. Endocrine (hormone) imbalances can occur, allergies are more likely.

Sometimes the cause is a simple case of overactive sebaceous glands. The exudate (the material released) clogs pores and that can lead to an inflammation.

Apart from the simple care routines described above, only a vet can determine if more serious treatments are needed. Cytology (sample cell examination under a microscope) can identify bacteria, yeast, parasites and other causes too small to see with the naked eye.

Many dogs will use their claws and paws to scratch an itch. They’ll scrape their heads across the carpet or grass. Eliminating all of that behavior is virtually impossible. But when it becomes regular, you should examine the ears for possible problems. Depending on what they have trapped in their nails or are picking up from the ground, they may well be causing the very problem they’re trying to treat themselves. Soil often contains harmful bacteria.

Keeping up with regular cleaning with vinegar or Nolva Cleanse solution will eliminate most problems before they occur. Trimming hair at the base of the ear is a good preventative, provided you don’t cut too close to the skin and cause ingrown hairs. When that’s not enough, seek out your local vet.

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Any dog owner will want to take the best possible care of his or her companion. For Golden Retrievers, that can be a challenge. Because of their popularity they’ve had a long history that has involved a fair amount of inbreeding.

Mating a bitch with a stud that is too closely related increases the odds of emphasizing certain genes. The chances of those genes combining is increased the more the pair share similar ones. That enhances the odds for both desirable and bad characteristics.

For example, mating a male and female who both have dominant genes for a certain color or type of coat will substantially increase the odds of the pups sharing that.

But the odds are increased for both good and bad, unfortunately. A pair who are both prone to hip dysplasia, for example, a common problem with Goldens, are much more likely to produce one or more pups with that condition.

The result over the past 120 years that Golden Retrievers have been a distinct breed is a large number with various weaknesses. Hip dysplasia and certain kinds of cancers are among the two most common. But each breed will have its weak and strong points. Golden Retrievers are no more prone in general to health problems than any other breed.

To keep them in tip-top shape is actually pretty easy, provided a few simple guidelines are followed.

From the earliest age possible they should have the best diet you can afford. There are different views about what that is, with many citing the benefits of a fresh meat diet. All dogs are meat eaters. But the right meat protein is more important according to most studies than that the meat be fresh. Fresh meat comes with its own risks, for example, such as contamination and spoilage.

Golden Retrievers in particular have a somewhat higher tendency to sensitivity to the grain products that are found in many commercial dog foods. Wheat and, to a lesser extent, corn can cause itching and some nasal or stomach sensitivity. Signs of skin problems are excessive paw licking and scratching of the face on the carpet or grass. For those with digestive sensitivity, the problem is even easier to spot: feces will be runny. In either case, that’s the time to consult your vet about switching food.

A good diet will help them develop bones and joints that are resistant to hip dysplasia, minimize skin problems and produce a healthy looking coat. And, since they’re such an active breed, it gives them all the nutrition and calories they need to run and play, which also keeps them mentally active and physically fit. Goldens are very active and a high meat protein, moderate fat diet is essential for energy and building strong muscles.

Regular vet visits for the appropriate shots are also a matter of some controversy, with some arguing that vets tend to over-medicate. Weighing the pros and cons, take into account how much contact your Golden Retriever has with other dogs, since most of the diseases that vaccinations guard against are spread by contact.

Parvo, lepto, distemper and others are the most common for Golden Retrievers to be vaccinated against. Shots should start young and be carried out according to your vet’s proposed schedule, usually every six months to a year past the initial shots they receive at 6-8 weeks.

Rabies in Golden Retrievers is a little harder to advise about. It’s rare, but the consequences are so severe that most will want to get the shots, provided their pet isn’t unusually sensitive and the right vaccine is used. In any case, most states require the shots be given at least every other year for the first few years.

Apart from diet and vaccinations, the best thing you can do for your Golden Retriever is give it a healthy lifestyle. Lots of outdoor activity in a low-risk environment keeps both you and your dog happy and in great shape.

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