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By pet-admin, September 14, 2009 1:10 pm

If you have ever considered veterinary pet insurance, you may have thought, “I won’t need this. My dog will never be sick enough to need insurance coverage.” Now consider this: there are 80 million dogs in the United States; 20 million will die of some form of cancer. That’s 1 in 4! For dog lovers, this number is staggering. In fact, cancer is the leading cause of death in American dogs. Fortunately, many veterinary pet insurance policies cover cancer treatments, ranging from chemotherapy and radiation to antiangiogenic therapy (drugs used to stop the growth of tumors/progression of cancers) and holistic/alternative options.

Cancer is an immune dysfunction disease, regardless of the species. Canine cancers do affect some breeds more than others. Below is a list of some breeds and the cancers they are most likely to develop and/or are susceptible to:

• Bernese Mountain Dog – histolytic sarcoma (soft tissue)
• Boxer – lymphoma and brain cancer
• Cocker Spaniel – lymphoma
• Golden Retriever – lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma (rare, malignant neoplasm characterized by rapidly proliferating anaplastic cells derived from blood vessels and lining blood-filled spaces.)
• Labrador Retriever – lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma
English Springer Spaniel – Mammary gland cancer
• Pug – mast cell (a connective tissue cell)
• Shar-pei – mast cell
• Greyhound – osteosarcoma (malignant primary neoplasm of bone composed of a malignant connective tissue stroma with evidence of malignant osteoid, bone, or cartilage formation)
• Rottweiler – osteosarcoma
• Collie – nasal cancer
• Scottish Terrier – transitional cell carcinoma (bladder) and melanoma
• Chow chow – stomach cancer
• Flat Coated Retriever – transitional cell carcinoma (bladder) and melanoma

As is the case with any cancer, early detection is the key, which is why annual check-ups for your dog (also covered by veterinary pet insurance) are vitally important. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, http://www.avma.org/ , early warning signs of canine cancer for which you should stay abreast include:

1. Abnormal swellings that persist/continue to grow;
2. Sores that do not heal;
3. Weight loss and appetite loss;
4. Bleeding and/or discharge from any body opening;
5. Unusual/offensive odor;
6. Difficulty eating and/or swallowing;
7. Hesitation to exercise; loss of stamina/energy;
8. Persistent lameness or stiffness;
9. Difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecating

Pets Best Insurance is located in Boise, Idaho and provides pet insurance for the healthcare of dogs and cats. Jack Stephens, DVM is the president and co-founder of Pets Best and was the original founder of pet health insurance in the United States .

Learn more about the history of pet insurance at Petsbest.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Jack_Stevens

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By pet-admin, August 10, 2009 10:38 pm

The summer heat can be a dangerous time of year for your pet. When we humans get warm we can head for the shade or take off clothing layers. However, when a dog gets overheated there is very little he can do to get cool. Your dog’s fur keeps him warm in the winter and it serves the same purpose in the summer. Because of this, your dog may need first aid during the dog days of summer. Even if you don’t live in an area that gets brutally hot or you dog has short coat, it is a good idea to learn how to give first aid to your dog should he have heatstroke.
Continue reading 'First Aid For Dogs – Coping With Summer Heatstroke'»

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By pet-admin, July 19, 2009 8:34 pm

Vitamins are very important to your dog’s health. Their function is to help the body repair itself through cell reproduction, bone growth, nerve function, energy and amino acid metabolism, blood clotting, aid in vision, and much more. A prolonged deficiency in any of the vitamins can cause health challenges from dry skin, fatigue, and vomiting to more serious problems like seizures, heart and nerve diseases. In most cases, just choosing a variety of quality food sources will give your dog all the vitamins he needs to live a long happy and healthy life. Let’s take a look at the two different types of vitamins: Water Soluble (All the B Vitamins and C), and Fat Soluble (Vitamins A, D, E, and K)

Water Soluble Vitamins
Let’s talk a moment about water soluble B vitamins which are very important for a healthy nervous system, aiding the body in healing, and helping to convert food into energy. Signs of deficiency could be anything from weight loss, poor skin and coat, nerve damage, anemia, and heart failure. B vitamins are unstable and are destroyed when exposed to heat, they are also lost from the body when stressed, and since they can’t be stored, they are flushed through the system quickly. These vitamins include: thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, folic acid, cobalamin, and biotin. Vitamin C can be manufactured by the dog and supplementation is not necessary. However, aging and dogs under stress can benefit from having some extra C added to their diet.
Continue reading 'Dog Vitamins'»

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By pet-admin, July 8, 2009 10:10 pm

Dog’s immune systems are complex and their major function is to watch for and than defend against any type of foreign invasions that do not belong in their body. There are several natural treatments and supplements that can help your dog with these tasks.

There are a few misconceptions, however, about dogs immune system in that they are not naturally born with it; it must grow and develop as they grow and mature. In fact, several diseases and conditions can and are passed down to puppies as they are left to fend for themselves.

The immune system to be fully operational must recognize any type of foreign substance such as viruses, bacterium, or several types of pollen both natural and manmade. It is divided into two different sections depending on how specific their particular functions might be. These two sections are referred to as the innate and the adaptive immune system.

Continue reading 'Dog’s Immune System’s Natural Treatments'»

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By pet-admin, June 30, 2009 9:00 pm

Yeast infections in dogs are common in most all dog breeds and if not treated it can lead to skin lesions, sores, and can reproduce very rapidly to abnormal numbers. It can also become a toxic situation that could very easily affect their immune, nervous, and endocrine systems.

For several years it was not treated seriously, but it is now identified as potentially causing allergies, bladder infections, and several other potentially serious conditions.

Yeasts that affect your pet are single cell organisms that are found on the surface of every living thing including your dog. There are two basic types of yeast infections that will attack your pet if not treated properly, Candida albicans which is yeast found in their digestive track and Malassezia, which is the yeast that attacks their skin and ears.

Continue reading 'Yeast Infections in Dogs Are Common'»

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By pet-admin, May 18, 2009 7:53 pm

If you have a diabetic dog, life is probably a bit more complicated for you and your pet than it used to be. Canine diabetes can be a challenging condition to manage, but it can be done. Here are some tips to make life easier for both of you.

Is Exercise A Good Idea For Dogs With Diabetes?

Yes, it is, but you do need to be careful. Too much exercise can cause your pet’s blood sugar levels to drop to dangerously low levels. It’s always a good idea to keep a little Karo syrup with you so you can rub it on your pet’s gums if he starts showing signs of hypoglycemia.

It’s essential to be establish a consistent routine for exercise. You’ll need to commit to exercising him every day at about the same time, for about the same amount of time each day. Avoid having him out running around at top speed for a half hour once or twice a week, and then sitting around the rest of the time. Continue reading 'Tips For Living With Your Diabetic Dog'»

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By pet-admin, April 27, 2009 9:17 pm

pet’s breed: lab/retriever mix
pet’s age: 8
pet’s sex: F
previous treatment:

All yearly shots up to date…no health issues ever.

QUESTION:

Can I give Ibuprofen to a 70lb dog. She is having swelling and muscle spasms
in her neck area and can’t lift her head.

ANSWER:

Continue reading 'Dogs and Ibuprofen'»

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By pet-admin, March 16, 2009 10:26 pm

Dogs have feelings. They can experience what happiness, sadness, calmness and anxiety is all about. Just take a look at your dog’s behavior whenever it sees you. Maybe it is so excited that it jumps and twirls at your presence and even licks your face. But what if it suddenly hides and stays away from your field of vision? This behavior indicates what kind of owner you are. Seriously, you can tell that I’m pretty sure! The part you play as the owner is very vital to your pets behavior. You might not know it but your pooch’s life depends and revolves around you.
Continue reading 'The Maladies and Remedies of Dog Anxiety'»