Insurance is all-pervasive; making us pay today for contingencies of the morrow that may never come. Pets are always a concern, especially the exotic ones of the moneyed pet lovers. Since medical bills for pets are unavoidable, be they for spaying a female, neutering a male, vaccination, treatment for ticks, or any illness, it makes sense to have an insurance policy that can help you tide over the costs of treating your pet. Whether at the vet or with the insurer, as a pet owner you should ask questions about all the treatment options available and the costs of each. Routine care can be a major cost factor; however awareness of required routine care is a help. For example, you don’t need to vaccinate dogs every year although most vets recommend that. You can safely give your dog most vaccine shots once every three years.

The cost of an insurance premium for your dog will usually come to $40-$50 per month in the United States, which will work out to $5k-6k over a span of 11 years, which is the normal life expectancy for a dog in the United States. Policies will usually cover illnesses, accidents, and some will also cover routine care costs. You should compare payouts, benefits, co-payments, and deductibles amongst the host of insurance companies available before you select one for your pet. The usual payout is 80% of the cost. You can compare insurance companies online. You can always ask your insurer for a discount if you have more than one pet. It helps to get your pup insured as early as possible, insurance companies exclude pre-conditions from the insurance plan.

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Pet owners, particularly dog owners who often have a number of questions regarding the sterilization of their beloved dogs, can read this piece. It will attempt to educate on the various aspects of dog sterilization.

Getting your bitch spayed and your dog neutered is your prime responsibility as pet owners. The reason for this is that if dogs are not sterilized it becomes very difficult to prevent the growth of unwanted litters. Poor puppies that are perfectly healthy but no one wants them. There are scores of animal shelters that are being over run with puppies and due the lack of space and people to adopt them, millions of perfectly healthy puppies are put down every year.

Dog owners tend to accord anthropomorphic properties to their pets and feel that a neutered dog will somehow be less “manly” and a spayed bitch will only be interested in eating all day. This is not true. Castration does not affect a dog’s nature; he retains his aggressive and playful instincts. All the same, neutering does help to control the roaming instincts of dogs and it will prevent your pet from getting into mischief. It also helps curb their instinct to mark territory; this will keep your furniture safe from being given showers by your dog.

However, to experience the benefits of neutering related to behavior, it is important to have the dog neutered before sexual maturity. This is because dogs with a dominant streak may still seek out females and get into scraps with other dogs to assert themselves. So, if you are planning on a neutering to curb such instincts in your pet dog, it is best to do so before the bad habits creep in and you can teach him submissiveness easily.

Neutered dogs do not have a different dietary requirement from that of sexually active dogs. So you can rest at ease about the myth of dogs getting obese after being sterilized. There may be some weight gain after surgery; it is a result of hormonal changes but it is reversible. Regular exercise and diet management will keep your dog in good shape.

Bitches that get spayed before they experience their first heat cycle have a far reduced risk of contracting breast cancer. It eliminates the risk of pyometra, which is an infection of the uterus and can be quite severe. As compared to intact bitches, spayed bitches do not experience hormone-induced mood swings and display an even temperament. This makes them safer pets to have around children and also to take out for a walk. Neutered dogs do not suffer from prostate cancer or cancer of the testes.

Pet owners need not worry about any psychological trauma to their dogs post surgery. Dogs do not miss their ability to reproduce as badly as we humans do. Our needs to reproduce are more local, we wish to see our family tree grow whereas in the animal world the reproduction process is driven by a desire to ensure the survival of the species.

The surgery procedure is a detailed one and there is a protocol to be followed when neutering dogs. The removal of ovaries and uterus is easier with young bitches as compared to those who have experienced a few heat cycles. The surgery is preceded by an injection of a muscle relaxer. The operation involves the vet and a technician to assist the vet. A barbiturate is injected to allow the insertion of a tube in the dog’s mouth to allow for the passage of air.
After the removal of the Y-shaped uterus and the ovaries, the doctor uses dissolvable sutures for the incisions made internally.

The external incision is closed using a layer of stitches. Bitches that have never experienced estrus can be spayed in around 25 minutes; those that have had a litter or multiple heat cycles may require more time because of the amount of fat in their abdomen.

The factors that affect the surgery rate for spaying bitches includes their age, it takes longer to operate on mature bitches so some surgeons charge more. The amount of anesthesia required is more for heftier bitches and that too is a cost that doctors tend to factor into their fee. Generally, a bitch weighing around 45 kilograms can be spayed for a cost of around $150. Laser surgery is an alternative to traditional surgery; it offers the following benefits – it causes lesser pain during recovery, the surgery is quicker as bleeding is reduced, there is no post-surgical swelling and harmful bacteria and viruses are vaporized. However, one needs to be careful in the post-operative period if laser surgery is used. Dogs may consider lack of pain to be reason enough to resume normal activities even if the tissue at the surgical site has not completely healed.

Sometimes, a dog may react adversely to the anesthetic or the sutures used. This can lead to complications during the recovery and healing process. There are some drawbacks too to sterilization. If a dog is neutered before puberty, he will have longer legs, a shallow chest, and a narrower skull as compared to an intact dog. This is because arresting the production of reproductory hormones also impacts the functioning of the growth hormones. The changes in structure stress the joints abnormally that can cause problems in dogs that are bred for physical activity. Other problems include increase in the incidence of bladder incontinence, more chance of contracting a thyroid condition, increased risk of cervical cancer in bitches, arthritis, etc.

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Almost all higher lifeforms are susceptible to dementia or cognitive dysfunction syndrome and dogs are no exception. As they age and reach old age, dogs display behavior inconsistent with their earlier conduct. They may get sluggish, urinate inside the house, become cheerless and withdrawn, etc. These are symptoms that your dog’s brain is losing its power to process information.

The disease has only been recently recognized in dogs, till the 1990s little was known about it. The disease causes progressive cognitive and behavioral decline. Changes in the canine brain mirror those seen in people suffering from dementias such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Similar deterioration has been seen in the brains of aging rodents, sheep, goats, bears and primates. The changes in your pet may be subtle at first but will become more pronounced with time. The chief abnormalities that can be a giveaway to canine dementia are known by the acronym DISH - Disorientation, Interaction declines, Sleep-wake disturbances, House-training lapses. These disturbances may manifest in different forms, you should be able to recognize the problem. For instance, your dog may stop responding to its name, it may stare into space, your dog may start waiting at the hinge side of the door when wanting to go out, etc.

Dementia, as a condition, is very common. Sadly, there is no cure for it just some medication that can help alter some forms of behavior. Behavior impairment linked to dementia is a problem with almost 30% of dogs above the age of 11 years and almost 2/3rd of the dog population suffers from it by the time they reach the age of 15-16 years. There is no evidence that specific breeds are more vulnerable, although dementia may be more common in the longer-lived canine breeds, which tend to be smaller.

The dementia happens because of the presence of beta-amyloid plaques that lead to cognitive dysfunction syndrome. These accumulate in the brain and over time the levels of the crucial neurotransmitter dopamine also drop. The upshot is the blunting of nerve conduction. This leads to mental deterioration ranging from memory lapses to impaired processing of visual cues.

Diagnosis is by systematically excluding other conditions that may cause dementia. However, with a lot of pets the dementia goes on unabated and unnoticed as owners treat it as a normal age-related event.
Conditions that can look like dementia include a brain tumor, blindness, deafness, osteoarthritis, diabetes and heart disease. Some can be found in a simple physical exam. Others require a thorough workup, which may include a neurological exam, blood work, urinalysis and imaging studies that could total $2,000.

The drug Anipryl (selegiline HCL) produces an amphetaminelike response. More critical, it enhances dopamine levels and boosts overall neurotransmission in the brain. Possible side effects include vomiting and diarrhea.

Though it can take up to 60 days to deliver its full effect, Anipryl has been shown in studies to alleviate at least one clinical sign of dementia after a month of treatment in about 70 percent of dogs.

It is possible to counter the effects of cognitive damage through antioxidants. If you find that your dog is becoming a little slow, do not punish him or treat him harshly. Make it easy for him to access the sleeping areas, do not confuse him with furniture rearrangements, eliminate sharp edges and use baby gates. Interact with him regularly to keep him sharp.

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Ticks, fleas, and mites are not just an irritating nuisance; they present a serious health risk for people and pets. Often, a tick or flea infestation can go unnoticed by the owners. Flea feces, however, are quite a visible sign. Tiny specks on the fur of your dog should tell you that he is flea-infested. Flea bites can cause itching, allergic reactions, and hair loss in your pet.

Diseases borne by ticks and fleas can be difficult and expensive to treat and therefore the best option is to prevent the occurrence of ticks and fleas and also to remove them fast if you see any signs of a tick or flea being present on the body of your pet. Regular topical treatment especially if you visit a location from where your dog can pick up ticks and fleas is essential. Take your vet’s recommendation into consideration to find out topical applications best suited to your dog. Factors to consider include the animal’s age, breed, the parasite’s adaptability to medicine, and past treatment details. You may also wish to consider a tick collar.

Do not waste time with methods like applying alcohol or petroleum jelly on your pet; you could damage its fur. Use a suitable tool to manually pick off the ticks. Keep a bowl of isopropyl alcohol close by and finish off the parasites by dipping them into it. Dab a mild disinfectant on the areas from where the ticks have been removed.

Unlike ticks, mites cannot be detected by the naked eye. Yet they can cause severe allergies and hair loss in your pet. Itches can also develop due to allergies from food or a liver problem. Such itches also lead to hair loss or there may be hair loss without any itching. Veterinary prescriptions include oatmeal baths, antihistamines, supplements, etc.

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Pets age faster than us and usually the years fly away with them adding warmth and love to our lives. Before we realize it, 8-10 years have passed and our beloved dog has traveled through the stages of puppy-hood, adolescence, youth, and then on to its golden years.
As dogs become geriatric, their needs change.

They slow down and tend to sleep for longer durations. Incontinence becomes a problem and in such cases they should be provided with an orthopedic bed with a machine-washable cover. The orthopedic bed makes things easy for their bones by providing support and warmth. Metabolic changes that occur with age make it difficult for the pets to regulate their body temperature. Owners need to keep this in mind when taking them for a walk in the sun or during cold weather.

Of the five senses, only the sense of touch remains as acute as it was in the animal’s youth. Hearing, sight, smell, and taste lose their acuity. Take your pet to the vet at least twice a year as it ages. Get an ENT check done and take the doctor’s opinion on the pet’s food requirements.

Geriatric pets will require a diet low on protein so that the digestive system, liver, and kidneys are not stressed too much. An increase in protein can lead to a loss of calcium and weakening bones. A balanced intake of carbohydrates helps increase the generation of helpful bacteria in the gut and added fiber intake helps in bowel movement. Since both physical and metabolic movements in old pets are reduced, their energy requirements are reduced concurrently, this should be considered when planning a diet for them. Learn about therapeutic diets that will benefit your pets in their old age. These include heart and kidney diets as well as diets that can help contain arthritis.

There are many excellent senior diets available that are recommended for pets older than seven to eight years of age. Some diets are even designed for specific medical problems associated with older pets, such as heart and kidney diets, or diets that can minimize the symptoms of arthritis. Senior pets are different from young pets and they benefit from a diet that reflects their changing dietary requirements.

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Our pet canines need a lot of care and love and in the absence of proper attention they can contract diseases. However, most common health problems that affect dogs can be prevented and also taken care of by an alert and caring owner.

This article deals with common viral, bacterial, and fungal infections that affect dogs.

Viral infections

Hydrophobia – One of the most common diseases associated with dogs, more commonly known as rabies. All mammals can get infected by rabies and since it is a zoonotic disease, canine rabies is especially dangerous for humans given our close proximity to dogs. An anti-rabies vaccine, if administered early, can prevent a fatality. A dog suffering from rabies goes through three distinct stages. The first stage has the animal showing distinct behavioral changes and can last from one to three days. During the second stage, the animal is at its most dangerous and prone to violent behavior, this stage is known as furious rabies. The third and last stage is the paralytic stage which leads to in-coordination between limbs, drooling, and difficulty in swallowing. It is followed by death which usually happens due to respiratory arrest.

Canine parvovirus – Canine parvovirus (CPV) is a highly infectious disease that is spread through contact with contaminated feces. The disease is a relatively new discovery; it was discovered in the late 70’s. It is an almost exclusively canine virus and is particularly deadly for puppies. Certain breeds such as Pit bull terriers and Doberman pinschers are more susceptible to the disease. Dogs do not exhibit any overt external symptoms of the disease which is why it is important that owners be sensitive to any changes in their pet’s behavior. The disease can prove fatal if the case is serious and no treatment is provided for 72 hours. Lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea are some of the symptoms shown by infected dogs.

Canine distemper – Canine distemper is a viral disease that affects the lymphoid, epithelial, and nervous tissues often with fatal consequences. Puppies are more susceptible to the disease. Humans are not at risk from canine distemper. The virus spreads through contact with the bodily fluids of the infected canine such as nasal secretions, tears, feces, and urine. Disease sets in within a fortnight of infection. Symptoms include runny nose, dehydration, loss of appetite, seizures, etc. There is no specific treatment for distemper; however the animal should be treated for secondary bacterial infections.

Bacterial infections

Brucellosis – This is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterial organism Brucella Canis. Humans can also get infected by transmissions from animals. Breeding with infected dogs and contact with aborted fetuses can cause infection. Dogs suffering from brucellosis are affected in the genital area and the lymphatic system. Symptoms of brucellosis include scrotal inflammation in male dogs and abortion in female dogs. A course of treatment with antibiotics is recommended for infected dogs.

Leptospirosis – Leptospirosis is a disease that can cause liver and kidney problems in canines. It is transmitted by contact with infected urine, sexual contact with an infected dog, and ingestion of infected tissue. Stagnant and slow moving water is an ideal habitat for the Leptospira bacteria. The bacteria enter the blood stream via abraded skin or mucous membranes; it multiplies quickly in the blood system and spreads to the kidneys, liver, spleen, nervous system, eyes, and genital tract. Dogs can recover from the infection on their own in a week provided the damage to the kidney or liver is not too harsh.

Lyme disease – Lyme disease in dogs is caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria that are harbored by deer ticks. Symptoms include acute arthritis, anorexia, swollen lymph nodes, high fever, and lethargy. Treatment includes a course with antibiotics and antimicrobials. Usually the prognosis is good and dogs respond quickly to treatment. However, in order to prevent a relapse, the entire course of medication should be completed.

Fungal infections

Blastomycosis – Blastomycosis infects dogs and humans; it is caused by the fungus Blastomyces dermatitidis. Since the chances of catching the fungus by inhalation of spores are higher in sandy soils and wet areas, hunting and sporting breeds are at a greater risk than other breeds. Also, female dogs have a better survival rate than male dogs. Blastomycosis spreads to sites like the skin, eyes, bones, lymph nodes, subcutaneous tissue, brain, and testes after staying in the lungs for a few days. An accurate diagnosis can be tricky as the fungus mimics other disease processes such as bacterial pneumonia. Systemic corticosteroids are preferred for treatment of blastomycosis.

Ringworm – Dermatophytosis or ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin. It can spread quickly as the infected animals release fungus spores that can infect other animals and even humans. Clinical signs of ringworm include alopecia, patchy skin lesions, inflammation of hair follicles, itchy skin, and infection of the nails. In dogs, dermatophytosis can often be mistaken for eczema, dermatitis, pyoderma, dermatophilosis and mange. Treatment consists of antifungal medications and the course can last from 2 to 4 months.

Aspergillosis – Aspergillosis is an infection caused by a fungus; it develops in the nose and sinuses of dogs. The fungus attacks those dogs that have a poor immune system and can be difficult to detect. Although the disease rarely moves beyond the nasal area, it can have serious consequences such as destruction of the bony structures in the sinuses. Symptoms of aspergillosis include discharge from the nostrils and nose bleeding; pain in the nose; and ulcerations in the nose. Treatment with antifungal medicine is both topical and systemic.

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A well-trained dog is a thing of great beauty. I have a puppy and we are still mastering the stay! I want to cheer when I watch this.

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