Frontline Plus

Your Dog's Health is in Your Hands - Learn How to Spot the Warning Signs

Owning a dog can be a truly rewarding experience if you take the time to educate yourself on the proper care of dogs. There are two main areas of focus when examining dog health, disease preventative care and recognizing signs of potential problems.

Preventative medicine is paramount in effective dog care. At six weeks old puppies should begin a series of four DHLPP/CCV vaccinations three or four weeks apart. Puppies should be de-wormed often and started on heartworm preventative at four months old.

This program should be maintained indefinitely. An annual visit to a local veterinarian is necessary to maintain your dog's health. In addition to administering vaccinations, the vet will examine the dog's teeth and stool, and look for any obvious maladies.

What kind of dog health problems should I be on the look out for?

It is also important for new pet owners to be able to recognize any signs of potential dog health problems. Skin proble...

Read more 10.09.

Older Dogs Have Special Needs - Learn to Help Them Deal With the Aches and Pains

Older dogs are more common today than ever before due to better vaccines, better nutrition, and better health care; however, despite these advantages, older dogs have specific needs that must be met to insure continued health. As a dog ages he begins to experience hearing, vision, and dental problems.

He may undergo behavioral changes associated with arthritis and cognitive dysfunction. He may experience periods of disorientation, have accidents, and lose his tolerance. He may become less active and lose muscle and his organs could begin to fail. Although we can't prevent these maladies all together, we can be ready for them and address the issues as they come.

Everybody would rather see a fat dog rather than a skinny one, unfortunately fat is unhealthy. The best thing you can do for your older dog is to watch his diet. If your pet has a tendency to be overweight, weight loss will be difficult, but you should continue trying. Make sure he's eating a low ...

Read more 10.09.

Separation Anxiety

by Jammy Hokins

My greyhound, Willow, had full-blown, severe separation anxiety. I tried various things, but no one "trick" worked, and I regret the wasted time and pain to my pup while I puttered around. I got the help of a behaviorist, got a comprehensive program to combat this problem, and we finally have it under control. Here's what worked for us:

* Clomipramine. It does not have an immediate, dramatic effect -- it works subtly, over time, usually starting a month or so after the dog starts taking it. He may need to take it only during the re-training, or for a long time; your vet or a behaviorist would be able to help you decide if and when to decrease it. I don't give meds lightly -- I am generally a believer in natural remedies, but things like Valerian, Bach's Rescue Remedy, St. John's Wort and other OTC remedies, (yes, I tried each!) don't seem to be effective for full-out SA. . * Crating -- Willow endangered herself and my house w...

Read more 10.09.

Natural Health for Pets: Advice: Dogs: Lupus or Lyme Disease?

This question is from Skye:

"I have an American pit bull, female, who is about 13 yrs old. She has recently been diagnosed with an immune disease, along with Lupus and Lyme disease. She is up to date with all shots, on heartworm meds and has been healthy all her life, or since we got her 12 yrs ago. She is very good natured, non-violent, and very lovable, but recently I have noticed that she isn't moving the way she used to and has a difficult time climbing stairs and even walking. She does walk, but it is slow and you can tell she hurts. She also has severe allergies to common foods, such as corn, flax, chicken, turkey etc, etc, and I use a special dog food Solid gold Holistic for her, as well as Green cow tripe wet dog food at times. I also give her roast beef ends from luncheon meat or the deli cut up. It seems to be working, but she is breaking out around her mouth area, it gets cracked and bloody and it itches her as she rubs it on the rug. Her paws also get red ...

Read more 10.09.