Spondylosis in Dogs

Spondylosis in dogs can be extremely painful and uncomfortable for your dog. Generally affecting older dogs, canine Spondylosis can often go undetected until there is a physical problem visible in your dog. Knowing exactly what Spondylosis is can help you diagnose dog Spondylosis much quicker, meaning less pain for your precious pooch.

What is Spondylosis

Spondylosis in dogs is a progressive disease that causes a dog’s vertebrae to grow together.

Problems from Spondylosis become more common in older dogs. Younger dogs may be able to live perfectly happy, relatively pain-free lives and only suffer limited flexibility.

For older dogs Canine Spondylosis can be very painful as most owners cannot detect the disease until it is actually affecting their movement in the form of a limp or back pain.

Symptoms of Spondylosis

Many dogs experience no pain at all when they contract the Spondylosis disease, however many dogs experience severe pain, especially older dogs. As dogs cannot let us know their aches and pains, looking out for symptoms that can represent Spondylosis in dogs on a regular basis will be beneficial to your dogs long-term health.

Stiffness –if you notice stiffness in your dogs (this could be difficulty in climbing stairs or taking a while to get out of bed) this could be an early sign of canine Spondylosis, so monitor this for a few days and if there is no improvement, go and see your vet to get a diagnosis.

Swelling – check around your dog’s spinal column for any redness and swelling, as these are common symptoms of Spondylosis in dogs.

Pain – pain is one of the most common symptoms associated with canine Spondylosis. If your dog whines a lot, especially when touched on the back, you should get it checked out by a vet as soon as possible.

Treatment of Spondylosis

If you believe your dog is showing signs of Spondylosis in dogs then the first thing to do is take a trip to the vet.
A vet will initially x-ray your dog to check for signs of Spondylosis in dogs, this will also help rule out any other conditions that may be present.

Once dog Spondylosis has been diagnosed, standard veterinary treatment consists of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and occasionally surgery.

After and during treatment, dog owner must be extremely careful and very patient as Spondylosis dogs will struggle with the exercise and mobility they once enjoyed.

There are other natural treatments for Spondylosis in dogs, which can be used independently of or in conjunction with a veterinary approach.

Note: Sponylosis is known to be particularly common in certain breeds, such as Boxer Dogs

Dog Arthritis

Just like humans, arthritis in dogs is a serious problem. However unlike humans, dogs can’t let us know what is wrong with them, so signs of dog arthritis can often be put down to tiredness or old age.

Symptoms of Dogs Arthritis

Keep your eye out for the following signs in your dog which can all mean a dog arthritis problem.

A Noticeable Limp
If your dog has a noticeable limp, it can often be a temporary injury your dog has sustained. However it should not be ignored and a prolonged period of limping can be a sign of arthritis in dogs.

Swollen Joints
Regularly check your dog’s joints for signs of swelling – this can be a sign of dog arthritis.

Difficulty getting in and out of bed
If your dog has difficulty getting in and out of bed it can often be a sign of dog’s arthritis. Many owners unfortunately put this down to tiredness or old age in a dog however it can often be a sign of dog arthritis as the joints tense up when rested yet loosen up once your dog moves around a little, so easy to assume your dog is just a little tired.

Thinner muscles
Inspecting your dog for signs of dog arthritis from time to time is a good idea. When checking, look out for thinner muscles around joints as dogs may put less weight on affected limbs.

Less jumping ability
You may notice your dog is a little reluctant or unable to jump in the way they once could, this can be a sign of arthritis in dogs. Check your dog for any noticeable differences when jumping into a car or jumping on a sofa.

What causes Dog Arthritis?

Dog arthritis is extremely common and is prevalent in dogs around 7-11 years old, although the age will change dependent on the size and breed of dog. But what actually causes arthritis in dogs?

Age
Like humans, senior dogs have an increased chance of developing problems with dog arthritis. Whilst it’s impossible to stop the natural aging process, don’t assume your precious pooch will definitely have dog arthritis; a healthy lifestyle can go a long way to preventing dog arthritis.

Hip Dysplasia
Dogs suffering with hip dysplasia have an increased chance of suffering from dogs arthritis. Hip Dysplasia is characterized by pain and lameness around the joints. Hip Dysplasia is believed to be genetic.

Improper Nutrition
A poor diet for your dog can often lead to dog arthritis in later life. Lack or protein or an imbalance of minerals can contribute to arthritis in dogs.

Injuries
If your dog has suffered an injury, especially to a bone, joint or ligament, this can contribute to arthritis in dogs if not treated correctly.

Obesity
Overweight dogs have an increased chance of developed dog arthritis due to extra pressure being applied to their joints and ligaments.

Poor Breeding
Dogs arthritis can be genetic therefore breeders should think carefully before breeding with dogs that are renowned for developing dog arthritis.

Treatment and Prevention for Arthritis in Dogs

If your dog is showing any signs of dog arthritis, don’t delay in getting a veterinary examination as the sooner it is examined and diagnosed, the more chance there is of recovery.

Proper exercise is key to preventing arthritis in dogs, this is relevant for older dogs who are showing signs of developing dog arthritis and younger dogs as a form of prevention.

A good, healthy and well balanced diet will help prevent arthritis in two ways. Firstly, a good diet will help your dog maintain a healthy weight and secondly, a well balanced diet will ensure your dog is consuming the right amounts of protein and minerals to help prevent dog arthritis.

If your dog suffers from hip dysplasia or other similar problems, work closely with your vet to find the right treatment for the condition and help prevent arthritis in dogs.

If your dog suffers an injury, particularly to a bone, joint or ligament, ensure this is treated as soon as possible to prevent dogs arthritis. A quick diagnosis and treatment plan can help avoid arthritis in dogs.

There are many products available to help dog arthritis, so research is key. It is worth looking at the ingredients thatare recommended for humans with arthritis, then looking what dog products are available with similar ingredients.

Dog Diarrhea: Causes & Information

Dog diarrhea is most commonly associated with colitis in dogs, which is essentially caused by an inflammation of the colon which results in soft stools. Dog diarrhea can be a distressing for both dog and owner and can mean frequent trips to the vet.

What causes diarrhoea in dogs?

Diarrhoea in dogs can be caused by a number of factors. Buying poor-quality and cheap pet food can have an adverse effect on a dog’s digestion system which in turn leads to dog colitis. Overeating can also leave you with a dog colitis problem. This can occur when dogs are fed just once a day and certain foods sometimes don’t agree with a dog and lead to dog diarrhoea. Dogs, like humans, can suffer from stress and this can also present a dog diarrhea problem.

Dog diarrhea can also occur after your dog has undergone treatment for another condition or injury and is on a course of antibiotics. Antibiotics can leads to a dog’s diarrhoea problem as whilst working to kill the dangerous bacteria, they can sometimes disrupt the normal healthy bacteria in the intestine, which results in diarrhea in dogs. In these cases it is recommended to re-balance the amount of  ‘good bacteria’ in the dog’s gut.

Viral infections such as parvovirus can cause severe foul-smelling dog diarrhea and bacterial infections from sources such as spoiled food and salmonella can result in dog colitis.

Symptoms of Colitis in Dogs

The symptoms for colitis dogs are generally soft stools. A dog with diarrhoea can often become extremely depressed. Diarrhea in dogs will also cause dehydration. So if you’re dog is perhaps not acting their normal self or seems a little reserved, it is worth checking their stools for any early signs of dog colitis.

Chronic dogs diarrhea

Most dogs suffering from dog colitis will experience chronic diarrhoea. Diarrhea is loose, inconsistent bowel movements which can eventually become entirely liquid.

Frequent Bowel Movement

If your dog is making a lot more trips to the back yard, then it is often a sign that your canine is experiencing dog diarrhea.

Tenesmus – Difficulty passing stools

Tenesmus is a dog’s feeling of the need to evacuate the bowels, with little or no stool passed. Tenesmus may be constant or intermittent, and is usually accompanied by pain, cramping and involuntary straining efforts. It can be a temporary and transient problem related to constipation. Tenesmus can be a symptom of diarrhea in dogs.

Potential Problems that can arise due to Dog Diarrhea

Diarrhoea in dogs on the whole is not a life-threatening condition. However older dogs, puppies and smaller dogs can often find it tough when dealing with dog diarrhea so it’s worth keeping an eye on dog colitis.

Treatment for Diarrhoea Dog

Treatment for short-term diarrhoea dog is generally simple.
Short-term dog diarrhea may occur if your dog has eaten something he shouldn’t, or if you have changed his diet recently, he could wind up with a bout of dog diarrhea; this could also be the result of eating dairy products or a food he’s allergic to. You may be able to help clear up your dog’s diarrhea  by putting him on a full 24-hour fast. If he seems better after a day, put him on a bland diet of two parts cooked rice and one part boiled skinless white-meat chicken. Start him off with small amounts every four hours. If he’s doing well, feed him about 1/4 of his regular food along with the bland diet; gradually up the percentage over several days until he’s back on his normal diet. While your dog is recuperating from dog colitis, make sure he’s getting enough water. Diarrhoea can rapidly lead to dehydration, so your vet may recommend a drink enriched with electrolytes. Pedialyte, a formula for babies that’s available in drug stores and supermarkets, is often given to dogs with dog colitis to help replenish important minerals depleted by diarrhea and dog colitis. Limit your pet’s level of exercise to short walks while they are recovering from dog diarrhea.

Longer term dog diarrhea is more likely to be a digestive problem.
If your longer-term dog diarrhoea is the problem then the first thing that you should look at finding a way to re-balance the good bacteria in your dog’s gut – helping them to properly digest their food.

Preventing Dog Diarrhea

There are several steps you can take to minimise the risk of dogs diarrhea. When changing your dog onto a new brand of food, instead be sure to do it gradually to see how they react to it. Make sure your dog doesn’t eat anything that is lying around as this can contribute to dog colitis. Also keep an eye on their mood as this can be a sure sign of dog diarrhoea.

Remember, you are not alone – there are many dogs that suffer from dog diarrhea, runny stools and colitis. Ask your friends, people you see walking their dogs in the park and the internet can be an invaluable search tool to see how other people help dogs with runny stools.

Man’s Best Friend, confidant and healer

A massive 99% of pet owners describe their dog as a friend and 100% regularly talk to them, according to new research published by dog health supplement company, Pooch and Mutt¹.   97% of dog owners also say that they think their canine friend helps to keep them healthy, with most of them – 98.5%, citing walks and exercise as the main reasons for this.  But, with dogs increasingly being used in therapy, with mentally ill and patients recovering from physical illness, scientific research suggests that there may be many other reasons, which pet owners are unaware of, for the feelings of general wellbeing owners describe in the Pooch and Mutt survey results.

Guy Blaskey, Managing Director of Pooch and Mutt said: “there is now a significant body of evidence to support the theory that pet ownership can have a positive effect on human mental and physical health, from common problems such as stress and self esteem, to recovery from serious illnesses including heart disease and cancer².  This means that, potentially, pet owners may already be saving the National Health Service considerable amounts of money!”

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All in the Mind

In the Pooch and Mutt survey, 59% of pet owners admit to ‘discussing’ their problems with their furry companions, suggesting a ‘two-way’ communication between pet and owner.   Many scientific studies, including those conducted by psychologist Dr June McNicholas at the University of Warwick and referenced in the British Medical Journal³, conclude that relationships with pets can have certain advantages over inter-human relationships.  They are less subject to ‘burnout’ and ‘fluctuations’ and don’t impose a strain or cause concern about continuing stability.

The Office for National Statistics says that one in four adults in Britain experiences at least one diagnosable mental health problem and 8-12% of the population experience depression in any one year.  The use of therapy animals is becoming more widespread and research conducted by the University of Belfast suggests that pet owners are likely to have higher self-esteem and suffer less loneliness and depression, than those living without pets.  National charity, Pets As Therapy, for example, has worked with over 22,000 pets in 25 years and these animals play important roles in hospitals, hospices, care homes, day centres, special needs schools.

Lessons and Work

In addition, McNicholas’ research also showed that pet ownership has an important role in play in education, with significantly less school absenteeism among children who live with pets!

Blaskey said: “If the positive effect of pet ownership on children’s attendance at school is mirrored in adult’s attendance at work, the UK’s pet population may be making a considerable contribution to the UK’s economy and Gross Domestic Product as well as to its ‘Gross National Happiness’ – a happier nation is a healthier and more productive nation”.

Fitness and Health

91% of people surveyed by Pooch and Mutt believe that they’re fitter because they have a dog.  But, like the UK’s human population, statistics show that between 30-60% of the UK’s dog population – a minimum of 6.5 million dogs, are overweight.  The extra weight that these dogs carry puts added pressure on their joints, meaning that they’re even less able to exercise.  This is the same vicious cycle many humans experience.

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Blaskey concluded: “As a nation we’re beginning to understand how much dogs contribute to the mental and physical health of their owners, yet people are not necessarily repaying this by looking after the health and wellbeing of their pets.  Overweight dogs should be given a glucosamine based supplement to reinforce their joints and help keep them mobile, so that they can burn off excess fat.  For dogs that aren’t portly, plenty of exercise and a good diet, supplemented with the right mix of vitamins and minerals, will help dogs to cope with the strains of modern life and keep them in top condition – fit, alert and ready to listen to our problems!  A fit dog will mean less expense of vet bills too.”

Blaskey believes that a healthy pet shouldn’t have to visit a vet more than once a year for annual vaccinations.  He recommends the following for maintaining optimum health:

• Choose pet food that’s free from added salt, sugar, fat and unnecessary additives.  Don’t feed your pet the same food as you eat as this will not meet its nutritional needs
• Use a good all-round worming, flea and tick treatment to keep the parasites away
• Look for a good dietary supplement containing EU approved probiotics, vitamins and minerals
• For older and overweight pets, choose a supplement for keeping joints and bones in good condition
• Check your pet regularly for ticks, especially if they walk and play in long grass
• Brush longer coats to remove parasites, grass seeds, etc, checking inside the ears for
• Keep nails trimmed where necessary

Further information about how to look after your dog’s health is available from www.poochandmutt.com.

Ends

Further information and imagery from:

Alison Taylor, AT PR Ltd; alison@atpublicrelations.com; 07775 925 452

¹Pooch and Mutt survey of 1,200 UK dog owners published May 2009

²House JS, Landis KR, Umberson D.  Social relationships and health.  Science 1988;241: 540-4.

³BMJ 2005; 331: 1252-1254 (26 November), doi:10.1136/bmj.331.7527.1252