When “Accidents” Are Not Necessarily Accidental: Recognizing the Signs of Puppy UTI

May 30, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Dog Health


A puppy frequently urinating small amounts is nothing new to most owners. We’ve all gone through the training phase where “accidents” seem to occur with alarming frequency. What most pet owners don’t realize is that what may seem like an ordinary rite of passage for growing puppies can sometimes be a sign of a serious medical condition - urinary tract infection.

 

As they grow into their bodies, puppies will experience changes in hormone levels and their bodies may struggle to adjust to them. Because puppies grow at a much faster rate then human children, those hormone shifts tend to happen much more rapidly and their little bodies can’t always keep up. As a result, a puppy frequently urinating small amount is not unusual.

 

The trouble comes in when that frequent urination is accompanied by other symptoms. If you notice your puppy exhibiting lethargy, lack of appetite and pain and tenderness in the abdomen, chances are good that it may be experiencing a urinary tract infection. Since UTI’s can become severe and recurrent, you should never take a puppy frequently urinating small amounts lightly.

 

At the first sign of any of the common symptoms of UTI, you should take your puppy to the vet for a complete exam. UTI can itself be a symptom of more serious conditions like kidney or bladder blockage or cancer and only your vet can tell for sure. With a thorough exam, your vet will be able to discover if your puppy frequently urinating small amount is cause for concern.

 

If your vet diagnoses a routine UTI, he will likely prescribe a course of antibiotics. While antibiotics can help a puppy frequently urinating small amounts, they can also be harmful, especially to growing puppies whose immune systems are not fully developed. Taken over a prolonged amount of time, antibiotics can actually weaken the immune system, affecting your dog’s overall health.

 

In order to treat the symptoms of UTI while also promoting good overall health, many homeopathic vets recommend natural remedies made from plant based ingredients. Using herbs such as Arctostaphylos uva ursi, Berberis vulgaris, and Cantharis, these remedies can not only help to stop a puppy frequently urinating small amount but also balance out bacteria levels in the body and strengthen the immune system.

 

By incorporating natural remedies into a regular health routine, you can ensure that your puppy is getting everything it needs to grow and develop normally. A balanced diet rich in protein, plenty of clean water and a regular urination schedule can all help to ease the distress of a puppy frequently urinating small amounts.

 

Accidents will happen, especially while puppies are still growing, but you should never assume that your puppy’s “accidents” are all normal. Be aware of the symptoms of urinary tract problems and don’t hesitate to consider using natural remedies to help maintain your puppy’s good health. With a little nudge from nature, your puppy’s accidents can become a thing of the past!



Taking Care of Your Dog - Daily and Weekly Tasks

May 5, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Dog Health


Dogs are man’s best friends. In turn, they rely on us to take care of them and to keep them healthy. Owning a dog is a big responsibility. They cannot take care of themselves and we must nurture them similarly as we would a baby. By following daily and weekly procedures, we can make this task less daunting and eliminate serious problems before they arise, as well as, preventing complications.

There are certain things we need to do on a daily basis to provide appropriate care for our animal friends. Just a few minutes out of your day would be enough to satisfy these duties and will give you and your dog a chance to establish a bond. Feeding, of course, is one of them. A dog should be fed twice a day and also should be provided with plenty of drinking water.

In addition, your dog requires playtime with you. This is very important because dogs are by nature social animals that need companionship. So, get down on the floor and let your dog know he is special to you. You will have a fun experience, and in turn, the dog will show his appreciation through his love, loyalty and eagerness to please you. This playtime will possibly eliminate behavior problems that result from enormous amounts of alone time for dogs. A daily, or twice daily, walk will satisfy your dog’s exercise needs and get him some fresh air. Exerting energy is important and will result in a calmer dog. On your walk, he will see other animals and people and this will also satisfy his socialization needs.

Another important daily task would be to examine your dog. This will allow you the opportunity to stumble upon problems before they get serious. Get to know your pet by running your hands over his body. Start with his head and ears, down the front of his body, down his back and sides of his body, and then, his legs chest and abdomen. By getting to know the feel of your pet, you will be able to spot abnormalities early on. This is also a good time to look for skin problems, aches, pains, eye problems, ear infections or tooth and gum problems.

Dental care is also important in dogs. Ideally this should be done on a daily basis, but if you can fit it in twice a week that would also suffice. Food particles on a dog’s teeth will combine with bacteria to form plaque, which if not removed will turn into tartar. This can cause tooth and gum problems. By using a dog toothpaste and soft bristled toothbrush and concentrating on the two upper canine teeth or fangs and two upper fourth premolars or the large teeth in the back of the mouth, you can keep your dog’s teeth healthy, problem free, and his breath fresher smelling.

Remember also that a longhaired dog will do well with a daily brushing. Shorthaired dogs also need brushing. This will spread the natural oils from their skin, prevent tangles and matted hair, remove loose and dead hair and keep him looking well.

On a weekly basis, you should check your dog’s ears for possible infections and clean them, trim his nails, and inspect and clean his eyes.

Dogs need our loving care and attention to keep healthy and clean. We are responsible for this. Although it may seem like an endless chore, if we combine it with some playtime and fun, both you and your dog will enjoy this time together. You will develop a bond that will last a lifetime and your dog will be your loyal companion. In the end, you will see that you will get as much out of these care procedures as your dog does.