Monday, November 30, 2009
Pet Dog Who Is Healed Using Cetyl Myristoleate
Monday, November 16, 2009
Pet Arthritis-The Symptoms
There are signs and symptoms in your pets behavior that you can look for to determine if he has pet arthritis, so that you can take appropriate action.
You may notice that your pet does not move like he used to. Movements may be stiff and awkward. You may notice a very limited range of motion in some joints. Limping is always a good clue that he has joint problems.
Pain is one of the most noticeable symptoms of pet arthritis and the most frustrating for pet owners, since your pet can not tell you where they are hurting.
The pain can can be mild, moderate or deep throbbing. Early stages minor pain is what normally occurs after the joint is used and usually disappears when your pet rests. As times goes on, any movement of the joint causes a sharp pain, and could possibly interrupt sleep. If you notice restlessness in your pet, it could be an indicator.
Along with the pain comes hesitancy in walking or may hold that limb in a certain position. Your pet may whimper or flinch when certain parts of his body are touched. He may resist being picked up.
Grouchiness is another clue to look for. If your pet is in pain, he probably feels vulnerable around other animals or while he is being picked up.
Depression is a sign of pet arthritis symptom. If your pet fails to greet you at the door when you get home, he could be in pain. He may have a sad look in his eyes, or refuse to play with his favorite toy.
You also may notice a loss in appetite. Your pet may turn down his favorite food, or he may not eat for a couple of days. This is a cause for concern, and it would be a good idea to visit your vet.
Abnormal urination could also be an indication that you pet has arthritis. Your pet may start peeing in the house when they have never done this before in the past. The reason they do this is because it is too painful to go outside or if you have a cat, use the litter box. Abnormal urination could also be an indicator or another disease, not just pet arthritis. It is recommended that you go see your vet.
Abnormal sleeping patterns could also be an indication. If your pet is sleeping long hours, it could be arthritis. Pets do this because less activity means less pain.
If you suspect that your pet is in pain, the best way to know for sure is and determine what treatment is necessary, is to visit your veterinarian.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Herbal Remedies for Dogs
A large majority of the time, herbal remedies are used to treat some kind of arthritis. Some of those herbs include: boswellia, devil's claw root, feverfew, and yucca. There are others however, such as dandelion and nettle that have a more general healing power.
Boswellia is the gummy resin of a large tree in India. It has been used for a long time in India to treat osteoarthritis, certain types of rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and lower back pain.
Devil's claw root, is found in southern Africa mainly. It has been tested and proven to be effective at reducing inflammation and swelling caused by arthritis. It is a very popular treatment for arthritis in Europe.
Yucca is native to deserts of southwestern United States. Yucca contains a therapeutic compound that studies have shown to be effective in reducing arthritis symptoms in humans such as stiffness, pain and swelling, and is now considered an alternative treatment for pets.
Feverfew is a member of the sunflower family, and is native to southeastern Europe. It has been used for centuries as medicine. In humans, it is mainly used to treat migraine headaches. However, it is also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, since it has an anti-inflammatory.
Nettle is considered one of the herbal remedies for dogs because it is packed with nutrients which include: vitamin A, beta-cartone, B-complex, vitamin C, and vitamin D. It is considered a powerhouse because it also contains minerals such as: magnesium, calcium, phosphors, potassium, and iron. It helps to relax muscles, and has a history of use in human medicine, and is suggested in animals also.
Dandelions can be found just about anywhere and are high in lecithin which has pain reducing elements, and therefore can be used as a mild painkiller. Some pet owners dry the flower, and sprinkle on their dog's food, however, you do not want to use if the flower has pesticide on it, as this can be harmful to your pet.
Before starting any herbal remedies for dogs, always consult with your veterinarian or an alternative-medicine practitioner who specializes in pets.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Chiropractic Care For Dogs
The theory behind chiropractic care of dogs is the belief that the spine must be in proper alignment for the body to function properly. Improper spine alignment, called subluxation can be a result of genetics, posture, stress, injury and other factors. When subluxation is present, the energy from the nerves is blocked from passing through the spinal column. As a result of this energy blockage, disease, pain and other ailments and conditions occur.
The good news is that subluxation can be corrected by manipulating certain parts of the body with the hands.
Subluxation can be corrected by your pet having an adjustment. In a lot of cases an adjustment can result in total relief of symptoms or partial relief of symptoms. When the pain relief is temporary; the animal may feel much better and not experiencing pain, however, moving a certain way could cause a maladjustment, then be in pain again. This is why in a lot of cases multiple trips to the chiropractor are necessary.
For years, chiropractic care for humans, much less dogs, was considered bogus. However, in our modern day and age, studies have proved repeatedly that not only is is safe, but very effective and beneficial. Not to mention that it is relatively painless, and is inexpensive compared to surgery.
Chiropractic care for dogs should not only be considered a method of pain relief. We should keep in mind that all of our organ systems are controlled by nerves, and that interruption of correct nerve flow will also affect it functioning properly. Correcting subluxation can also improve the health of other internal organs.
Pet owner should not try this at home on your pet, as it involves an understanding of your dogs anatomy. You may have had chiropractic care yourself, however, your dog's anatomy is far different from yours. Ask your veterinarian for a name of a reputable one in your area.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Canine Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves placing needles in certain points on the body. Scientists discovered that it works by releasing the brain's own natural painkillers, called endorphins, into the body. It accomplishes the same effect as giving your dog a prescription drug, however without the harmful side effects, not to mention the hassle of getting your pet to swallow a pill.
Pet owners do not need to attempt acupuncture on there own, as there is 112 insertion points called acupoints, and only a trained professional can identify were those points are at. Believe it or not, there have been reports of severe injuries from people trying to do it themselves.
Canine acupuncture treatment will normally involve one thirty to forty five minute session once a week for a month. If your dogs shows no sign of improvement after four treatments, it is not very likely that additional treatments will work either, and the treatment normally ends.
If acupuncture does do the trick, you can try acupressure, as it is a good alternative. Acupressure is based on the same theory, but instead of using needles, the doctor will use fingers at specific points on the body. Unlike acupuncture, acupressure can be done at home, with training from a licensed therapist, and there is no threat of harming your pet. It can be used with acupuncture or instead of acupuncture.
Your pet will not experience any pain, even though the thought of needles sounds differently. The hard part with dogs is getting them to lie still. High strung pets are more challenging that calm pets, and most pets actually fall asleep during the procedure.
If you have considered canine acupuncture, you can either contact the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society or your veterinarian, for a referral to a reputable one in your area.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Pet Joint Pain
* Reluctance to walk, climb stairs, jump or play.
* Limping
* Lagging behind on walks
* Difficulty rising from a resting position
* Yelping or meowing in pain when touched
* A personality change resisting touch
Monday, May 11, 2009
Rimadyl For Dogs
Rimadyl, however, is a drug; not a cure, and every drug has some kind of harmful side effect. Regardless of the fact that Rimadyl is highly effective at reducing swelling, inflamation, and pain, and can make coping with pet arthritis more bearable, it does not treat the disease itself, and therefore is not a cure. There is not a drug on the market today that does not have some kind of harmful side effect. Rimadyl is not any different. Some of the side effects reported are digestive upset and liver problems.
The medication should be given with food to avoid stomach upset, and it has been advised to allow your pet to eat some food, then take the medication and then finish eating. This allows the drug to be absorbed along with the food, and reduces the onset of stomach upset. In a lot of cases, the beterinarians also prescribe additional drugs to counter act the upset stomach and ulcers. As with all drugs, there are possible side effects with long term use.
All prescription drugs have side effects, and Rimadyl for dogs is no different. You should carefully monitor your pet, and look for any of these symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and cramps. Other things you might notice are: loss of appetite, dark stools, jaundice or lethargy. Symptoms that are less obvious are damage to the liver or kidneys and could aggravate preexisting hypertension.
Some recent studies that there are things that a pet owner can do to reduce the chances of their pet having these harmful side effects. The study suggests that the use of any non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug should be limited, and one of the ways that this can be accomplished is to combine the drug with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. This can be accomplished by decreasing the amount of drugs as discomfort and limping disappear.