Health Concerns Commonly Found In Older Dogs: Part 1

иконописПравославни икониdomainкухниOld Dog in Cowboy HatHere is the part 1 to a 3 part series about the problems you should expect to see in an older dog. And what do you think about the cool old dog in the cowboy hat?

Abrasions: Abrasions are often caused by scratching and biting skin surfaces that itch. Herbal treatments include an infusion of blackberry leaves, rosemary leaves, or elder flowers and leaves to which a little witch hazel has been added. Apply topically to abrasions. It is recommended that no greasy preparations be used because they will retain moisture on the skin surfaces and retard healing.

A dog’s sense of smell is an Amazing Power

Dog smelling flowerThe canine nose has something like twenty times as many primary receptor cells as the human nose. How all of this works to detect odors is one of the great scientific wonders of the world. Studies in a number of species have found that different regions of the mucous lining within the nose have different chemical properties, more readily absorbing chemicals of one particular molecular shape or another, or preferentially absorbing in one region chemicals that are more water soluble and in another chemicals that are more fat soluble.

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How Fasting Can Clean Your Dog’s System From Years Of Poor Diet

When you feed your pet too much second-hand, poor quality protein such as cheap hamburgers, hot dogs, cold cuts, semi moist sugar-preserved dog foods – or any meats full of DES, nitrates, nitrites, aldehydes, and other assorted harmful additives – the particular pancreatic enzymes that are needed to digest the proteins in your dog’s system become depleted sooner than necessary.
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Update on Avocado’s

It has been brought to my attention that there are differing opinions in regards to whether avocados are safe for dogs. See this extract from Wikipedia:

Toxicity to animals

There is documented evidence that animals such as cats, dogs, cattle, goats, rabbits, rats, birds, fish, and horses[15][25] can be severely harmed or even killed when they consume the avocado leaves, bark, skin, or pit. The avocado fruit is poisonous to some birds, and the ASPCA and many other sites list it as toxic to many animals including cats, dogs, and horses[26]. Avocado is an ingredient in AvoDerm dog food[27] and cat food.[28] However, the ASPCA has declined to say whether this food is safe or not without knowing the details of how the avocado is processed.[29]

Avocado leaves contain a toxic fatty acid derivative known as persin, which in sufficient quantity can cause equine colic and, without veterinary treatment, death.[30] The symptoms include gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory distress, congestion, fluid accumulation around the tissues of the heart, and even death. Birds also seem to be particularly sensitive to this toxic compound. Negative effects in humans seem to be primarily in allergic individuals.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avocado

Please use avocado’s with care. I have never experienced any bad reactions to them with dogs, however you must take responsibility for your own choices.

If you have had any experiences, good or bad, please share them with us.

Avocados: A Surprisingly Healthy Fruit For All Dogs