Seizures In Dogs: What To Do And Not To Do

 

Dog owners must know the do’s and don’ts should their pet dog have a seizure.  A seizing dog could be something scary to see.  Below are useful items to keep in mind when you see a dog seizing:

Keep calm.  If you start panicking, you will not think rationally and clearly.  Even if you see your pet looking like he is suffering, your dog is actually unconscious, meaning he does not know that he himself is seizing and is not in pain.

●Avoid getting near the seizing dog.  Do not believe in tall tales of pet dogs that swallow their own tongues when seizing.  Do not put any object, most especially your hand inside the dog’s mouth.

●Keep kids and other pets away from the seizing pet.  Kids and other pets might get nervous or scared of what is happening and there is no way to know what their reaction will be.  There are cases where the seizing dog gets attacked by the other pets.

●Time the seizure on how long it lasts.  This is important information that your vet will need when you get your pet over to the animal clinic.

●Be vigilant.  If your reflexes are good, you may be able to record a video of the seizing pet so that the vet can view it.

●Protect the seizing animal by gently pulling him by his rear legs to move him away from sharp objects and/or stairways, among others.

Call your animal hospital Roanoke, VA is your dog has had a seizure so the staff can instruct you on what to do.

What to Know About the American Bobtail

 

Looking for a loving feline companion? If so, you may want to check out the American Bobtail. This breed is known for its unique bobbed tail that occurs naturally. The tail is usually between one and four inches in length. It is a genetic mutation and is not docked as in other breeds or in dogs. The American Bobtail is also known for its loyal, loving, and playful personality. It is unique in that it is the only domesticated cat not to have any set pattern, coat length or color. The American Bobtail can literally come in any shape or size. These particular cats have a lifespan ranging between 15 and 20 years. They are adaptable to just about any type of environment and are a fairly healthy breed. If this sounds like the cat for you, consult with your vets Roanoke VA for more information.

Pain Management Tips For Dogs

There is a wide range of pain management solutions that are used in dogs. While there are pet owners who give human pain medications to their pets, this is not advisable because most of these medications are not safe for use in pets. You should first consult a veterinarian before giving any human medication to your pet. The most common painkillers that are frequently prescribed for pets include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opiate painkillers. Drugs that are used for pain medication in pets should only be used under a veterinarian’s supervision because of their potentially serious side effects and drug compatibility reactions. In addition to medications, there are also supportive pain management protocols such as physical therapy, massage, and warm compress. Acupuncture and acupressure have also been shown to give favorable results. There are also glucosamine preparations that can be administered for specific types of pain. You can also ask your veterinarian Roanoke, VA about the latest technology for pain management in pets such stem cell therapy, laser therapy, and extracorporeal shock wave therapy.

Are Some Dog Breeds More Prone To Joint Problems?

Most experts believe that a dog’s size and weight is an important predisposing factor of joint problems. The bigger and heavier a dog is, the higher chances it will have of developing joint problems. However, there are certain joint problems that are specific for certain breeds of dogs. Bernese Mountain dogs are prone to elbow dysplasia, while Rottweilers suffer from more knee and ankle problems. Newfoundland’s have also been shown to have the highest number of cases of cruciate ligament problems of all canine breeds. Breeding for specific traits has also paved the way for more undesirable traits, such as joint and bone problems. Joint problems can be treated in two ways -- surgical and non-surgical treatments. The surgical route may range from a simple arthroscopic cleaning to total replacement of the joint. Non-surgical treatment involves management of the dog’s weight and body condition as well as medications. You should work closely with your veterinarians Roanoke, VA in managing your pet’s joint problems. 

Playtime and your feline friend

Your cat is a big part of your life and you love her dearly. How can you make sure playtime is a fun experience for her?

Your pet may want to have some fun at various times throughout the day, so make sure you have some toys out for her to entertain herself with. Try to sync up your time with her to one of the times when she feels like being active. This will help you two naturally begin to interact. A lot of the activities your pet enjoys will mimic hunting and involve her natural instincts, so take the time to bring these into your playtime as often as you can. Try to give her your whole focus while interacting so you can both engage in the activity. For additional information, please contact your local vet Roanoke, VA.