Pet Arthritis News

If your joints and bones are flexible and strong, they move freely. And that means life can be fun and appreciated to its’ full. But for one in seven people, movement is hindered by a musculoskeletal problem – back pain, arthritis, osteoporosis, fracture, or sports trauma. Faced with such pain you may be delighted to pay £4,000 for orthopaedic surgery to get those painful joints flexible again. But would you be so willing to spend the same money on your pet Basset Hound?

Veterinary care has moved quickly over the last ten years and as pets get older they are increasingly liable to suffer illness that can be expensive and lengthy to treat. Take diabetes for example. Diabetes is relatively common in dogs and whilst it can be successfully treated, the management of the condition is ongoing and expensive — one vet estimated that typically, treatment cost around £2,500 per year. Eczema is yet another of many conditions that require an extended period of treatment.

But as with humans, your pet can need emergency treatment at any time. According to research company Mintel, one in three pets make an unplanned visit to the vet every year. Boxers and Spaniels are susceptible to dodgy hearts, Labradors and Golden Retrievers are prone to progressive retinal atrophy, Setters’ can get canine leucocyte adhesion deficiency and Alsations, hip dysplasia. And then there are always scrapes in which our pets are so likely to become involved. Your cat may have nine lives but you may well land yourself with nine vets’ bills! With a series of x-rays costing £400 and an MRI scan putting you back £1,500 the case for insurance cover becomes convincing.

Against this backdrop, pet insurance is now the fastest growing form of insurance in the UK. Petwise, Petplan, Pet Protect, PDSA, E&L, Animal Friends, and Marks and Spencer are all names in the market. Indeed, competition for your business is fierce with over 60 insurers offering over 220 different policies. With so much choice, the task of choosing a policy becomes somewhat complicated.

So lets try and keep things simple. Pet insurance falls into three basic groups. The first and usually the cheapest form, limits the claim to per condition per 12 months – suitable for one-off emergencies but not too good for diabetes! The second limits the total paid annually whilst the third limits the amount paid per condition.

Faced with all this choice what features do you need to look out for? Here are 10 key questions to ask:

• Are claims subject to a maximum annual limit or on a “per condition” basis?

• If the insurance is limited “per condition”, what is the time limit?

• What is the excess per claim? Sometimes the excess will be a set sum, sometimes a percentage of the cost and more often, a combination of both.

• Is there a limit on vets’ fees? If so, what is it?

• Find out if your pet is prone to any hereditary conditions and whether the plan will cover those. For cats you’ll find information about hereditary conditions at www.petplanet.co.uk/petplanet/breeds/cats-breeds and for dogs you’ll get the answers at www.the-kennel-club.org.uk

• Is your dog covered for third party liability? Remember, if your dog causes injury or damage you could be liable for damages.

• Does the pet insurance cover the cost of advertising and a finders’ reward if you pet is lost or stolen?

• If you pet undergoes urgent surgery shortly before you’re due to go on holiday, will your pet insurance meet the holiday cancellation costs?

• If you go in hospital, does the policy cover kennel or cattery fees? Some policies will payout after the owner has been in hospital for a certain number of days.

• Does the plan make a payout when your pet dies? If so, how much?

How can you get answers to all these questions? Surprisingly, vets are not particularly well clued up. They normally have details of one or two plans in their waiting rooms but are rarely up to date with what else is available in the market. Perhaps not surprising with all the developments in veterinary care to keep abreast of!

No, you’ve already found the best source of information — the Internet! Search for pet, dog or cat insurance and you’ll find all the information you’ll ever need. It might take you an hour to complete your research, and remember to make notes, but it will be worth it in the end.

Michael Challiner
http://www.articlesbase.com/finance-articles/pet-insurance-suss-out-the-answers-to-10-key-questions-10613.html

As many pet owners know, fleas and ticks can be common in your furry friends and cause itching and misery. Fleas are tiny, almost microscopic, and can be responsible for allergic dermatitis in some pets. And fleas also carry diseases.

Ticks are also very small and attach themselves to your pet, engorging themselves on its blood until full. They are found everywhere, especially in places with high humidity and moderate temperatures. Ticks can carry diseases, including Lyme disease, which are hazardous for both people and their pets.

Fleas can live in many places within your home. They lay eggs which hatch and feed on flea feces. If you do not treat your pet, your house can easily become infested in a short period of time. To check your dog or cat for possible flea infestation, you can either shake their fur over a white paper towel or brush them with a flea comb. If you see black specks, these are probably flea droppings. An animal with fleas is usually nervous and will scratch excessively. If you have more than one cat or dog, they will probably all be infested. One adult flea can lay up to 50 eggs at once and over 2000 in her lifetime!

Ticks and the diseases transmitted by them can cause various symptoms including fever, loss of appetite, lameness, depression or lethargy, arthritis or swollen joints. Ticks should be removed with tweezers and saved for the veterinarian to examine. Your pet will need a blood test if it has a disease transmitted by a tick.

Fortunately, there is a safe, easy and proven method to rid all fleas and ticks from your pet. First you should bring your dog or cat to a veterinarian to be examined. You can control existing fleas or ticks and prevent future infestations using a Frontline® product. By applying this every month, you can prevent fleas and ticks from returning.

Frontline® quickly kills fleas and keeps your pet totally flea- and tick-free for a month. The products are waterproof and gentle enough to use on kittens or puppies over 8 weeks of age. You can choose from a range of Frontline® products, such as Frontline Spray, Frontline Topspot and Frontline Plus. Frontline Plus is the newest product in the range and kills 100% of adult fleas on your pet. It also kills flea eggs and larvae. Frontline Plus completely breaks the flea lifecycle, to stop all stages of fleas from becoming a nuisance. It also kills all 4 types of ticks to leave your pet fully protected.

Try Frontline® products – your pet will thank you for it!

Renske Buursma
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/your-frontline-of-defense-for-flea-and-ticks-issues-with-cats–131855.html

Arthritis in dogs is a condition that occurs when the joints become inflamed.  This can be the result of injury or disease.  This condition is most common in older dogs, but can also occur in younger canines.  So, what exactly causes it?

Causes

Various things can cause dog arthritis.  The most common is a traumatic injury that affects the joints, such as being hit by a car.  As mentioned earlier, various diseases can also affect the joints and cause this condition. 

Obese dogs have a higher risk for developing arthritis.  This is because their excess weight causes more force to be applied to the joints.  Young dogs that have improperly developed bones are also at risk.

Symptoms

The most noticeable symptom of arthritis in dogs is limping.  Your dog will be much more hesitant to walk, run, or jump around because of the pain caused by this condition.  Also, your pet may not like you touching him because of the pain.  Arthritis commonly causes the affected joints to swell up also. 

Diagnosis

This condition is mainly diagnosed based on symptoms and medical history.  The veterinarian may also palpate the joints to see if they’re swollen.  Since joint changes can occur because of arthritis, it’s also useful to have an x-ray.  Fluid from the affected joints can also be removed and analyzed.

Treatment

Arthritis in dogs is most commonly treated with anti-inflammatory medications.  Reducing inflammation will reduce the amount of pain your dog experiences.  If a traumatic injury is the underlying cause of arthritis, then surgery may be required to repair the ligaments.  Dogs that are overweight will find relief once they lose weight.

D Swain
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/an-owners-guide-to-arthritis-in-dogs-673678.html

I got an 8 year old lab who has hip dysplasia and arthritis. Been relatively healthy all along until recently, when the arthritis has been affecting her walking hugely. Always walks with the right hind paw off the ground. Now heres what I tried to date for my beloved pet. Tried deramax 100 for two weeks and seen little improvement, then tried 2 treatments of acupuncture along with the deramax,and seen no improvement, so switched to metacam recently and still not seeing any improvement. Getting worse actually. So I have 2 wait 48-72 hours to put her on a new medication called PREVICOX, to see if that will improve things any. SO what I need to know is what is the difference between the two drugs my dog was allready on to the new one shes beginning next week called PREVICOX. I have heard good stories about previcox and i have heard bad stories about dogs who were in previcox which eventually led to the cause of there death. P.S. the whole time and before my dog began taking NSAIDS she has been taking glucosime as well. Please anyone who can give me some answers send them along

Ever since I heard about Previcox, I will not give it to my dogs.

http://www.k911.biz/Petsafety/DeathByPrevicox_RowdysLastVacation.htm

He is a 50 pound australian x and is still in great shape, but 1 year and a bit ago started peeing and drinking tons, did bloodwork nothing came back, levels were fine, but recently so weak, attribibuted it to arthritis, now he is in the hospital on I.V fluids for 48 hours, very weak, vomited once, and diarreah once 3 days ago…….still has appetite, especially for treats, and very happy when I visit….Does anybody have experience with this, I know he wont live forever but maybe someone knows a timeline when there pet passed after these symptoms????? I plan on bringing him home after the treatment and euthanizing at home when the time is right…….
Thanks

There is a yahoo group,k9 kidney disease,very good info.If you can handle it have the vet teach you how to give sq fliuds and get you set up with the fluids.The group is very good about renal diets.I don’t know the timeline for straight kidney failure but have known dogs in chf and renal failure having a good quality of life for 1-1 1/2 yrs with some hard work by the owners.

Glucosamine and chondroitin will help. Also, naturallyvitamins.com makes a supplement called Fido Wobenzym for dogs. Check their website…www.naturallyvitamins.com.

My mom and husband both took the human version for their aches and pains and have been 1000% better since starting it.

Here’s a press release regarding the fido wobenzym.

Wobenzym®N, a natural "inflammation" and immune support formula, was featured in an exclusive, 4-page article on pet injury and arthritis entitled "Digest These Benefits", published in the October 2005 issue of The Whole Dog Journal. The Whole Dog Journal article is a sequel to the January 2001 article, "Banking on Enzymes", which introduced Wobenzym to pet owners and veterinarians and explained the benefits of the non-prescription formula for acute injuries, chronic joint conditions, infections, and post-operative recovery.

The Wobenzym formula was developed over 50 years ago and hundreds of human clinical trials support its safety and effectiveness in a variety of inflammation-related conditions. Now, it has become a trusted alternative in canine care. The October 2005 article in The Whole Dog Journal summarized the results of a double blind, placebo-controlled study on Wobenzym use in 60 arthritic dogs conducted by holistic veterinarian, Dr. Beverly Chappel, DVM. Dr. Chappel observed marked improvements in the dogs that received Wobenzym. Dr. Cappel told The Whole Dog Journal that "it was obvious which dogs were taking the Wobenzym. They were the ones who stopped limping soon after the study started and were able to go for longer walks. Their owners noted that these dogs appeared to have much less pain. They started acting like young dogs again."

Increasing public awareness of the risks associated with some prescription medications may also explain the emerging trend of pet owners buying natural health care products for their pets. Sales of natural pet heath care products totaled $45 million in 2004 and is forecast to more than double to $112 million, according to market research report "Market Trends: Natural Organic and Eco-Friendly Pet Products."

Dr. Mary Foster, DVM practices veterinary medicine in Florida and prescribes Wobenzym for coat problems, autoimmune disorders, hip dysplasia, arthritis, and for surgery recovery, according to The Whole Dog Journal. "I usually give it to effect. This means increasing the dose until symptoms respond," says Dr. Foster.

It was stated in our first article what it takes to produce a top quality pet vitamin. It should be made with a precise combination of vitamins, minerals, herbs, antioxidants, bioflavonoids, fatty acids and amino acids. These ingredients have been shown to combat the ravages of free radicals and provide immune system support.

What exactly are these ingredients, where do they come from and what do they do?

Alfalfa- Alfalfa is known as the “King of Plants”, and its roots have been used for centuries in many cultures. The herb belongs to the legume family, closely related to beans and peas. It is an excellent source of vitamins D, E and K, beta-carotene, minerals, fiber, chlorophyll, calcium, proteins and fats. It is especially rich in the amino acid trypophane. Alfalfa is considered to be a very beneficial herb and is used to increase appetite, alleviate certain allergic reactions and help poor digestion. It may also reduce inflammation due to arthritis and rheumatism. (Canine formula only)

Alpha Amylase- A soluble fiber that aids in digestion, Alpha Amylase allows the ingredients of the vitamin to be absorbed into the body as rapidly and quickly as possible without diminishing the antioxidant capabilities.

Amino Acids- Necessary for the synthesis of body proteins and many other tissue constituents. Amino Acids aid in building new muscle, bone and tendon cells, play a vital role in metabolism, stamina and brain function. The also enable vitamins and minerals to be properly absorbed. There are approximately twenty-eight amino acids that combine in various ways to create hundreds of different types of proteins. Some enhance the immune system by stimulating the antioxidant activity of certain enzymes and can prevent skin and coat problems. Others prevent premature aging, tumors, nerve disease and connective tissue disorders. A deficiency could cause a host of problems ranging from indigestion, stunted growth or nervous disorders.

Beta-Carotene- The precursor to Vitamin A becomes a powerful free radical scavenger in the body. Vitamin A is essential in skeletal growth, reproductive function, embryonic development and differentiation of tissues. It is crucial for proper eye function and possible cataract reduction. Vitamin A is necessary for healthy skin and mucous membranes which are the first line of defense against invading microorganisms and toxins. Beta-Carotene and Vitamin A destroy carcinogens and guard against heart disease and stroke and lowers cholesterol.

Blue Green Algae- Natures most basic food. Existing at the beginning of the food chain, it provides nutrition in its simplest form. Blue Green Algae is very rich in chlorophyll and is essential for the smooth operation of the brain and nervous system. It enhances the health of the entire body, strengthens the immune system, promotes intestinal regularity and the healing of wounds. It also boosts hemoglobin production and helps purify the blood. The trace minerals found in Blue Green algae are Boron, Calcium, Chlorine, Chromium, Cobalt, Copper, Fluorine, Geranium, Iodine, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Phosphorus, Potassium, Silicon, Sodium, Tin, Titanium, Vanadium and Zinc.

Brewers Yeast- A natural source of B-Complex vitamins. Studies show another beneficial effect of Brewers Yeast supplementation is significant reduction of body fleas on companion pets.

Cats Claw- Also known as Una de Gato, is an ancient herb found in the rain forest of Peru. This singular and wild woody vine is known for its amazing healing properties and had been used by native people for centuries. It cleans the intestinal tract, enhances the action of white blood cells and acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Research in different countries, including Germany, Austria, England and Hungary has shown that Cats Claw can stimulate the immune system and may help in the treatment of diseases including cancer, viral or respiratory infections, allergies, arthritis and rheumatism.

Chicken Liver- 100% chicken liver has omega fatty acids and vitamins A, C, and the B-complex vitamin group. It contains minerals including calcium, copper, phosphorus and iron. Chicken liver is good for anemia and aids in building healthy red blood cells and can increase energy and relieve stress.

Copper- Aids in the formation of red blood cells and works with Vitamin C to form elastin, an important protein that makes up bone, skin and connective tissue. It aids in the healing process and energy production. Copper is needed for healthy joints and nerves.

Evening Primrose Oil- High in gamma linolenic acid, an essential polyunsaturated fatty acid that promotes cardiovascular health. It is known to prevent hardening of the arteries, heart disease and high blood pressure and aids in lowering cholesterol. It is good for certain skin disorders and can increase the release of sex hormones improving reproductive health.

L Methionine- An essential amino acid not synthesized by the body that must be obtained from food or supplements. It is a powerful antioxidant and good source of sulfur, which neutralizes free radicals and helps prevent skin, coat and nail problems. It can detoxify harmful agents such as lead and other heavy metals found in airborne pollutants. L Methionine supplementation is needed for the absorption, transportation, and availability of selenium and zinc in the body. It can reduce fatigue and is useful in the development of age-related cataracts. (Canine formula only).

Magnesium- Acts as a catalyst in the utilization of carbohydrates, fats, protein, calcium, phosphorus and potassium. It is important for energy and healthy maintenance of bones, teeth, arteries, heart and nerves. Research has shown magnesium can help prevent cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and certain forms of cancer.

Manganese- An enzyme activator that plays an important part in tissue respiration and carbohydrate and fat metabolism. It is important for normal skeletal development and to maintain sex hormone production. Manganese deficiency can lead to paralysis, convulsions, dizziness, deafness and blindness.

Oyster Shell- Extremely rich in calcium, the major element in the structural framework of bones. Practically every cell in the body especially heart, nerves and muscles, rely on calcium to function properly. The heart requires calcium to maintain a normal beat. Muscles need it for contraction and relaxation.

Papain- Aids in the digestion of protein and helps cleanse the tissues and intestinal walls. The unique ability of Papain to break down protein and convert a portion of it into Arginine is extremely important because Arginine is influences the production of HGH. HGH is produced in the pituitary gland is directly responsible for DNA and RNA replication. HGH helps increase muscle tone and decrease body fat.

Phosphorus- Works with calcium to build bones and teeth and aids the body in the utilization of vitamins, and conversion of food to energy. A deficiency can lead to loss of weight and appetite, irregular breathing, fatigue and nervous disorders.

Pine Bark- The proanthocyanidids in Pine Bark have been shown in clinical studies to be 20 times more effective than Vitamin C and 50 times more effective than Vitamin E as an antioxidant. Pine Bark helps relieve pain and symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatism. Pine Bark has a remarkable ability to seek and destroy free radicals which is a tremendous benefit to the health of our animals. By reducing oxidative damage to cells and vital tissues, much damage is held to a subdued rate. Unlike dietary antioxidants, proanthocyanidids readily cross the blood-brain barrier to protect vital brain and nerve tissue from oxidation.

Potassium (Citrate)- Important for a healthy nervous system and regular heart rhythm. It helps prevents strokes, aids in proper muscle contraction and works with sodium to control the water balance in the body. It is important for chemical reactions within cells, aids in maintaining stable blood pressure and proper transmission of chemical impulses. Potassium regulates the transfer of nutrients through cell membranes. Signs of deficiency include abnormally dry skin, weakness, paralysis, low blood pressure and irregular heartbeat.

Selenium- An essential trace mineral whose main function is to inhibit the oxidation of fats. It is a vital antioxidant, especially when combined with Vitamin E. It protects the immune system by preventing the formation of free radicals. It has also been found to function as a preventative against the formation of certain types of tumors.

Shark Cartilage- Contains collagen and glycosaminoglycans. This combination makes shark cartilage a powerful anti-inflammatory wound healing agent that is not toxic and has no known side effects. It is also an effective substance against bacteria, virus and fungal infections. There have been several studies demonstrating the ability of shark cartilage to shrink some cancerous tumors, including those unaffected by standard treatments. Shark cartilage contains a protein that impedes the formation of blood vessels to tumors.

Taurine- Is one of the most abundant amino acids in the body. Taurine therapy is used in the treatment of ischemic heart disease. Low Taurine and magnesium levels have been found after heart attacks. Taurine also plays a role in maintaining the correct composition of bile and solubility of cholesterol. It helps stabilize cell membranes and helps the movement of potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium in and out of cells, which generates nerve impulses. It is necessary for chemical reactions that produce normal vision. (Feline Only: Canines produce their own Taurine).

Vitamin B Complex- Necessary for carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism. Helps the functioning of the nervous system, maintains muscle tone in the gastrointestinal tract, maintains the health of skin, coat, eyes, mouth and liver.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)- Essential for normal functioning of the heart, nerves, muscles, skin and digestive system. Necessary for carbohydrate metabolism.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)- Necessary for carbohydrate-fat-protein metabolism and antibody and red blood cell formation. Good for healthy eyes, skin, and coat.

Vitamin B3 (Niacin)- Promotes growth. proper functioning of the nervous system, maintenance of healthy skin, tongue, digestive system, and carbohydrate-fat-protein metabolism.

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)- Assists in the release of energy from carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Aids in the utilization of some vitamins, stimulates growth, and aids in the formation of antibodies.

Vitamin B12- Essential for normal formation of red blood cells, carbohydrate-fat-protein metabolism, and good appetite. B12 maintains fertility, promotes normal growth and development and prevents nerve damage by maintaining the fatty sheaths that protect nerve endings.

Vitamin C (Ester C) A powerful antioxidant that also protects other antioxidants such as Vitamin E. The cells of the brain and spinal cord, which frequently incur free radical damage, can be protected by significant amounts of Vitamin C. In addition to its role as an antioxidant, it also increases the synthesis of Interferon,, a natural anti-viral substance produced by the body and stimulates the activity of certain key immune cells. Vitamin C is a key factor in many immune functions and lowers the risk of cataracts while promoting cell growth and tissue repair.

Vitamin E- An essential fat soluble vitamin that includes eight naturally occurring compounds and each of these compounds exhibit different biological activities. The most widely accepted biological function of Vitamin E is related to its antioxidant activities. It is the most effective chain breaking lipid soluble antioxidant in the biological membrane. It contributes to membrane activity, protecting critical cellular structures against damage from oxygen free radicals.

Whey Protein- The importance of protein in any carnivores diet cannot be understated for it is critical in building and maintaining muscle mass and other necessary metabolic functions. Protein deficiencies can lead to retarded skeletal and muscle growth and a weakened immune system, which causes susceptibility to infections and degenerative diseases. (Feline formula)

Zinc- Zinc is a component of almost 100 enzymes involved in metabolic processes, most of which work with the red blood cells to move carbon dioxide from the tissue to the lungs. As an antioxidant it promotes normal growth and development, aids in wound healing, enhances cell division, repair and growth. It also helps synthesize DNA and RNA. Zinc deficiencies have been linked to prostate hypertrophy, cancer, slow recovery from head injuries, diabetes, arthritis and reduced immune system responses.

If your pet is suffering from hip or joint inflammation, it is suggested that the proper pet vitamin should include Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Methylsulfonymethane (MSM) and Vitamin C which will help to quickly and effectively reverse and heal the devastating effects of Osteoarthritis.

MSM supplies biologically active sulfur to animal joints. Use of MSM has been shown to reduce rigidity of cells in the soft tissues of the body. By reducing this rigidity, fluids are able to pass more freely from the cell and this helps to reduce cell pressure, thereby reducing inflammation and pain.

Glucosamine- Provides the joints with the building blocks needed to repair the damage caused by osteoarthritis. Acting as a catalyst, glucosamine helps animals synthesize new cartilage needed to replace damaged cartilage caused by wear and tear. Hip dysplasia occurs when normal wear and tear break down cartilage.

Chondroitin- Attracts and holds fluid within cartilage tissue helping to lubricate joints, increase mobility and reduce discomfort caused by hip dysplasia. Chondroitin neutralizes the destructive enzymes that are known to damage and destroy cartilage. It aids the entry of glucosamine into inflamed joints. Vitamin C promotes cartilage growth and tissue repair.

Vitamin C- Is a key factor in the immune system, helping white blood cells function. Prolonged Vitamin C deficiency will cause existing tissues to deteriorate.

Combine all this into an FDA approved lab and you have the highest quality pet vitamins imaginable.

Joseph M. Sabol is a world class breeder of Doberman Pinschers. Go to http://petvitamins4u.com or to http://theroadhousedobes.com for further information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_M_Sabol

Joseph Sabol
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/human-grade-pet-vitamins-a-breakdown-of-ingredients-626296.html

Arthritis in dogs is a condition that occurs when the joints become inflamed.  This can be the result of injury or disease.  This condition is most common in older dogs, but can also occur in younger canines.  So, what exactly causes it?

Causes

Various things can cause dog arthritis.  The most common is a traumatic injury that affects the joints, such as being hit by a car.  As mentioned earlier, various diseases can also affect the joints and cause this condition. 

Obese dogs have a higher risk for developing arthritis.  This is because their excess weight causes more force to be applied to the joints.  Young dogs that have improperly developed bones are also at risk.

Symptoms

The most noticeable symptom of arthritis in dogs is limping.  Your dog will be much more hesitant to walk, run, or jump around because of the pain caused by this condition.  Also, your pet may not like you touching him because of the pain.  Arthritis commonly causes the affected joints to swell up also. 

Diagnosis

This condition is mainly diagnosed based on symptoms and medical history.  The veterinarian may also palpate the joints to see if they’re swollen.  Since joint changes can occur because of arthritis, it’s also useful to have an x-ray.  Fluid from the affected joints can also be removed and analyzed.

Treatment

Arthritis in dogs is most commonly treated with anti-inflammatory medications.  Reducing inflammation will reduce the amount of pain your dog experiences.  If a traumatic injury is the underlying cause of arthritis, then surgery may be required to repair the ligaments.  Dogs that are overweight will find relief once they lose weight.

D Swain
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/an-owners-guide-to-arthritis-in-dogs-673678.html

As you all know, especially for pet lovers out there, pet medications can deliver a very low blow for your wallet’s solar plexus and that can make you go “Oof!” and “Umph!” but as a true-blue 100% pet lover, you wouldn’t mind all those things just as long as you give all the very best in the world for your pets, be it a dog, a cat, a parrot, a bear or a crocodile. You are also aware that things like these are really necessities in order to keep your loved dog, cat or other domestic animal happy and healthy. But time will come when one relaxing night and you’re lying down while looking at the stars, a thought could hit you like a ton of bricks- “My, I could have sworn I’ve spent all my bank accounts on poor old Oscar, my pet Schnauzer.” Yes, time will come when you will try to look for a cheaper alternative on where to buy pet medications for less but is there really an alternative?

Many people today have greatly benefited from online marketing and almost all kinds of products or services are now being offered online, from bags, immigration services, where to buy the best hair loss products, how to get rid of Gynecomastia and yes, Victoria, there is an existence of online pet pharmacies and this is what you need to find out about.

Pet meds can save your pet’s life by protecting them from nasty things such as heartworm, ticks, fleas and other complications such as arthritis and other illnesses but they can’t be of help if you can’t find them the fastest time possible.

That’s why, it’s really an advantage to switch to online pet pharmacy. You will never know if or when your pet dog or cat will be stricken will illness and for die-hard pet lovers like you, this would seem to be a very great disaster already. With online pet medication sites, you can have all the information you want in seconds. You can compare prices of different brands or types of pet meds and have your product delivered to your doorstep in a jiffy.

Another advantage of having online pharmacy by your side is you can have real-time information of everything about pets, pets’ diseases and updated information and of course, pet medications.

But the most greatest (pardon the grammar) advantage of all is you can get them for an affordable price. They can be more affordable if you can order your products in bulk or by volume, then, you get huge discounts for them. If you have found something that can give you a competitive price advantage, please spend some time to explore your options concerning the health and welfare of your furry family members.

To summarize, the greatest love and care that you can give to your pets in not just through your heart but through your wallet as well. You take care of your heart when you take care of your wallet and you can eventually enjoy taking care of your pet for all eternity.

Your pets have, is and always be giving you unconditional love and care and do you think it’s time you can do the same at an affordable price? It would be very frightening to think that once you find that taking care of your pet is very expensive that you just have to throw them out of the window and let them die. That would be an exaggerating thing to do but the point is, you don’t have to sacrifice your bank accounts to give them unconditional love and care. You just need to find pet medications for less and online pet pharmacies is your first big step.

Syahrul Azlan Idris
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/want-to-save-money-on-pet-medications-457252.html

Humans are not the only species to be suffering an obesity epidemic in certain parts of the world. Our pampered pets are also getting fat, with some estimates putting the level of obesity amongst dogs and cats at around 25%. It is accepted that being clinically obese can lead to medical problems in humans, and this too is true for our pets. Arthritis, heart disease, bladder problems and diabetes are just some of the ailments our pets can suffer from if they are predisposed to it by their weight problem. Also, obese pets experience fatigue, exercise intolerance and heat intolerance leading to a poor overall quality of life.

Quite often overweight owners will have overweight pets. For dogs, this derives from 3 likelihoods:

1. The owner is relatively inactive, and the dog does not get walked as much as it should, burning off less calories.

2. The owner eats regularly throughout the day, meaning the dog is more often begging for treats and probably getting them.

3. The owner has a misplaced judgement of what is overweight and what is healthy, and what constitutes an appropriate portion size for the dogs bodyweight.

For cats, the situation is a little different as they cannot be walked like dogs can to burn off calories. Naturally cats that spend more time indoors are getting less exercise than those that spend most of the time outdoors, and so are more likely to be obese. The latter 2 likelihoods above apply to cats too though.

In the authors experience, a motivated attempt by the owner to lose weight will often co-incide with the pet losing weight too. Like humans, pets cannot manufacture fat or muscle out of thin air and so for dogs and indoor cats you have total control over your pets body condition.

How can I tell if my pet is overweight?

There is no set rule of what is overweight and what not because there is so much variation between and within breeds. As a rule of thumb you should be able to feel your pets ribs easily by gently stroking the side of the chest with your fingertips. You should also be able to just feel the tips of the vertebrae jutting out (dorsal spinous processes) along your pets spine as you stroke him/her from head to tail. If they are not palpable then your pet is likely to be obese.

All pets should be weighed regularly. This may be difficult to achieve at home but a rough guide to your pets weight can be obtained by weighing yourself on some bathroom scales, then weighing yourself whilst carrying your pet and subtracting one from the other. This may be difficult for big heavy dogs, and inaccurate for small dogs and cats where small fluctuations can be more significant. Keeping track of your pets weight means that you can:

a) Dose them more accurately for medicines such as flea and worming prevention drugs.

b) Tell if they are putting on weight more accurately, as change is seldom noticed if you are seeing the animal on a daily basis rather than at intervals.

c) Tell if they are losing weight, which is a common factor in many disease processes.

If the bathroom scales option is not feasible, drop by your local veterinary clinic and ask if you can weight your pet on their scales. They will be impressed at your conscientiousness!

Killing your pet with kindness

For many animals the highlight of the day is meal time. Of course if your pet had just weeks to live due to, say, an inoperable tumor, then it would be wise to feed him/her whatever his/her favorite food is as there is no long term to suffer the long term consequences. However, for the vast majority, feeding an appropriate amount of a healthy diet will be greeted with equal enthusiasm as the gluttonous portions your pet may be accustomed to, it just needs a little owner motivation and discipline to get to that point.

So, are these diseases that fat animals suffer from genuine or are they just scare stories? They are indeed real and possibly even imminent for your pet. Lets have a closer look at some of the diseases and problems pets can suffer from as a direct result of their obesity:

1. Heart disease. The bigger you are, the harder your heart has to work to pump blood around the body. Very obese pets have a higher than normal heart rate and a larger heart with no reserve capacity, meaning they get out of breath very easily and regularly pant after minimal physical exertion. Losing some of that weight takes a huge strain off the heart.

2. Arthritis. Imagine carrying around a large rucksack full of stones wherever you went. After some time the strain on your joints would start to tell. Many pets will get arthritis at a certain age anyway, for obese pets this is more likely to occur sooner and the severity of the disease will be increased, necessitating permanent anti-inflammatory painkillers which can be expensive.

3. Diabetes Mellitus. Obesity is a well known factor in the development of diabetes, due to insufficient insulin produced in the pancreas and resistance to the insulin that is already being produced. Unfortunately once your pet develops diabetes there is no cure for it, and you must accept the responsibility of giving once or twice daily insulin injections for the rest of your pets life. Much better to avoid developing diabetes in the first place of course!

4. Urinary problems. Obese animals are more likely to suffer from cystitis, which requires veterinary treatment, and blockage of the bladder. A blocked bladder is common in obese male cats and is a true emergency.

5. Problems giving birth.

6. Non allergic skin diseases.

7. Breathing problems.

8. Hepatic lipidosis (fat deposited in the liver). This is a very serious condition that occurs in cats, particularly those that lose weight very quickly, or are starved for greater than 5 days.

9. Increased anesthetic risk.

How can I get my pet to lose weight?

1. Take your pet to the vet to have a thorough physical examination, lab tests, and an accurate weight recorded. The main purpose of this visit is to rule out hypothyroidism or other metabolic disorders which can prevent normal weight loss.

2. Feed less food than you have been. Quite simply, feed smaller portions.

3. Change the type of food to a low calorie complete diet. These diets, e.g. Hills r/d, provide less calories than regular pet foods do despite the portion being the same size. As a result your pets stomach is filled to the same degree and he/she does not feel hungry.

4. Feed pets small portions at intervals rather than continuous free access. If your pet goes outdoors, make sure no neighbors are feeding him/her.

5. Take your dog for longer and more regular walks to burn off calories. Increase the cats activity and exercise by enriching the cats environment, encouraging play.

6. Reweigh your pet at monthly intervals to assess your weight loss progress. If possible keep a chart so you can visualize how you are doing, with the target weight marked clearly. Your vet will be able to suggest an appropriate target weight.

7. Reduce the total daily amount fed if weight gain or no weight loss is noted.

8. Once your pet is at an ideal weight, adjust the total amount fed so that his or her body weight remains stable.

Matthew Homfray
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/is-your-pet-a-porker-80030.html