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Along with many other conditions, epilepsy is not just limited to humans and can be found in our pets too. What is epilepsy?Epilepsy is when a seizure is caused from a surge of electrical activity in the brain. This is shown physically by a dog in mild to severe ways, including twitching, body shaking and/or tremors, body spasms and convulsions. Epilepsy is diagnosed when a dog suffers reoccurring seizures without a known cause or trigger. The brain appears to be normal without any damage but functions in an abnormal way. What causes epilepsy in dogs?Some dogs are born with epilepsy while others can develop it later in life, often without a cause or reason for it. Epilepsy can also be caused by trauma to the head or brain tumours. Seizures can also be caused by toxins or some form of poisoning, abnormal blood sugars or kidney or liver disease. Symptoms of epilepsy.Some dogs can have very mild versions of the below symptoms whilst others can be quite violent and confronting. Should your dog every display any of the below symptoms, they should be taken to a vet immediately.
Your dog is not as risk of swallowing their tongue and can accidently bite you during a seizure. You should ensure they are safely away from any objects that could harm them (if they knocked into them) and leave your dog be during their seizure. They can also be very confused as they come out the seizure so it's best to remain calm, as confronting as the situation is, and give them time to approach you. Treatment of epilepsy.If your dog is suffering from symptoms of epilepsy, it's important to have them seen by your vet immediately. They will conduct tests to establish the cause of your dog's seizures and if they do in face have epilepsy or another health condition causing their seizures. Treatment will vary depending on what the vet discovers and their results may be 'epilepsy of unknown cause' if there is no damage or growths on your dog's brain. Dog's can live a relatively normal life on anti seizure medication once the correct dosage is established. This medication will need to be given at the same time every day for the remainder of the dog's life. Diet has also been shown to play an important role in epileptic dog's lives and this is also something your vet will discuss with you. A low fat diet is usually recommended. Are breeds prone to epilepsy?Research has shown that there is a higher rate of dogs diagnosed with epilepsy within some breeds.
These include; Beagles, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Border Collies, Boxers, Cocker Spaniels, Collies, Dachshunds, Golden Retrievers, Irish Setters, Irish Wolfhounds, Keeshonds, Labradors and Poodles. This is in no way to say that if you own this breed that your dog will suffer from epilepsy, however these breeds have had a higher rate of diagnoses. This is why is it always important to do your research before purchasing a dog, knowing of any common hereditary issues with a breed and insisting on full health records of breeding parents to be provided. We all know the most talked about items around our homes that our dog's can't have, the chemical cabinet it ALWAYS out of bounds, no chocolate, no alcohol. But did you know there are a lot more common foods that you probably have in your kitchen right now that are also very toxic to our dogs? In this blog series we will highlight some other foods that you may not know need to be kept out of Fido's reach too!
Christmas time is stressful enough for all of us, so imagine how our 4 legged family members feel when everything in the house changes suddenly, more people are coming and going and their routine can be turned upside down. Here are some tips on how you can make the silly season a little more comfortable for your pooch. Do your best to keep your dog's routine the same.
If every other day of the year you walk your dog at the same time, feed them at the same time or have a set routine, do your best to keep this the same. Dogs thrive on routine and this sense of normality will help to keep them calm. Take into consideration your dogs level of interest and their area of reach when decorating. Some dogs are very curious and like to explore with their nose and mouths (Labradors am I right?!) Keep this in mind when hanging decorations around the house and on the Christmas tree. Ornaments and decorations are not created to be pet friendly and the last thing you want is your dog trying to eat one or knocking something down that could break and cause a wound. Set up your tree in a space your dog cannot reach. Fake and real Christmas trees can be easily knocked over by an excited dog running past too fast. A small pen/fence around the tree or placed in a room your dog cannot access is the safest option. If your dog and Christmas tree need to share the same space, be sure to not put your dog out by placing the tree in a place that your dog regularly uses. For example, if your dog loves to snooze by the window in the sunshine, don't upset their routine by putting the Christmas tree in this spot. Live Christmas Trees can be poisonous to dogs and cats. If you are keeping a real, live Christmas tree in the house, ensure that the water base is not accessible by your pets. Pine tar that leaks from the base of the tree into the water is poisonous to pets. The water should be changed often as a precaution. If you believe your pet has gotten to this water, a vet check up is advised. Think of your dogs when you are cooking. For some of us, the festive season brings out our inner Jamie Oliver and we love to get cooking. This can fill the house with delicious smells, which can invite our dogs to come and help themselves. Be conscious of what your dog can reach in the kitchen area and also what might get dropped on the floor. As more guests come into the home, younger guests may not be as careful while they are eating and lots of festive foods are dangerous to our dogs. We've come across this fantastic article written by the great, Cesar Millan, on humanizing our pets and how unhealthy some behaviours actually are;
One of the most important things I want to get across is that dogs are dogs — not humans!
Understanding and projecting a pack leader’s calm-assertive energy will create a positive and lasting connection with your dog.
A common behavioural issue observed in small to medium-sized dogs is "little dog syndrome." This behaviour often arises from humanizing the dog or inadequately addressing its fears. As a result, these dogs may develop further behavioural problems, including difficulty managing situations independently, leading to increased fear, anxiety, and potentially even aggression. A great article by Cesar Millan offers valuable insights into how raising your dog in a calm, assertive manner, with you as the pack leader, can lead to a well-balanced and happy companion. We felt it was important to share this helpful resource with everyone! 'One of the most important things I want to get across is that dogs are dogs — not humans!' - Cesar Millan.
Understanding and projecting a pack leader’s calm-assertive energy will create a positive and lasting connection with your dog. This article was found at; http://www.cesarsway.com/tips/basics/humanizing-your-dog What is arthritis?Arthritis is a chronic degenerative condition that primarily affects major joints such as the shoulders, knees, hips, and elbows. This disease causes the cartilage that cushions and lines the joints to break down, exposing the ends of the bones and leading to painful bone spurs. Additionally, the joint lining becomes inflamed and thickened, which limits mobility. Often referred to as osteoarthritis or "old age arthritis," this condition is common in both humans and dogs and is generally considered the same disease in both species. Symptoms of arthritis .Your dog may appear lame or to pull up sore after exercise. They may be reluctant to go for walks, jump into the car or onto the couch. Especially during colder weather, they may be slower to get up after resting and can appear stiff. They may also appear more grumpy or react when touched in a sore area. Treatment of arthritis.Thankfully, there are many options on the market now to give our pets relief from arthritis. Depending at what stage of arthritis your dog has will depend on what your vet recommends, so it's always best to consult with your vet before beginning treatment. Treatments can include:
The same as humans, dogs can be diabetics. In almost every case, a diabetic dog is a Type 1 Diabetic, that cannot be controlled or managed with diet or oral medication alone. They will require insulin injections on a regular basis, in most cases every 12 hours but every case is different. Diabetes in people and dogs occurs when the pancreas no longer produces insulin for the body, meaning it needs to be added to by body a different way - via an injection. The causes of diabetes in dogs can vary and can be one or a combination of the following issues.
Signs of a diabetic dog before being diagnosed can include:
It can take some time to get a dog's diabetic condition under control once first diagnosed. Once a stable insulin amount and safe, low fat diet is established, a diabetic dog can continue to live their life reasonably normal, compared to how it was before. Meals and insulin injections must be kept to a strict schedule and snacks and treats throughout the day will need to stop as well as ensuring they are kept at a healthy weight. With the advancements in modern medicine, there are now many tools on the market that can help manage and maintain a dog's diabetes, including blood glucose monitors and insulin pets, that hold and draw down the exact amount of insulin needed for each injection. With a team of trained Doggy Doaters available to our guests 24/7 - day and night we can attend to diabetic needs. For more information on our special medical needs care, contact us or visit accommodation options page HERE!
As the winter chill sets in, we all start to feel it. It's important that all members of the family are kept warm, but not too warm! Dog's naturally have an ability to regulate their temperature in hot and cold climates, however depending on their age, aliments and their coat condition, they may need help to keep themselves warm in the cooler months.
The most important thing is to understand your dog's coat. For example, a breed such as a Husky who has a thick double coat, designed to protect the dog from sub temperatures, don't need assistance in keeping warm. However a breed such as a beagle or an older dog with a lighter coat will feel the cold a lot more. Ways that you can help to keep your dog warm include:
Things to AVOID that could pose a danger to your dog include:
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