Pet Arthritis News

One of the more common domesticated house pets is the cat. If you are contemplating having one for a pet, there are certain aspects that you need to be aware of before you bring one into your household, specifically basic care issues and proper nutrition. Feline companionship brings with it a variety of responsibilities but your biggest obligation to that pet is the attention and care that you give it.

One of the elements regarding the basic care of cats is the initial preparations needed before bringing the animal home. The basic items needed immediately are a litter box and litter, separate food and water bowls, a brush designed for the type of fur the cat has (i.e. long-hair or short-hair), and a carrier to bring it home in and as well as for trips to the vet. And of most importance, cat toys since they enhance the bonding process. Eventually, you may want to consider a bed or basket for them to nap and sleep in.

Once you have determined what type of cat they will be, as in strictly indoors or indoor/outdoor, then there are additional care issues to be covered. If the cat is going to be outdoors part of the time, one of the first things you should get them is a collar. It will obviously hold the cat’s identification tag and veterinary status. Make sure that the collar has an elastic section so that if they get caught on something and start panicking that they can escape from the collar without severely choking themselves.

The tag attached to the collar should provide vital information specifically, your name, address, and phone number. Modern technology has created an identification microchip that vet’s can inject into the skin of a cat’s neck. Speaking of veterinarians, that is the other most important aspect of the cat’s health and well-being. If you want them to be around for a lot of years, every penny you spend on veterinary visits will have benefits and your pet will live a happier and healthier life that way.

Finally, unless you are looking at the cat as an investment, as in breeding them for money, once they have reached the appropriate age, get them neutered or spayed. The ideal age for this is once they are six months old. Where males are concerned, it’s an out-patient type surgery, pending any complications — bring them in first thing in the morning, and pick them up towards the end of the day. Females will vary, but usually the spaying is a 24 hour turnaround.

The first rule of thumb with feline nutrition is that cats are not vegetarians — they require meat in their diets so that they have a sparkle in their eyes and a glossy coat. They require certain dietary needs and animal derived nutrients are one of the main ingredients necessary to their good health. The cat food that you feed them should come from a reputable manufacturer and be given to your cat at room temperature. One important note here is that you should establish a routine as to the place and time of day that you feed your cat.

Another aspect of feeding is that there should always be fresh dry food and water for them to take advantage of throughout the day. If you include canned food in their diets, it is recommended that they receive two or three small feedings per day, not one big one. And remember that until they are out of the kitten stage, that they are constantly eating and drinking.

Another health issue is your cat’s weight. Avoid letting them overeat. Just like with us, a cat can develop obesity and overweight issues. Arthritis, heart problems, and a shorter lifespan are issues that can result from a cat being overweight. So take care on this matter. Based on the breed, adult cats should way between 9 and 12 pounds, and the males tend to be heavier than the females. If you feel that your cat is overweight, a trip to the vet for a check-up and some questions is a good idea. Oftentimes, the weight issue is related to a hormonal problem, so it is better to be safe than sorry.

Michael D. Rosenthal
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/feline-health-basic-care-and-nutrition-683632.html

The Saint Bernard can even be kept in an apartment if walked often. They are better suited to a fenced in enclosure for exercise. They are said to be easy to train. It might be a good idea to obedience train early as this breed becomes very large and can be hard to handle even for the strongest person. They can get along well with other pets, especially if well socialized with them early on. They generally love children. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy or dog.

*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the Saint Bernard is 24 to 28 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 110 to 200 pounds.

*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Saint Bernard is no exception. Be on the look out for heart defects, bone problems, arthritis, hot spots, Canine Hip Dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness) and bloat (Gastric Dilation-Volvulus, the second leading killer of dogs, can kill within the hour, this space is too limited for a complete explanation but you should read up on this). Feeding more then once a day and avoiding exercise right after meals may help guard against bloat. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

*Grooming. The Saint Bernard has a dense, short-haired, tough and smooth coat. She should be brushed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet.

*Life Span. The Saint Bernard can live between 8 and 10 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

*History. The Saint Bernard comes from Switzerland where they were used for locating lost people. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1885.

Some Registries:
* Saint Bernard Club of America
*UKC United Kennel Club
*NKC National Kennel Club
*CKC Continental Kennel Club
*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
*AKC American Kennel Club
*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
*ACR = American Canine Registry

Litter Size: 6 to 8 Saint Bernard puppies

Category: Working Group

Terms To Describe: Powerful, intelligent, gentle, tolerant, faithful, kind, affectionate, mellow, lazy

*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS
Very good watch dog.
Easy to train.
Tolerant and good with children.

*SPECIAL BAD POINTS
Not a good guard dog.
Do not like hot weather.
Can be a drooler.

*Other Names Known By: St. Bernhardshund

*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.

Mitch Endick
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/saint-bernard-puppy-and-dog-information-91148.html

I had my pug for over 8 years. He slowly started to have health problems as a result of arthritis in his knee joints. Despite various treatments, he never got over it and his liver and kidneys began to give. I finally asked the vet to put him out of his misery in November last year.

He was my steady companion during his short life, always following me around the house, even when it was painful for him to walk.

I miss him so much. Sometimes I still cry. I feel guilty for not being able to help him live a better life. I can accept that this pain is based on a deep love for him and that it may never go away. I wanted to ask others whose pets have died if they experienced a similar grief, or if they could share about their mourning process, too.
@ Lauren: We’ve moved to a smaller apartment where pets are not allowed. I have my dog’s ashes in an urn in our bedroom and I always pull out photos of him to remember what it was like to have him alive.

Thank you for your answers–I see that our love for our pets is so different from love for humans. I guess that’s what makes our relationships so special, because our love is beyond words. I’ll keep checking back for new answers. It makes me feel connected to other people, even if it’s through sadness.

so very sorry for you loss of your pet..been
there to..it is very very hard to get over.I myself,went looking for a replacement pet..but was looking for him and did not see him in any others..So decided to not get another.and remember the joy he gave me for 4 years.And will cherish it for the rest of my life..if tears could build a stairway to heaven? i have done that..but i know someday!! we will be re-united and happy.

1. Which one of the following chemicals does the body
generate during regular exercise?
A. Adrenaline C. Endorphins
B. Sodium chloride D. Estrogen

2. Which one of the following choices would indicate that a
person has entered the exhaustion stage of stress?
A. A cold that doesn’t seem to go away
B. Crying at a sad movie
C. Visiting with friends
D. Exercising more than usual

3. How does visualization promote relaxation and stress reduction?
A. It encourages your friends and family to stay away.
B. It enables you to make the world “go away” for awhile.
C. It produces helpful chemicals in your muscles.
D. It reminds you of other tasks you need to complete.

4. The first step in handling stress is
A. removing all stressors from your environment.
B. becoming aware of your own reaction to it.
C. trying to relax through meditation techniques.
D. catching up on missed sleep.

5. What is the purpose of breathing exercises?
A. To release endorphins
B. To release adrenaline
C. To settle the body and mind
D. To decrease your sense of awareness

6. Which one of the following choices is a mental symptom of distress?
A. Sleep disorders C. Memory loss
B. Hallucinations D. High self-esteem

7. What does the acronym HALT stand for?
A. Hungry, angry, lonely, tired
B. High-strung, anxious, labored, tense
C. Healthy, active, lean, toned
D. Help, avoid, learn, talk

8. Eustress is a form of
A. estrogen. C. positive stress.
B. negative stress. D. endorphin.

9. How often should you use deep, relaxing breathing techniques?
A. Every day
B. Only during periods of stress
C. No more than twice a day
D. Only when you’ve gotten enough sleep

10. Which one of the following symptoms indicates that a person is in the alarm stage
of stress?
A. High level of concentration C. Blurred vision
B. Hyperventilation D. Racing heartbeat

11. What is the purpose of the mantra during meditation?
A. It lets everyone know you’re meditating.
B. It allows you to concentrate on one peaceful sound.
C. It helps to relax the muscles.
D. It helps to release endorphins.

12. Which one of the following choices best represents a potential stressor?
A. A surprise gift C. A long-awaited salary raise
B. An unexpected visit D. A decrease in gas prices

13. How can doing something for someone else help to relieve stress?
A. It helps you to sleep better.
B. It helps you become numb to social issues.
C. It can get you time off from work or school.
D. It gets your mind off your own troubles.

14. How can you reduce the stress of completing a project?
A. Put off the project until the last minute.
B. Work on the project well into the night.
C. Take a break from the project when you need it.
D. Devote at least eight hours a day to the project.

15. Which of the following physiological symptoms are signs of stress?
A. Arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome
B. Hearing and vision loss
C. Dental cavities and bone loss
D. Headaches and elevated blood pressure

16. When should you suggest a client use progressive muscle relaxation?
A. Before the client begins an intense exercise routine
B. When the client is stressed while driving
C. After the client eats a large meal
D. When the client is having trouble relaxing

17. How does regular exercise improve cardiovascular function during times of stress?
A. It increases oxygen supplies and lowers triglyceride levels.
B. It reduces the amount of endorphins released in the body.
C. It reduces carbon dioxide supplies and raises triglyceride levels.
D. It increases the level of hormones circulating in the body.

18. Distress is a form of
A. disease. C. positive stress.
B. negative stress. D. expected stress.

19. Which one of the following choices might be an appropriate image for visualization?
A. The pet you had as a child
B. A picture of a favorite relative from the past
C. A car driven very fast
D. A beach at low tide

20. What nutritional supplement is recommended for helping the body handle stress?
A. Iron
B. Zinc
C. Vitamin C
D. No supplements are recommended for stress management.

really? wow!
go on google and search it, stop being so lazy.
its not even that hard :p geez!

I think hes in real pain. Is there anything we can do? Hes been the family pet for 4 generations. I dont want to lose him.

Knowing the species would really help. In general, keeping it warm and in the proper humidity is the best answer.

Forgive our skeptisim, but pet tortoises usually don’t make it past 100, and few people in the US were keeping tortoises as pets in 1857. We often find that record keeping is poor with these age claims- animals replaced, memories fuzzied, etc.

Honestly, even many claims by zoos, etc. are doubtful for these sorts of reasons.

The Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog breed in the United States so there are lots of good things to say about them. They will do ok in an apartment as long as they can be walked frequently. They do like lots of exercise. If it is possible for them to experience water occasionally, so much the better as they have a water resistant coat and love to swim. A properly fenced in yard is best for them. They love people and do well with other dogs and pets, especially if socialized early. They can be good watch dogs. They need to be part of a human family so please do not neglect that requirement or they can become destructive. They are great with children. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy or dog.

*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male Labrador Retriever is 22 to 24 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 60 to 75 pounds. The female ranges from 21 to 24 inches to the withers and 55 to 70 pounds.

*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Labrador Retriever is no exception. Even though this is considered a hardy breed, be on the lookout for Canine Hip and Elbow Dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness), epilepsy (comes in various degrees and is common in dogs), skin allergies, eye disorders and skin tumors. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

*Grooming. The Labrador Retriever has a double coat of short, hard, dense and straight hair which is water repellent. She should be brushed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat and help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.

*Life Span. The Labrador Retriever can live between 10 and 12 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

*History. The Labrador Retriever comes from Canada where they were used by fisherman to help collect netted fish and also by hunters to retrieve ducks and other water fowl. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1917.

Some Registries:
*Labrador Retriever Club, Inc.
*UKC United Kennel Club
*NKC National Kennel Club
*CKC Continental Kennel Club
*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
*AKC American Kennel Club
*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
*ACR = American Canine Registry

Litter Size: 7 to 8 Labrador Retriever puppies

Category: Gundog, Sporting Group

Terms To Describe: Strong, character, soundness, outgoing, smart, kindly, non-aggressive, gentle, hard working, good natured.

*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS
Good watch dog.
They are very friendly.
They want to please.
Great for kids.
She is the most popular breed in the US.
Easy to train.

*SPECIAL BAD POINTS
Poor guard dog.
May take up to two and one half years to mature.
They need lots of exercise.

*Other Names Known By: St. Johns Dogs, St. Johns Newfoundland, Lesser Newfoundland

*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.

Mitch Endick
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/labrador-retriever-puppy-and-dog-information-88820.html

United Pet Group Voluntarily Expands Recall of Nutritional Supplements For Dogs to Include Additional Tablet and Powdered-Form Products for Dogs and Cats Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk

Consumers Contact:
(877) 399-5226

Media Contact:
Carey Phelps (770) 360-5292

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 2, 2010 – United Pet Group, Cincinnati, Ohio is voluntarily expanding its recent recall of its Pro-Pet Adult Daily Vitamin Supplement tablets for Dogs to include additional pet nutritional supplement products for dogs and cats due to possible Salmonella contamination. The list of recalled products is provided below. The Food and Drug Administration is aware of this recall.

The recalled products are sold nationally at various retailers. The products include various United Pet Group Pro-Pet and Excel branded products for dogs and cats, and certain other private label brands of the same products. All of the affected products are in tablet and powdered form. These products are being removed from retail stores and consumers should immediately stop feeding these supplements to their pets. The affected products are those with expiration dates that include and are between "01/2013" and "06/2013." Products with expiration dates earlier than 01/2013 or later than 06/2013 are not included in this recall. The expiration date can be found imprinted vertically on the right side of the product label.

Laboratory testing has revealed that some lots of some of these products may be contaminated with Salmonella. The company is recalling the additional products out of an abundance of caution.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

People who handle these products can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with them or any surfaces exposed to these products. Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with the product should contact their healthcare providers.

Consumers who have purchased the affected products are urged to contact United Pet Group or the place of purchase for further direction. Consumers may contact United Pet Group at 1-877-399-5226, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm EST.
Additional Details
**ALSO – This is not the site I got the recall info from, but it does have a table of all the recalled products. I was using one of the products up until now so thank god I saw this. http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm217999.htm

Thanks for the info. Luckily, I don’t give my cat any of the listed products.

I have a Shih Tzu who is almost 7 years old, and she has been randomly limping and hesitating to move around as much as she used to. She still gets excited and runs around, but every now and then she seems to stiffen up or limp slightly. I’m pretty sure this is arthritis, so I’m just beginning to look at my options. Anyone with info from past experiences dealing with pet arthritis would be helpful and appreciated. I am worried about this affecting her quality of life and her life expectancy. I am willing to do pretty much anything and spend any amount of money that is neccessary for treatment. Does anyone know what is out there?

First thing would be to take her to your vet for a proper diagnosis – you have to know it is arthritis before you can treat it.

If it is, start with daily glucosamine supplements. When she is in pain, your vet will prescribe an anti-inflammatory, pain killer such as Metacam or Rymadil. I prefer Metacam, it costs more but is a liquid which can given long term, it has fewer side effects than Rymadil which is cheaper.

I have a dog with arthritis and calcification of his spine, he has had 2 bad attacks when he need prednisone as well, and crate rest, but he is doing very well now just on the daily glucosamine.

Talk to your vet – there are definitely medications that can help your dog — best of luck. It really should not affect her life expectancy as much as her quality of life – but there are certainly things you can do to help her.

The standard Poodle is a highly intelligent, proud and good natured dog. They are good watch dogs and are generally good with other pets and other dogs. They are usually good with older children. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy or dog. They do need plenty of exercise and a properly fenced in enclosure is ideal. They need extensive grooming.

*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the standard Poodle is 22 to 27 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 45 to 70 pounds.

*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the standard Poodle is no exception. Be on the look out for Canine Hip Dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness), Epilepsy (common in many dogs), stifle problems and ear infections. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

*Grooming. The standard Poodle has a long double coat. The outer coat is wiry curls. The outer coat is wooly and thick. They need extensive, professional grooming.

Her ears should be checked once a week and be kept clean. If you have her professionally groomed, make sure ear cleaning and inspection is part of the package. No water or excess fluid should get in the dogs ears, and do not try to irrigate the ears. Ear cleaning is too complicated and critical to instruct here. Look for hair growing in the ear canal, excess wax, or moisture. If her ears have a discharge, foul odor or she seems to be in distress and you suspect an infection, or tumor, consult your veterinarian.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet.

*Life Span. The standard Poodle can live between 10 and 13 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

*History. The standard Poodle comes from France where they were used for hunting and bird retrieval. They were designated the national dog of France. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1887.

Some Registries:
*Poodle Club of America
*UKC United Kennel Club
*NKC National Kennel Club
*CKC Continental Kennel Club
*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
*AKC American Kennel Club
*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
*ACR = American Canine Registry

Litter Size: 3 to 8 Poodle puppies

Category: Non Sporting

Terms To Describe: Intelligent, active, elegant, proud, distinction, dignity, outgoing, friendly, vain

*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS
Make a good watch dog.
Make a medium guard dog.
They do not shed.

*SPECIAL BAD POINTS

*Other Names Known By: Barbone, Caniche, French Poodle

*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.

Mitch Endick
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/poodle-standard-puppy-and-dog-information-90916.html

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –- June 22, 2010 – United Pet Group, Cincinnati, Ohio is voluntarily recalling all unexpired lots of its PRO-PET ADULT DAILY VITAMIN Supplement tablets for Dogs due to possible Salmonella contamination. The Food and Drug Administration is aware of this recall.

The product was sold nationally at various retailers. The product comes in 100-count white plastic bottles with a light blue label, and UPC code 26851-01800. These products are being removed from retail stores and consumers should immediately stop feeding these supplements to their pets. The affected products are those with expiration dates on or before "06/13". The expiration date can be found imprinted vertically on the right side of the product label.

Laboratory testing has revealed that one Lot of this vitamin product was contaminated with Salmonella. The company is recalling all unexpired Lots of the product out of an abundance of caution.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

People who handle dry pet food and/or treats can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the chews or any surfaces exposed to these products. Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Consumers who have purchased the product are urged to contact United Pet Group or the place of purchase for further direction. Consumers may contact United Pet Group at 1-800-645-5154 ext. 3, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm EST.
Legit ~ Do you keep a collar on your dog, why or why not?
Oops sorry haha, I don’t use this brand so I didn’t read the whole thing, just skimmed it, didn’t realize it was a vitamin!

No problem. ANY recall is good to know about!

Legit: Collars with tags on 24/7 and microchipped. There is no guarantee a dog will not get out of a fenced yard (only out when someone is home) or out of a house. Sh*t happens. I want my dogs back quickly!!