While nobody wants their dogs to get infected with this dreaded pinhead-sized pest (read more: Dog Flea Size), these pests sometimes do find themselves on poor unsuspecting dogs; and before we know it, our cuddly dogs are cuddly no more because of these fleas.

Before the swarm spreads, we should instantly administer some flea control medicine to our dogs.

The Effects of Dog Flea Infection

Let us not be fooled. These pests may only measure about one-eighth of an inch but their effects can cause serious problems to our dogs and even to us!

Dog fleas do not only cause irritation and itchiness to dogs or other pets; these can also cause the same to the pet owners if both are unaware that there is already a small army of fleas living off on our dogs.

The skin of the dog can get so irritated by flea bites that they develop rashes in certain spots; the irritated skin can get swollen; and of course incessant itching will likely occur.

There could also be visible hair loss and blood loss if the fleas remain untreated for a continuous period of time. Over time, the damage can be so severe that death may even occur in extreme cases.

Treatment & Prevention

At the first sign of a flea infestation on our dogs, we must immediately take them to the vet as this is the safest and surest way to learn all about treatment and prevention of dog fleas.

A professional on animal care can tell us which products will work best for our dogs as there are other factors that we need to think of before getting any flea control product off the rack.

Our dog’s age, size and sometimes even breed are taken into account in order to get the most effective flea control product for them.

In general, these flea control products come in the form of spray, powder, collar and pills. There are specific tablets and sprays for certain ages of dogs as strong ones can be potent to a small dog.

The thing to remember is that we shouldn’t delay treatment of the dog flea infestation as this can only get worse as days go by and the problem could turn into something bigger if left untreated.

related readings:
Dog Pregnancy Length
World’s Smallest Dog

While nobody wants their dogs to get infected with this dreaded pinhead-sized pest (read more: Dog Flea Size), these pests sometimes do find themselves on poor unsuspecting dogs; and before we know it, our cuddly dogs are cuddly no more because of these fleas.

Before the swarm spreads, we should without more argument administer some flea control medicine to our dogs.

The Effects of Dog Flea Infection

Let us not be fooled. These pests may only measure about one-eighth of an inch but their effects can cause serious problems to our dogs and even to us!

Dog fleas do not only cause irritation and itchiness to dogs or other pets; these can also cause the same to the pet owners if both are unaware that there is already a small army of fleas living off on our dogs.

The skin of the dog can get so irritated by flea bites that they develop rashes in certain spots; the irritated skin can get swollen; and of course incessant itching will likely occur.

There could also be perceptible hair loss and blood loss if the fleas remain untreated for a long time. Over time, the injure can be so severe that death may even occur in excessive cases.

Treatment & Prevention

At the first sign of a flea infestation on our dogs, we should without delay take them to the vet as this is the safest and surest way to learn all about treatment and prevention of dog fleas.

Qualified personnel on animal care can tell us which products will work best for our dogs as there are other factors that we need to consider of before getting any flea control product off the rack.

Our dog’s age, size and sometimes even breed are taken into account in order to get the most effective flea control product for them.

Normally, these flea control products come in the form of spray, powder, collar and pills. There are specific tablets and sprays for certain ages of dogs as strong ones can be potent to a small dog.

The thing to remember is that we shouldn’t holdup treatment of the dog flea infestation as this can only get worse as days go by and the trouble could turn into something bigger if left untreated.

related readings:
Dog Pregnancy Length
World’s Smallest Dog

ECD is the result of excessive steroid production by the adrenal glands. This is caused by the pituitary gland producing too much hormones and thus over-stimulating the adrenals, which is usually the result of either tumor growth on the pituitary or age-related growth of the pituitary gland itself. Both changes of the pituitary are age-related, so ECD is most common in older horses (over 15 years) but has been found in horses as young as seven.

Cushings was first identified in explained in’21, by Dr. Cushing, after whom the disease is name. ECD is the equine variation of the disease first identified in humans by Dr. Cushing.

The symptoms of cushings disease vary somewhat from horse to horse, with the more common symptoms including: – Changes to the coat. It may become longer and curly. It may not be shed in Spring. In some cases the color becomes lighter. – Increased sweating. This is often due to the coat become longer and thicker, and retention of the winter coat into summer. – Weight loss despite increased appetite and food consumption. Changes to the body shape, with loss of muscle in back and neck, and development of pendulous abdomen. – General depression, loss of coat shine, horse looks ill. – Development of diabetes and a resulting increase in water consumption. This can be difficult to detect with pastured horses, but with stabled horses one may notice an abnormal amount of urine (or soiled bedding) in its box. – Development of laminitis. The most common cause of normal laminitis is carbohydrate overload due to eating spring grass, whereas ECD-caused laminitis is more frequent in autumn and winter since ECD is worse when the days are shorter (this is because the pineal gland is light-sensitive and as daylight decreases it stimulates the pituitary gland). – Immune system declines, leaving the horse more prone to infections and slower to heal from external injuries. – The depressions above the eyes fill in. These depressions are most evident when a horse is chewing, but gradually fill in with fat in ECD horses.

Any of these symptoms can be caused by a variety of illnesses other than ECD. Consequently, blood and urine tests are normally used to confirm that the cause is ECD (e.g. by measuring hormone levels and hormone response levels) and to rule out other possible diseases. Studies have shown that many horses with ECD are either not diagnosed or incorrectly diagnosed (the symptoms are incorrectly attributed to a different disease), with the result that they do not receive appropriate treatment.

Unfortunately it is not possible to cure ECD. However, one can slow the disease by the use of medication to reduce hormone production to normal levels. Note that some of these medications have strong side effects, so appropriate testing and control is required to prevent secondary illnesses (e.g. liver disease).

One also needs to watch for symptoms of secondary diseases, such as laminitis or diabetes, which are more common in horses with ECD. These need to be treated promptly to prevent them from further damaging the horse’s health.

Finally, one should make the horse more comfortable by treating the individual symptoms. If the horse is over-heating due to a heavier coat, one should clip the coat to make the horse more comfortable.

Unlike plaque, tartar will irritate your pooch’s gums. If it is not removed, it will cause gingivitis, which will result in inflamed or bleeding gums, and bad breath. But, the problem can become much worse. Given enough time, the amount of tartar beneath the gums can grow, forming pockets that collect bacteria. This marks the onset of periodontal disease (PD) and can eventually cause your dog to lose his teeth or suffer infection as the bacteria enters his bloodstream.

Below, we’ll describe some of the leading causes of periodontal disease in canines. We’ll also explain how veterinarians treat the problem.

What Causes The Problem?

There are several factors that play a role in the development of PD. For example, how old your dog is can have a significant influence. Because periodontal disease takes time to develop, it is most prevalent in older canines, though it also occurs in younger dogs. The texture of the foods they eat also has an impact. Harder foods are more effective for rubbing plaque off the teeth than soft, canned foods.

Smaller breeds are generally more vulnerable. Their teeth are usually positioned close together making it more difficult for the plaque to be rubbed off by harder foods or removed through brushing. The likelihood of the buildup of tartar is increased greatly if the dog's owner does not brush their teeth regularly.

Canines that suffer from periodontal disease will often paw at their gums, drool, or show a heightened sensitivity around their mouths. One of the most obvious signs of PD is also the most often overlooked: bad breath. If you notice your pooch exhibiting any of these signs, take him to a veterinarian for a dental exam.

Forms Of Treatment

Periodontal disease in canines is diagnosed in four grades from early gingivitis to advanced periodontitis. The treatment prescribed by a veterinarian will depend on the grade. Grades 1 and 2 will normally be treated by a thorough dental cleaning whereby any existing tartar will be removed with scalers. Grades 3 and 4 require more intensive treatment. A veterinarian might perform root planing, subgingival curettage, and even extraction of one or more teeth.

Owners should consider their dog’s oral health a priority. A minor issue such as bad breath might signal the onset of gingivitis. If it is not resolved in a timely manner, it will eventually turn into periodontal disease. However, with a regular routine of brushing and periodic dental exams, owners can help keep their canines’ teeth problems at bay.

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