Dogs are one of the most common pets. The resources collected by Pet Health Pharmacy below are intended to explain some ways we can optimize the physical well-being of our “best friends.”
BEYOND THE BREED
The American Kennel Club gives a number of reasons one may want to have their dog’s DNA sequenced, including determining the “mix” in a mixed breed dog and detecting inherited diseases. Keep reading to learn why having your favorite pooch’s DNA sequenced may be the key to his or her optimal health!
CAN DOGS HAVE BACON GREASE?
Calling all small breeds and large breeds: NO bacon or bacon grease for you! Though it may be hard to deny your best friend a taste, this article by PHP Pete explains why it is not the healthiest choice for a dog treat.
CANINE COMPANIONSHIP AND HUMAN MENTAL HEALTH
It is easy enough to make the connection that, if a person likes dogs, interacting with a dog would likely increase happiness. The same could be argued for any enjoyable activity, so what is it that makes dogs, in particular, a source of mental health improvement?
CANINE STORM ANXIETY
Research indicates that dogs have the capacity to experience emotions similar to humans, and can develop a variety of psychological conditions, including phobias such as canine storm anxiety. Is there a way to relieve our dogs’ symptoms of storm anxiety and make them feel secure?
DO DOGS EAT GRASS BECAUSE THEY’RE SICK?
Although it’s a common belief that dogs eat grass (or other plants) when they feel sick or to induce vomiting, evidence suggests that this is not the case. PHP Pete checks out a study that investigates what could be the real underlying cause of this strange canine behavior.
DOGS WITH ALLERGIES
PHP Pete understands all about socializing at the local dog park, and how sneezing or itching is not going to make either of you any new friends! Allergies for dogs can be a problem. One idea you may want to share with your veterinarian is a medication Pet Health Pharmacy can compound called oclacitinib.
GIVING PREGNANT DOGS MEDICATION
A dog’s body experiences many changes during pregnancy. Developments, such as decreased digestion speed, increased and redirected blood flow, increased fluid volume, and increased kidney function, can change how the body processes a medication.
HEARTWORM PREVENTION FOR HERDING DOGS
Some breeds of herding dogs have a genetic mutation that interferes with the formation of a protein that assists in the breakdown of some medications. If you’d like to know for sure if your dog carries this gene, there are genetic tests available. You and your vet can determine which heartworm preventive is right for your pet.
HELPING YOUR DOG BEAT THE HEAT
Heatstroke, or hyperthermia, occurs when the body cannot combat the excessive heat it’s encountering. Some of the most common symptoms are lethargy, panting, dehydration, excessive drooling, and little to no urine output.
INTERVIEW WITH DR. W. JEAN DODDS
According to this interview with Dr. W. Jean Dodds at The Thyroid Summit, somewhere between 20 and 50 breeds of dogs now have a higher risk of developing autoimmune thyroiditis, which is akin to Hashimoto’s disease in humans.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES WITH DOGS
Engaging in outdoor activities with dogs promotes physical, mental, and emotional health, and improves the bond between human and canine. In addition to these benefits, you may find these experiences to be worthwhile simply because they are a fun way to spend time with your dog.
PROPER TRAINING GIVES DOGS SAFER INTERACTIONS
As dog owners we owe our dogs the safety of understanding their demeanor and working with them to live a happy socialized life.
SPAYING AND INCONTINENCE IN DOGS
Veterinarians recommend that pets with urinary incontinence be evaluated by a professional, as urinary incontinence has a number of potential causes. One common cause is hormone imbalance following spay surgery.
TOXIC BLUE-GREEN ALGAE
Blue-green algae produce toxins that are dangerous and potentially deadly to several species, including humans and their pets. Dogs are generally viewed as being at higher risk because they are more likely to play in or drink from non-flowing freshwater.
WHAT CAUSES DOGS TO HAVE ACCIDENTS WHEN ASLEEP?
The most common cause of incontinence is the loss of function in the muscle that tightens and prevents urine from leaving the bladder. This dysfunction is most commonly seen in female dogs (particularly larger breeds) that have been spayed. It is also occasionally seen in male dogs and unaltered dogs.
