What is tracheal collapse?

Tracheal collapse is a narrowing of the inner diameter of the trachea, that fluctuates with the stage of the respiratory cycle. The rings of the trachea (made of cartilage) lose their ability to maintain their shape, and collapse when the dog breathes, causing a harsh cough. Most often this disorder is seen in middle-aged toy and miniature breeds. Chronic respiratory infection, obesity, and heart disease can all contribute to the development of the condition, but it appears that there is also a congenital deficiency (ie. a dog is born with it) in the make-up of the trachea itself.

How is tracheal collapse inherited?

unknown

What breeds are affected by tracheal collapse?

This disorder occurs almost exclusively in toy and miniature breeds, especially the Yorkshire terrier, pomeranian, and toy poodle.

For many breeds and many disorders, the studies to determine the mode of inheritance or the frequency in the breed have not been carried out, or are inconclusive. We have listed breeds for which there is a consensus among those investigating in this field and among veterinary practitioners, that the condition is significant in this breed.

What does tracheal collapse mean to your dog & you?

Affected dogs typically have a harsh, dry "honking" cough, that is paroxysmal in nature and gradually becomes worse over time. The cough may be brought on by excitement, exercise, pressure on the trachea (such as is caused by pulling on a leash, or an enlarged heart), or drinking or eating.

How is tracheal collapse diagnosed?

Your veterinarian will suspect this problem if your small breed dog has a history of coughing "fits" that have gradually become worse, and if your dog responds to gentle pressure on his/her trachea with the typical "goose honk" cough. Your vet will do a thorough exam of the respiratory system and also the heart, because underlying heart disease is not uncommon in these dogs. Diagnosis and the degree of collapse are confirmed by comparing x-rays taken at the maximum inhalation and exhalation phases of the respiratory cycle. The trachea can also be examined during breathing by use of a scope, to determine the severity of the problem.

For the veterinarian: Either the cervical, or both cervical and thoracic trachea may be involved. If both, then inspiratory radiographs usually show collapse of the cervical and dilation of the thoracic segments, and essentially the reverse on expiration.

SOLVING YOUR PETS SKIN ALLEGIES – WE HAVE THE SOLUTION

Vondi's Health Shop:

The skin is the largest eliminatory organ in the body, which is why skin and coat problems are often the first indicators of poor health and care. Yet, almost every pet suffers from some sort of skin condition. Even veterinarians are lost when it comes to treating skin allergies and “hot spots” and many acknowledge the severity of this ailment. Treating with cortisone or changing to another flavor of food will not solve the problem.

Skin allergies and conditions can be cured. All that is required is a holistic and natural treatment.

Diet is the most important factor contributing to skin related conditions. Prominent veterinarians world–wide have been advocating diets that are natural, wholesome and free of preservatives.

However, the other important component in dealing with skin allergies is avoiding the use of chemical based shampoos and flea repellents. The later is not only toxic, but poisonous and many of our pets have suffered severe sickness and death as a result of its application.

Vondi’s has developed a range of remedies that are totally natural and free of chemicals. The ingredients are known for their healing properties (Khakibos, Buchu, Rooibos, Spirilina ) and have a history of being effective. This completely holistic approach will serve you well.

Shampooing your dog or cat should be done very seldom. In fact, a healthy pet, with healthy skin and good bacteria does not need to be washed often. However, when you do choose to shampoo it must always be a natural, chemical free shampoo. KHAKIBOS SHAMPOO is soft on the skin whilst also acting as a flea and tick repellent.

Khakibos oil is valuable in keeping insects at bay and can help with parasitic and fungal infestation. It can also be used in cases of skin infections and it has a healing effect on wounds, cuts, calluses, warts and bunions and other infections of the skin

The KHAKIBOS SPRAY or POWDER   has always proven to be a great flea and tick repellent. Many older folk will tell you of stories how they would cover their carpets and curtains with Khakibos, in order to repel fleas and ticks. Spray or powder your dog or cat, apply to your organic herb garden or sprayed directly onto your pet’s linen, this is a must for every household. 

Another big mistake that we make is trying to wash the skin irritation or redness away. We feel like we need to bath them and relieve the itchiness. Most probably, we will use a chemical based shampoo. This aggravates the skin further.
BUCHU is known for its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. BUCHU SOAP SCRUB alleviates the irritation, whilst the BUCHU MOISTOURISING OIL is perfect for dry and irritable skin and sooths the skin. It is also very effective for arthritic dogs and a loving massage using the oil does wonders.

So far, we have dealt with skin topically. But curing skin and cell damage must also be fought from within. Salmon Omega 3 Oils (or any marine based oil) is essential for skin conditions and general well being. A small dog needs 500mg and a large 1000mg per day.  This you can acquire at any health shop and some vets.

ROOIBOS ANTI-ITCH is a wonderful infusion of Rooibos, Camomile and Spirulina with Grape Seed oil and is brilliant for alleviating skin allergies, scratching and skin irritation. Taken orally, it is easy to administer over food or directly into the mouth.
The medicinal and healing properties of Rooibos and Camomile are well documented and are a must for all pets with skin related conditions.

SPIRULINA is rich in essential oils, anti-oxidants and vitamins and produces healthy skin and a lustrous coat.
Whether you are trying to boost your pet’s immune system, improve digestibility or just enhancing their well being and energy, Spirulina has it all. Why not grind some over your own food?

So there you have it.  It is as simple as that.  You can cure skin conditions and sometimes within only a few weeks.

Administer a natural preservative-free diet that is enriched with cooling herbs ( lemon verbena, lemon balm, borage, variety of sages and a variety of mints), and avoid the use of chemicals in shampoo and repellents.


Vondis Holistic Pet Nutrition

Vondi's Holistic Pet Nutrition is a registered nutritional pet food that is natural, wholesome and free of preservatives. In an industry that is dominated by large multi-nationals with massive advertising budgets, our stance on correct natural feeding,  using REAL meat, REAL veggies, olive oil and FRESHLY picked herbs, has found much popularity, and it is economically priced. Vondi's is actively involved in educating the public on the nutritional rights and demands of our cats and dogs, and we have had major success in curing the many common ailments and sickness that we find nowadays. We are proudly South African, completely transparent and aspire to a code of good business ethics, which includes supporting animal welfare organisations and animal rights campaigns.


Holistic Pet Nutrition
“The Healthy Natural Alternative”
59 Regent Road Sea Point
Tel: (021) 439 1784
www.vondis.co.za

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DOG HAS AN UNHEALTHY SYMPTOM.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DOG:
IS COUGHING
HAS A RUNNY NOSE
HAS CONSTIPATION
APPETITE INCREASED
HAS SKIN PROBLEMS
APPETITE DECREASED
HAS LUMPS OR BUMPS
HAS A VAGINAL DISCHARGE
HAS PROBLEMS WITH URINATION
HAS AN EYE DISCHARGE/IRRITATION
HOW TO GIVE YOUR DOG PILLS
HOW TO TAKE YOUR DOG'S TEMPERATURE

The first thing to remember when giving any medication is to be calm and not communicate anxiety or nervousness to your dog

WHAT AND HOW TO DO'S - MEDICAL CARE

HOW TO GIVE YOUR DOG PILLS
If the medication can be administered with food, dogs will often easily accept a pill hidden inside a treat, such as a piece of cheese or meat. Try to toss or place the tidbit as far back in the mouth as possible so your dog does not eat the meat or cheese and then spit out the pill. Watch your dog closely to make sure the pill has actually been swallowed along with the treat. Storing the pills in a container smelling like meaty treats also may help disguise the medicinal smell. Some medicines can be mixed directly into your dog's dinner. Ask your vet. It is a good idea to accustom your dog or puppy to having his mouth handled. With a dog that is used to having his mouth touched, you can easily open the jaws by gently squeezing the lips inward, pressing them against the teeth. When the dog opens his mouth, the lips pressing inward will prevent him from biting down. Tilt the head back slightly.

Alternatively, placing your palm over the dog's muzzle, press hard with thumb and fingers against the upper teeth. Tilt the head up slightly and the lower jaw should open a bit. With the middle finger of your other hand open the lower jaw. Now, with the pill in the hand not holding the muzzle, place the pill as far back on the tongue as possible. Use your whole hand instead of one finger there is much less risk of getting bitten! Close the mouth and hold the muzzle until the dog swallows, which can be encouraged by blowing or tapping on the dog's nose. Since some dogs are masters in hiding and holding onto pills in cheeks or lips, after your dog has swallowed, open his mouth and inspect it for unswallowed pills. For these "pill masters", a plastic pill gun comes in handy. You place the pill in a flexible barrel; insert it in the dog's mouth and "shoot" the pill to the back of the throat.

HOW TO TAKE YOUR DOG'S TEMPERATURE
A dog's normal temperature ranges between 101F and 102.5F. A body temperature of 103F (or slightly higher) is considered a fever, but is not always a sign of illness. Variations of one or two degrees from the norm can occur as a result of the dog's emotional state, activity or the environment. Always use a human rectal thermometer, never an oral one, which could break. Shake it down to 96¡F or below and lubricate it with Vaseline or K-Y Jelly. Digital thermometers are preferred because they are easy to read and beep when ready.

It is easier to take a dog's temperature if you have help. If possible, have someone hold the dog's hindquarters so you can hold the tail and the thermometer. Lift the tail gently and slide the lubricated tip in to the anus. You will feel the rectal muscles resist and then finally relax. Talk to your dog calmly and soothingly. After three minutes, remove the thermometer and check the temperature. If you are alone, grip the dog's lower body under your arm. With the same hand, lift the tail. Use your other hand to insert the thermometer. A fever over 105F may indicate heatstroke. Call your veterinarian or an emergency pet hospital for help. You must give the dog a cold-water bath or shower immediately to lower body temperature. Never place a thermometer in a dog's mouth!

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DOG HAS AN EYE DISCHARGE/ IRRITATION
Does your dog have red-rimmed, irritated eyes, but no nasal discharge or other symptoms?...See Home Treatment & Home Remedies Below. If your dog has irregular pupils, has a closed eye or bumps into objects...See Vet: Immediately! If your dog has a thick yellow or greenish pus discharge and/or exhibits any of these symptoms: Cough, congestion, fever, weakness...See Vet: Within 24 hours. Does your dog continually rub his eyes or face, sneeze and have watery discharge? He may have an allergy. See Home Treatment Below

Treatment:
At the Vet:
Your vet will test the reaction of your dog's pupils to light and check the eyelid and inner eye. Since eye discharge can be part of a systemic disease, the vet will perform a complete physical exam. Antibiotic ointments or drops are generally given for suspected bacterial infections. (Cortisone drops may worsen these conditions.) Viruses generally cause upper respiratory conditions, but antibiotics are commonly prescribed to combat secondary bacterial infections that may affect eyes.

Home Treatment:
Mild eye irritations can be treated with Neosporin or Neopolycin ophthalmic (strictly for the eyes). Cleanse them first with a saline solution (See Natural Remedies, below.)

Dogs can be allergic to many substances including pollens, grass and other plants, wool, feathers and dust. Bathe your dog frequently to remove allergens on his coat. Vacuum your house frequently. Remove plants that may produce pollen. Home air filters and air cleansing devices may help alleviate your dog's allergic condition.

Home Remedies:
To clean crusty or irritated eyes, make a soothing saline solution. Mix 1/4 cup sea salt with 1 cup distilled or filtered water.

For irritation or injury:
Pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 teaspoon eyebright (herb). Add 1/4 teaspoon salt and let steep for 15 minutes. Strain the liquid into a clean glass container or bottle. Use to clean the eyes. Avoid contaminating the liquid. Keeps for 2 days.

For yellowish discharge:
Pour 1 cup boiling water over 1/4 teaspoon golden seal powder. Add 1/4 teaspoon salt and let steep for 15 minutes. Strain the liquid into a clean glass container or bottle. Use to clean the eyes. Avoid contaminating the liquid. Keeps for 2 days.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DOG HAS LUMPS OR BUMPS
Does your female dog have a lump in her breast? Is she over seven years old?...See Vet: Make appointment Does your nursing female have hot, red, painful breasts? Does she have fever and/or loss of appetite? Puppies must not nurse on a bitch that may have mastitis... See Vet: Immediately! Was your female dog in heat two months ago and now her breasts are enlarged? If she was not bred, she may be having a false pregnancy. Don't worry. Is your dog's face swollen or covered with bumps? This could be an allergic reaction to an insect bite. Call your vet for advice. If in addition to swelling or a rash, your dog seems to be having trouble breathing, is wheezing, has abdominal pain or has collapsed...See Vet: Immediately!Does your dog have a swelling, particularly on the base of the tail, head or legs that is warm, red and painful when touched? Is it accompanied by fever or lethargy? Was your dog recently in a fight?...See Vet: Immediately!Does your dog have a freely moving bump that has been increasing in size or that seems painful? See Vet: Make appointment

Treatment:
At the Vet:
A nursing female with hot, painful breasts has mastitis. Mastitis is treated with antibiotics. Puppies must not nurse on a bitch with mastitis or they could become ill. Unspayed females are at special risk for mammary tumors. To prevent this, spay your dog as early as possible. An allergic reaction may be treated with antihistamines or steroids. Severe allergic reactions can be life threatening. A warm, red swelling is an abscess. Your vet will need to clean it out and disinfect the area. Antibiotics will be given and your vet may check your dog's blood count. Bacterial and fungal cultures may also be performed.

Suspicious growths on the skin should have a biopsy. Even if malignant, there is a good chance of successful recovery. Early diagnosis of any cancer provides the best chances for successful treatment.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DOG’S APPETITE DECREASED
If your dog has not eaten for a day or two but is alert and shows no signs of illness, don't worry. He may have gotten into the garbage, received surreptitious treats from the table, or could be less hungry because of warm weather.

In addition to decreased appetite, are any of the following symptoms present? Fever, apparent pain, weakness, cough, vomiting, diarrhea, increased water intake, decreased water intake or a change in normal urination...See Vet: Within 24 hours. A decreased appetite can also be the result of an abscessed tooth or gum inflammation. Examine your dog¹s mouth for problems that could make eating painful. If an oral problem is present...See Vet: Make appointment

Treatment
At the Vet:
Many canine illnesses include loss of appetite among the symptoms. Your vet will conduct a complete exam that may include such tests as blood analysis, urinalysis, fecal samples, endoscopies, X-rays, electrocardiogram or biopsies to determine the cause and the proper treatment. If your dog is dehydrated, he may need to receive subcutaneous fluids. If necessary, he will be force fed or fed intravenously.

Home Treatment:
If your dog has no other signs other than a decreased appetite, you can encourage his interest in food by serving an appetising meal.

Natural Remedies:
Dogs, especially overweight dogs, may benefit from fasting for a day or two. Give your dog clear chicken broth (made from real chicken and chicken bones...use the meat yourself!). Add a few cloves of garlic for flavo

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DOG HAS PROBLEMS WITH URINATION
In Male Dogs:
Note: A dog that has been straining and is unable to urinate for 24 hours, may die...See Vet: Immediately! Does your dog have any of the following symptoms? Bloody urine, straining to urinate, urinating in inappropriate places, vomiting, loss of appetite or a uremic breath odor?...See Vet: Immediately! Does your dog keep licking his genitals and attempt to relieve himself without producing any urine or just a few drops (which may be bloody)? Do not delay even a few hours...See Vet: Immediately!

If it seems as if your dog is trying to defecate and can't...See Vet: Immediately! If you see blood in your dog's urine, especially after a trauma such as an accident... See Vet: Immediately! If your dog is urinating a good stream, but you can see blood in the urine...See Vet: Within 24 hours. If your dog is drinking excessively and urinating more than usual...See Vet: Within 24 hours. Are any of these symptoms present? Increased water intake with increased urine volume, decreased water intake with scarce or no urination, intermittent diarrhea or vomiting, loss of appetite, changes in coat (dull, excessive shedding or hair breakage), back pain (the dog stays in a hunched position), weight loss, lethargy, sores in the mouth, bad breath, discolored tongue...See Vet: Within 24 hours

In Female Dogs:
Note: A dog that has been straining and is unable to urinate for 24 hours, may die... See Vet: Immediately! Is your bitch in heat and seems healthy and active, but urinates in inappropriate places? Unless this behavior continues beyond a few days, don't worry.

Are any of the following symptoms present? Increased water intake with increased urine volume, decreased water intake with scarce or no urination, intermittent diarrhea or vomiting, loss of appetite, changes in coat (dull, excessive shedding or hair breakage), bloody urine, back pain (the dog stays in a hunched position), loss of weight, lethargy, sores in the mouth, bad breath, discolored tongue...See Vet: Within 24 hours

Treatment:
At the Vet:
Male dogs with cystitis, and infection in the urethra, can form mineral deposits or stones called urethroliths in the urethra. These stones plug the urethra causing a life-threatening buildup of uremic acid in the bladder.

After a complete physical, possibly including blood tests, the vet will try to put pressure on the bladder(which may feel like a large orange in the abdomen) or gently manipulate the penis to relieve the obstruction. X-rays, ultrasound or a sterile urine sample may be taken.

If physical manipulation is unsuccessful, under general anesthesia, a catheter (a tube) will be passed from the urethra into the bladder to flush out the urethroliths with sterile water. Sometimes this procedure is not successful and either the urine must be removed by a needle through the abdominal wall or surgery must be performed to create an alternative urethral opening. Your dog will need to be hospitalized to monitor kidney and bladder functions. Since the urethra/bladder opening in females is larger, they are usually not prone to the same life-threatening urethral obstructions as males. However, females are more apt to get urinary infections.

Fluids (to increase urine flow), antibiotics, antispasmodics, and urinary acidifiers may be prescribed for rinary infections and blockages. If a bacterial infection is found, many months of treatment may be necessary to eradicate all traces of disease. At all stages of treatment, cultures, sensitivity and urine tests will be necessary. In case of an injury, the urinary functions will be monitored through urinalysis and blood tests.

Home Treatment:
For all dogs with a tendency towards cystitis, it is recommended to feed a diet with low magnesium (less than 20 milligrams per 100 calories), to prevent obesity, to encourage exercise and frequent urination, to have fresh water always and easily available. Adding Vitamin C to the diet (100 milligrams three times a day) helps to acidify the urine. Do not feed fish-based food because of the high mineral content. Distilled water may be recommended. Ask your vet.

To collect a urine sample, place a cake pan or pie tin under your dog. Although the first few attempts may be unsuccessful, have patience. Transfer the urine into a clean, dry bottle. If your appointment with the vet is more than an hour from collection time, refrigerate the sample.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DOG’S APPETITE INCREASED
It is perfectly normal for a healthy dog to have an increased appetite during cold weather, increased activity, pregnancy and lactation. But an increased appetite can also indicate the onset of diabetes or hyperthyroidism (rare in dogs). Warning signs for these diseases include: increased urination and water intake, weight loss (despite a markedly increased appetite), depression and vomiting (in the late stages of diabetes). If your dog has any of these symptoms...See Vet: Make appointment

Older dogs which have an increased appetite, water intake, urination and symmetrical hair loss may have a problem with over activity of the adrenal gland (Cushing's Syndrome)...See Vet: Make appointment. Certain worms or other intestinal parasites can cause an increased or decreased appetite. Periodic stool testing will help you to determine if your dog has parasites.

Treatment:
At the Vet:
Since many diseases, including diabetes, can cause an increase in appetite, your vet will need to conduct a blood test, fecal exam, and urinalysis. A dog diagnosed with diabetes has a very good chance of living a normal life. You will need to administer injections of insulin, regulate his diet and test urine sugar levels. Strictly maintaining a schedule of injections, diet, testing and exercise is the key to keeping the disease under control.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DOG HAS CONSTIPATION
If your dog is alert and active but has not had a bowel movement in 48 to 72 hours, don't worry. Just like people, dogs are not always regular. Eating wood, bones and other indigestible material is a common cause of constipation. Psychological factors can also have an influence. Have you recently changed his diet? Made any home or lifestyle changes that could have upset him?...See Home Treatment Below. Constipation can also be a side effect of some medications. Ask your vet. If your dog makes frequent, unsuccessful attempts to defecate, has a decreased appetite, is vomiting, lethargic and only passing a small amount of blood-streaked, foul smelling stool, he may have impacted feces in the colon...See Vet: Within 24 hours. Sometimes longhaired dogs have a problem with hair matting over their anus, making defecation impossible. In rarer cases, hairballs may be the problem...See Vet: Within 24 hours

Treatment:
At the Vet:
Your vet will give your dog a complete physical examination, palpate the intestines and perform a rectal exam. If your vet suspects a piece of bone is lodged in the rectum, he may suggest X-rays, endoscopies or ultrasound. For impacted feces, your vet may administer an enema.

Home Treatment:
Non-disease related constipation could best be controlled by diet. If your dog has a tendency toward constipation, avoid feeding dry food or moisten dry food with water. It may also be helpful to feed your dog a small amount of bran. The dose is 1 tablespoon to six ounces of wet food. The bran has no side effects and may be added indefinitely or as needed. Make sure your dog is drinking sufficient water.

For mild constipation, add mineral oil, 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds body weight to your dog¹s food. Warning! Never administer mineral oil directly in your dog's mouth! It can pass into the respiratory system and cause aspiration pneumonia.

Or give one Maalox tablet daily until symptoms disappear. Do not give Maalox if your dog has a history of kidney or heart disease! The intestinal muscles of older dogs move food more slowly along the digestive tract. To help keep things moving, add finely ground raw or stewed fruits and vegetables to his. Make sure he is drinking an adequate amount of water. Under psychological stress, some dogs react by refusing to defecate, which leads to constipation. For dogs with a history of reacting to stress with constipation, anticipate his reaction to any changes in his life by adding bran to his food. Trim matted hair and feces from the anus of longhaired dogs. Regular grooming will prevent this problem in the future.

Natural Remedies:
For constipation with no other symptoms, add 500 milligrams of psyllium husks and 10 milligrams of acidophilus to the daily food.


WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DOG IS COUGHING
Any irritation, such as pollen, dust, household or cosmetic products sprayed into the air, can cause your dog to cough. The cough mechanism is the way he clears his airways. If your dog coughs a few times and that is all...See Home Treatment Below

If your dog¹s cough is accompanied by any of the following: Rapid and labored breathing, weight loss, low energy level, blue gums or tongue, history of heart disease or heart murmur, old age... See Vet: Within 24 hours. Is your dog¹s coughing accompanied by sneezing and watery eyes or eyes with discharge? Especially if this is a puppy...See Vet: Immediately! If your dog has a convulsive, chronic cough with harsh, wheezy breathing...See Vet: Make appointment

Treatment:
At the Vet:
Your vet will examine your dog¹s chest, throat and neck. Suggested tests might include blood tests, or a chest X-ray. Bronchial disease is common in dogs. If suspected, antibiotics, bronchodilators and/or steroids may be prescribed. Canine bronchitis is not easily cured, but can be kept under control. Although upper respiratory disease in vaccinated dogs is usually fairly mild, a suspected upper respiratory disease, especially in a puppy, requires prompt veterinary care.

Keep infected dogs isolated from others and wash your hands after touching infected animals. Disinfect floors and dog dishes with a household bleach solution of four ounces per gallon of water. Although usually not life-threatening, upper respiratory diseases can become chronic. Dogs, which have recovered from these diseases, can become carriers and infect others, especially puppies or dogs with weakened immune systems.

If a heart problem or malignant tumor is suspected, your vet may suggest an electrocardiogram, urinalysis or an echocardiogram. Some heart conditions, if caught in time, can be controlled by drugs or homeopathic remedies. A convulsive, chronic cough with harsh, wheezy breathing may be an indication of canine asthma. Asthma, is often caused by an allergen in the environment. As in humans, it can be controlled by medication, but there is no cure.

Home Treatment:
You can help clear irritants from your dog's lungs by using an air vaporizer or by taking your dog into the bathroom and turning on the hot water in the shower to produce steam. After fifteen minutes, you should see some relief of your dog's symptoms. If not...See Vet: Within 24 hours. If the "steam room" technique seems to worsen the condition, stop treatment and...See Vet: Within 24 hours

For adult dogs with a dry cough with no other symptoms, you may administer cough syrups containing only guaifenesin (glyceryl guaiacolate), such as Robitussin. Do not administer any cough syrup with the additives, PE (phenylephrine), AC (codeine), CF or DM (dextromethorphan). A call to your Vet can help you determine dosage and frequency for administering over-the-counter medications.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DOG HAS A RUNNY NOSE
If your dog has a thick yellow or greenish discharge from his nose and/or eyes and/or exhibits any of the following symptoms: Cough, congestion, fever, lethargy, heavy breathing, weakness, loss of appetite, depression...See Vet: Within 24 hours...If your puppy has any of the above symptoms...See Vet: Immediately! Does your dog continually rub his eyes or face, sneeze and have a watery nasal discharge? He may be having an allergic reaction. See Home Treatment Below. Does your dog have discharge from only one nostril?...See Vet: Make appointment Is your dog a senior citizen with discharge from only one nostril?...See Vet: Make appointment

Treatment:
At the Vet:
The vet will thoroughly examine your dog's nose, mouth and throat. Although many respiratory diseases are iral, antibiotics will be prescribed to avoid secondary bacterial infections. In severe infections, fluids may be given to combat dehydration. Respiratory diseases are very infectious. Your dog should be kept isolated from other dogs.

Puppies are at special risk from these diseases and respiratory disease is a frequent cause of puppy death. Keep your puppy's interaction with strange dogs to a minimum to avoid contact with infected animals.

Sinusitis, which is non-infectious, can be chronic and may be seasonal. Symptoms include bouts of sneezing and thick white or yellowish discharge from the nose. This disease is often caused by allergies or a past bacterial or viral infection. Medical therapy includes antibiotics for bacterial infection and antihistamines for allergies. Sometimes surgical draining of the sinuses is necessary. Natural Remedy:
If your vet has determined that your dog's runny nose and/or sneezing are due to allergies or non-infectious causes, mix 1/4 tablet of echinacea (herb) into his food daily.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DOG HAS SKIN PROBLEMS
If there is an ulcerated, red sore on your dog's lips, inside his mouth, between his toes, on his stomach or behind his hind legs...See Vet: Within 24 hours

If your dog is scratching or on any new medication...Call Vet for advice. If your dog is scratching and biting severely at a certain area of its body...See Vet: Make appointment. If severe scratching and biting is accompanied by face rubbing, paw licking and sneezing...See Vet: Make appointment. If you can see itchy, reddened, scabs or moist infected areas on your dog's skin... See Vet: Makeappointment or See Home Treatment Below. Does your dog seem to start scratching and biting himself at the same time each year? Did this condition start when he was six months to three years old?... See Vet: Make appointment or See Home Treatment Below

If your dog is scratching and you can see black specks in his fur, particularly behind his ears and on his lower back...See: Ask the Vet/Health/Fleas and Other Nasty Critters for advice on how to rid your dog and your house of fleas. Has your dog recently had contact with the following? Grass or pollens, plastics, flea collars, soaps, insect sprays, wool, nylon carpeting, paint, poison oak or ivy?...See Home Treatment Below. If your dog has an area or areas of hair loss and round, scaly or inflamed areas of skin...See Vet: Make appointment. If your dog has an area that is painful, warm, swollen, has a fever and is lethargic...See Vet: Immediately! If your dog is scratching at his ears and you can see black grit in his ears it could be indicative of ear mites or a bacterial infection...See: Ask the Vet for advise

Treatment:
At the Vet:
An ulcerated red sore may be an abscess caused by a bacterial infection. Generally, diagnosis is made by inspection, but sometimes blood tests, biopsies or cultures will be performed.

Your vet will lance the abscess and flush it with an antibiotic cleanser. A drain may be left in the wound to allow additional fluids to drain over the next few days. Oral antibiotics will be prescribed. Suspicious growths on the skin should be evaluated using a biopsy and even if malignant, your dog has a good possibility of recovery. Short-term steroid treatment (both cream and tablet form) is often prescribed for contact dermatitis (allergy resulting from contact with an irritating substance). Steroids should not be used long-term as they can have serious side effects.

If a food allergy is suspected, your vet may suggest a change of diet. If your vet suspects that hairless, round scaly areas are ringworm, an ultraviolet light will be used to help diagnose this fungus. Since ringworm does not always show up ("fluoresce") under this light, skin scraping and fungal cultures may be used. Anti-fungal cream and griseofulvin taken orally may be prescribed. See: Ask the Vet for more information on ringworm.

Home Treatment:
Clean wounds with hot water and soap or hydrogen peroxide before they develop into abscesses or infections. Itching, scratching and biting: Dogs can have contact allergies to many substances including pollens, grass and other plants, wool, feathers and household dust. Bathe your dog frequently to remove allergens on his coat.Vacuum your house frequently. Remove plants that may produce pollen. Food allergies also may cause severe itching and sometimes are accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea. Try this diet for two weeks to see if his symptoms improve:

Avoid feeding foods with dyes. You can also try the lamb and rice or rabbit and rice premium dog foods sold in pet stores. If he has stopped scratching, discuss a new diet with your vet. To relieve itchiness, apply calamine lotion to the affected areas three times daily. Do not give antihistamines without your veterinarian's approval! Always let a new flea collar air out for a few days before placing it on your dog.

Natural Remedies
In addition to diet changes, to promote healthy skin, add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of lecithin granules daily to your dog's food. "Calms" homeopathic tablets help emotionally based skin problems. Give one tablet twice daily. To relieve itching, give 1/4 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight of loose chamomile tea in your dog's food daily.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DOG HAS A VAGINAL DISCHARGE
A clear or slightly yellow discharge is normal in female dogs prior to their first heat. When your unspayed female is about to come into heat, her vulva will appear swollen and there will be a bloody discharge. This is nothing to be worried about -- except for pregnancy!

Was your female dog in heat from 10 to 90 days ago? Does she have a yellowish gray to reddish brown vaginal discharge or no discharge accompanied by any of the following symptoms? Loss of appetite, fever, weakness, rough and dull coat, elevated heart rate, vomiting, increased water intake, increased urination, swollen abdomen, pale gums?...See Vet: Immediately

Reasons for Canine Constipation

Can a Yorkie get Constipated? Is there a treatment?

A Yorkie, as with any dog breed, can become constipated. This can happen for many reasons, including: · A change in their dog food diet · Eating spicy food or food with too much fat · Experiencing stress · Having ingested a non-food, such as a toy, paper clip..anything that the dog may have swallowed and should not have · Eating bones - even little pieces of bone can block the digestive track and cause serious harm to a dog The symptoms are what would be expected. However, it should be noted that these symptoms can often be the same as when a dog has a bowel infection or other medical issue. Therefore, it is highly recommended to bring your Yorkie to the veterinarian if you see that your dog has: · Not had a bowel movement for 3 days · Strains when eliminating · There is blood or mucus in the dog's feces Constipation in your Yorkie can cause many health issues for your dog. The build up of bowel movements can cause toxins to build up in the dog's body. This can sometimes be seen as the dog: · Has bloating · Has a decreased appetite · Appears to have tummy pains Treatment for Mild Cases · Once your Yorkie's veterinarian has ruled out any other medical causes for the symptoms, you can then begin to treat the constipation. · If your dog is not on a high quality dog food, it is highly recommended to switch to one right away. Inexpensive dog food is often difficult for dog's to process and digest. High quality dog food is easily digestible and help with many more health issues beside from the constipation. · Be sure to always keep fresh water available at all times. · Do not "free feed" your Yorkie. Dogs do best when on a feeding schedule. Puppies will eat 3 to 4 times per day and adult Yorkies will usually eat 1 meal per day. Occasional snacks are fine. Allowing your dog to have time periods of having no food enter the body, will allow the dog to process what he or she has previously eaten. · Adding fiber to your Yorkie's diet will help. It is recommended to add 1 teaspoon of oat bran to the dog food, each day. Treatment for Severe Cases In severe cases of canine constipation, your veterinarian may: · Prescribe a laxative · Perform an enema · If a foreign object is obstructing the bowels or digestive tract, surgery may need to be done Prevention High quality dog food and a constant supply of water are the best steps to avoid this canine heath issue.