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| Stay PetPop Healthy with our Pet Experts. |
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| They are here to help you with any health related questions you have for your pet, and will gladly answer them in a timely manner. |
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| Their answers will be featured here in PetPop Healthy section every week, so check in to read what they have to say. |
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| Questions & Answers |
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Q:
Hola, I know sometimes only one testicle on a dog will grow. If I am having this problem, how do I solve it?
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A: I would recommend an evaluation by a veterinarian if your pet still has a
retained testicle. Normally, both are fully descended by four months of
age. If they are not, I would definitely recommend having your pet
neutered. Pets with undescended testicles are much more prone to testicular
and prostate cancer. They will also pass this genetic defect on to their
progeny.
Brent Hinton
CEO PetFirst Healthcare
www.petfirst.com |
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| More Questions |
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A: This can be a common occurance in small dogs. It's often cause by over excitment and over exertion. Sometimes placing your hand over his nose so that he has to breath through his mouth can stop the attack. Also calming and soothing through petting can help relax. You could also try giving your dog some Rescue Remedy. It's a flower essence (vibration medicine) which can shift the vibration of the body and may help your dog to calm donw a bit.
I hope this helps,
Christine Agro
Date: Jun 30 2008
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A: When I look at your puppy I don't see water in his lungs. What I do see is like an asthma reaction to some sort of water plant - like a sea weed.
If it's still a problem, add 1 tsp of apple cider vinegar to his water (1 tsp to 1 pint - in anything other than a metal bowl) The ACV reduces inflammation and mucous build up and should help the wheezing. Replace the ACV each time you change the water. If he doesn't like it at first, cut back and introduce little by litte.
ACV is a great daily supplement to include. It supports the immune system as well as makes the body less attractive to fleas and other bugs. It also improves the coat.
I hope this helps.
Christine Agro
Date: Jun 30 2008
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A: Hi there-
This is probably a play bow which is essentially one of the ways a dog solicits play. You'll notice she is likely to do this a lot with other dogs!
Woofs!
Andrea Arden, CPDT
www.AndreaArden.com
Date: Jun 27 2008
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A: Hi there-
Many little dogs suffer from what some people call reverse sneezing where they snort and gasp. If this is what is happening, it isn't really sneezing (or reverse sneezing!) but a spasm caused by irritation to the soft palate. Episodes may be caused by irritants in the air (dust or pollen), or after running around, eating or drinking. Some breeds and types are more likely to suffer from this. Sometimes gently massaging your dog's throat may help but it usually just goes away on its own.
It may also be your dog has kennel cough (essentially a doggie cold), nasal mites or some other health issue. In any case, you should consult your vet.
Woofs!
Andrea Arden, CPDT
www.AndreaArden.com
Date: Jun 27 2008
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A: Make sure that they've considered adisions disease.
This is from petdog.com...
"Addison's disease can be difficult to diagnose as it has symptoms that are similar to many other medical conditions. Diagnosis is always confirmed by having blood work done.
"The ACTH stimulation or response test is the only test that can accurately diagnose Addison's disease. The test requires that blood be drawn, the dog injected with the ACTH hormone, and then another blood test taken to measure the dog's response to the ACTH. The test is time sensitive so you may have to leave your dog with Veterinarian for a few hours.
"Measuring electrolyte levels is another way to diagnose Addison's because dogs with this disease often suffer from an electrolyte imbalance. This method is not as effective as the ACTH test and should not be considered a diagnosis by itself.
"Symptoms
Lethargy
Lack of appetite
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Muscle weakness
Shivering"
More from me...
Add 1 tsp of Liquid Chlorophyll to her food 1 x daily. It pulls toxins out of her body, balances blood sugar and adds oxygen to the blood.
Start her on a liquid glucosomine supplement (find on line - it's called flexicose and there is a version for pets) It looks like her rear end is out of alignment - possibly from the horse nudge. If there is an animal chiropractor in your area, I would have him or her do an alignment on her.
What does she eat?
Date: Jun 23 2008
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A: Yes, you can definitely bathe a dog too much. A dog's skin contains oils and if you bathe too much the skin can get dried out.
However if your dog is experiencing skin problems, too much bathing may only be one part of the problem. Skin problems in dogs is often caused by toxic build up within the body that occurs when the digestive system isn't working properly.
If there are skin problems, let me know and we can discuss what to do.
In terms of calming a dog during a bath - I use aromatherpy based shampoos that help calm and soothe during the process. You can play soothing music, try dimming the lights and also try hooking up a hand help sprayer to the faucet that you can direct to the area you want to rinse. Temperature of water can help also. Cold water feels just as bad to a dog as it does to you, so be sure the temperature is comfortable.
I hope this helps.
Christine Agro
Date: Jun 22 2008
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A: There are many reasons physically why a dog's behavior, appetite and energy level might change like this. You should take her to the vet and things they should check for include parasites, thyroid problem and adisions - but there are many other conditions that could cause this.
As I'm writing, I just got a flash, and if she has experienced a loss, separation or some sort of trauma, these are also signs of depression.
Let me know if there's been a loss of some sort and we can talk about ways to support a dog experiencing depression.
I hope this helps,
Christine Agro
Date: Jun 22 2008
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A: Your dog's doing 'doga'. Dog's will move between downward facing dog and upward facing dog to help their bodies stretch. Downward facing dog, the move you described your dog doing, does in fact support the digestive system as well as stretch the spine and legs.
Enjoy your dogini and if someones leading a "doga" course in your area, consider signing her up. Dogs LOVE yoga!
I hope this helps.
Christine Agro
Date: Jun 22 2008
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A: Dogs do experience loss and grieve - but given the flea infestation, and my noting an imbalance in her system, I think her behavior is due to something go on with her. If you havent' taken her to the vet for a check up, I would suggest you do. When dogs don't feel well, their behavior can change dramatically as you have described.
They flea infestation alone might be enough to make her feel miserable, but I'm getting that there is something else going on. I'm answering this question first, but I will provide more insight regarding diet in my next response.
Christine
Date: Jun 22 2008
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A: Dogs need a balanced diet and where a home cooked meal is really great, it still needs to be balanced. My suggestion is instead of feeding maria table scraps, make her a meal - if your diet is full of vegetables, you can make her meals along with yours however, it should include chicken, vegetables and a brown rice, quiona, or millet. You should also be giving her a canine multi vitamin.
There is a great dog food book called "Better Food For Dogs" that offers receipes based by weight and includes varriations on each receipe for varrious meats.
I would also add into Maria's food the following: 1 tsp of liquid chlorophyll to pull toxins out of her body; 1 tsp of apple cider vinegar which will boost her immune system among many other positive benefits and I would add in a digestive enzyme (prozyme for dogs is available on line or at most pet stores - or there are others including plant based enzymes.)
It is possible that a deficincy in her nutrition is leading to her behavioral issues, but I would first have her checked by a vet to make sure there isn't a disease state that needs to be addressed. Also check her physical body - look for wincing or biting when you touch her hips or legs.
I hope this helps.
Christine Agro
Date: Jun 22 2008
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A: Hi there-
If your mom thinks she can provide equal time with the new dog as with you (that means she needs to plan on even more doggie time since there will be two of you guys!) then this should be fine. She should be able to find loads of dogs available for adoption on www.petfinder.org
Woofs!
Andrea Arden, CPDT
www.AndreaArden.com
Date: Jun 17 2008
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A: Hi there-
This is normal for any dog. But, as with people, some individual dogs (regardless of breed or type) will spend more time grooming themselves.
Woofs,
Andrea Arden, CPDT
www.AndreaArden.com
Date: Jun 17 2008
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A: Hi there-
Building a cooperative relationship (with gentle, reward based training), providing your dog with great care (good nutrition, vet care, etc.), and of course having fun together are great ways to enrich their lives!
Woofs,
Andrea Arden, CPDT
www.AndreaArden.com
Date: Jun 17 2008
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A: There are so many ways that your Mommy shows you that she loves you - feeding you, walking you, petting you, hugging you, kissing you.
As long as your Mommy is doing all these things - she is doing all that she can to show you that she loves you. Plus, you just know that she does!
Christine Agro
Date: Jun 16 2008
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A: Hi there,
A dachsund doesn't look like the right friend for you. It looks like the two of you might not get along so well. I know you are looking for another small friend. I would suggest your Mom go to the rescue and see who might be right for you. She should be able to see how you and your possible new friend get along.
I'm seeing a slight larger, more relaxed dog as a friend, rather than someone who matches your spunky energy!
I hope this helps.
Christine Agro
Date: Jun 16 2008
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| Meet the experts: |
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Christie Shaver, is a licensed pet nutrition expert and is the founder of The Healthy Pet Gourmet visit her at www.thpg.com
Below is the story of Christie’s journey in becoming a successful pet healer:
When my dog, Goldie, became ill at 11, I knew that if I didn’t act quickly, my vet planned to euthanize him. He was very sick, but I couldn’t let him go. I knew it wasn’t his time. For the next 4 days I wouldn’t leave his side – I massaged and hugged him, kissed ...
read more ››
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Andrea Arden has written five books including Dog Friendly Dog Training (IDG, 2000), Train Your Dog the Lazy Way (Macmillan, 1999), and The Little Book of Dog Tricks (IDG, 2002).
She has also been the behavior columnist for Dog Fancy and The New York Dog magazines as well as a contributing writer for the AKC Gazette, and numerous other publications.
Andrea was the on air trainer for The Pet Department, FX’s Emmy award winning daily show and has appeared ...
read more ››
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Christine works with all animals. Her role is to act as a voice and advocate for your animal and provide support and guidance for you. Christine combines her clairvoyance and her natural healing background to address all aspects of your animal’s health, wellness and Spiritual needs. She offers insight into diet/nutrition, health, wellness, emotional support, behavioral needs and Spiritual growth.
Christine is the pioneer of the Conscious Animal Connection and during readings, she ...
read more ››
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Brent Hinton
PetFirst Healthcare
Co-Founder and CEO
Brent Hinton's mission as co-founder and chief executive officer of
PetFirst Healthcare is to help pet owners have access to the healthcare
their pets need by simplifying the pet insurance process.
For 17 years, Hinton served as an executive for various non-profit
organizations. He also is an expert in animal adoption and welfare,
having served as director of the Kentucky Humane Society for eight
years.
Hinton's ...
read more ››
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