Pain Relief for Dogs: What Are My Options?

They might show it differently, but dogs experience pain just as their owners do. The old belief that dogs have a higher tolerance for pain or that pain actually helps them heal faster isn’t backed by research and more owners are doing something to control the pain.

Whether it’s from a recent surgery, arthritis, skin problems, injuries from rough play or a toothache, there are medications available for dogs that will make them healthier and happier. Some drugs fall into the class of neutriceuticals, which include glucosamine and chondroitin. These can take up to a month, in some cases, to begin working.

Another common class of medications that are very effective are known as NSAIDs, which stands for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. While these medications are very effective means of pain relief for dogs, they pose a danger if misused and have a list of side effects. Most NSAIDs used on dogs include name brands like Metacam, Deramaxx, Rimadyl and Etogesic. If your dog is on any of these drugs, keep an eye on them and discontinue use if they vomit or experience diarrhea.

Some dogs simply don’t respond well to NSAIDs and need something that acts more quickly than the neutriceuticals. In this case, most veterinarians will recommend medications that include amantidine, tramadol or gabapentin.

In many cases, dog owners know when their dog will be in for a round of pain, mostly due to surgery or a veterinary procedure that will cause some lingering discomfort. In this case, have the medication on hand and ready so that you can cut pain off at the pass. Some veterinarians will recommend starting your dog on pain meds a day or two before the procedure.

Under no circumstances should you run to your medicine cabinet to treat bring pain relief for dogs. Advil and Tylenol are in practically every household in the nation, but they are not to be used as pain relief for dogs as they are designed for humans.

There are some holistic methods that you can try if medications don’t seem effective. Acupuncture, has been successful for some pet owners and has been shown to bring pain relief to canines. Chronic pain is especially reduced by acupuncture. Massage and hydrotherapy are other holistic approaches that can bring pain relief for dogs.

For more extreme measures, some pain relief for dogs has been found in using stem cell therapy. Laser therapy has also been used effectively.

Pain relief for dogs can also come in the form of joint health supplements, such as those from ProLabs who specializes in vet-quality products for your pets. FLEX Rx is designed to improve joint health and has been proven to work better than glucosamine-based products.

Your Pet Wants You to be all Ears When it Comes to Dog Ear Care

Fleas, skin problems and regular shots might be among the top reasons for dog owners to get their pets to the veterinarian, but the number one issue prompting vet visits is ear issues.

Dogs’ inner ears are a serious of twists and turns of cartilage that offer yeast, bacteria and parasites an excellent habit to live. Most infections begin with debris that’s gotten trapped, but dogs with allergies will likely see more issues than dogs without allergies.

There are a number of factors that lead to some dogs having more problems with their ears than others. For instance, dogs with an abundance of hair inside their ears will need more dog ear care than those with hairless ears. Dogs with ears that are long and floppy generate more dirt in their ears than dogs with short ears because there is less air circulation.

Veterinarians say the best dog ear care an owner can provide is frequent cleaning of the ear canal. But many dogs dislike having their ears cleaned. Regardless of how much they dislike the routine, it’s essential. Some dogs will require two people – one to hold and the other to clean.

Veterinarians recommend cleaning as much of the ear as can be reached with a cotton ball. Going any farther than what can be reached with a finger and the cotton ball could damage the dog’s ear. Check the cotton ball to see how much dirt it collected. If you see an irregular amount, it might be a good idea to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian, as this could be a sign of more serious issues.

Other issues to look for are accumulations of debris, wax, foul odor coming from the ear, crusty skin, loss of hair, redness, a discharge coming from the ear or an accumulation of wax. These too are indicators of infection. Ear mites are a common ailment. To identify these, look for a build up of what appears to be coffee grounds.

There are a variety of ear cleaners available over-the-counter that won’t be too harsh on the dog’s ear. Don’t use alcohol, as this is not good on the dog’s skin. Some owners will use a vinegar solution that is nine to 10 parts water to one part vinegar, but never pour any cleaner down the dog’s ear canal as this can lead to more dog ear care issues. Check with your veterinarian for advice on which cleaner they recommend.

If you’d rather skip home remedies that may or may not work, it’s a safe bet to consider Clear Ear from ProLabs. Dogs with chronic ear problems get fast relief through Clear Ear’s pH-balanced solution that nourishes and replenishes the ear’s epithelium.

Educate Yourself When it Comes to Finding a Joint Pain Remedy For Your Pet

It’s an unfortunate fact that one in five dog owners are forced to face – at some point you’ll be researching ways to treat joint pain. From hip dysplasia to arthritis, dogs are prone to a number of issues that will affect their health.

Joint issues are bred into small breeds, but larger breeds with more weight dispersed into their joints are prone to developing osteoarthritis. Regardless of the sizes, the pain is probably not much different and it’s up to you to find a joint pain remedy that will bring more health and happiness to your canine.

Some dog lovers have noticed what they believe is an increase in the number of dogs experiencing joint pain, but in reality, veterinarians are become more adept at diagnosing these problems. But sometimes, breeders are looking for certain characteristics in the dogs they are breeding that may bring with it undesirable qualities such as hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis.

One of the first courses of action in finding a pain relief remedy is to determine whether or not your dog is in fact experiencing joint issues. Is your dog walking with a strange gait or have a limp? Does it have a hard time negotiating stairs or have trouble standing from a laying position? Does it put more weight on its front legs than its back legs? These are all signs that your dog is experiencing joint issues, whether ligament induced, hip related or from arthritis.

Joint pain remedies run the gamut, from laser surgery to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Some forward-thinking owners have even experimented with acupuncture. Stem cell therapy is on the rise as are supplements that include omega-3 fatty acids.

Finding the proper remedy might be as simple as helping your dog lose weight by better regulating its diet. Ask your veterinarian what the proper amount of food intake is for your dog on a daily basis. Being overweight is a problem for dogs with joint problems and is often caused by their obese condition, especially if the weight gain is rapid.

ProLabs Pets is a company with a focus on helping dog and cat owners achieve the best health possible for their pets, and they have a formula that is built to provide better joint health in dogs. Clinical studies of FLEX Rx supplement have shown that it is more effective than the traditional glucosamine hydrochloride method for joint health problems. In fact, FLEX Rx has been shown to be twice as effective than the popular Cosequin DS1. Currently, a $10 discount is being offered by ProLabs Pets to try this vet-quality product.

Dogs with Joint Pain: Are Small Breeds Prone to Joint Issues?

While larger breeds of canines are known to be prone to joint issues, dogs with joint pain come in all sizes. Some breeds that are bred for shorter leg lengths, which are generally small dogs, actually have more joint issues than the average breed.

Dogs with joint pain can often be identified at very youthful stages in their lives. Some veterinarians say they’ve witnessed joint issues in puppies as young as four months of age. One hip problem that joint pain sufferers have is called avascular necrosis and it occurs on the head of the femoral bone. Avascular necrosis is when blood supply fails to reach that area. One way you can detect this in your puppy is if you notice that he/she has a difficult time standing up or has difficulty walking.

Smaller dogs can also exhibit problems rooting from their knees. It’s called patellar luxation; patellar after the floating knee bone and luxation, which is the process by which the patellar comes out of alignment. Dogs with this ailment will often hop as their knee will lock up.

Small dogs with joint pain might also have a condition that is brought on over time whereby the cranial cruciate ligament ruptures. This ligament is located around the knees and can be a long-term issue in a dog that is injured through rough play. Veterinarians will refer to this as a disease in dogs that show symptoms after gradual wear and tear on the ligament.

Since most small breeds are genetically predisposed to these joint issues, there isn’t much you can do for your dog, whether it’s a puppy or full-grown to eliminate their joint issues. However, there are some supplements such as chondroitin and glucosamine that are widely available and are proven to be effective in addressing some joint issues. Some owners will also try to limit exposure to situations that cause stress on the joints, such as keeping them off slippery floor surfaces or letting them jump down from tall structures.

Some dogs will exhibit a slower pace or stiffness after vigorous exercise, which can mimic joint issues. But dogs that suffer from joint pain which is brought on by more serious issues should be taken to the veterinarian for recommendations on treatment.

Small dog owners are also turning to ProLabs for their veterinarian-quality joint health supplements that are proving to be effective. FLEX Rx is engineered to help small breeds, large breeds and every breed in between with their joint health. It’s actually the first product of its kind that is capable of managing joint health at the metabolic level. ProLabs solution involves using ingredients that are up to five times more effective than vitamin E in treating joint issues, and has been shown to be more effective than glucosamine.

Honoring Dogs of War

Dogs might be better known as mans best friend, but they’re also invaluable on the battlefield. Nearly 60 have been killed in action while saving countless numbers of their human platoon members. Those dogs are getting their due as more groups establish memorials to canines that have fallen.

Special Operations Forces handle a majority of the canine units that serve alongside their human handlers. These dogs are trained to be sentries, bomb dogs and to sniff out enemy combatants. Once retired, these dogs of war are allowed to return home with their handler and be a part of the family back in the U.S.

Beginning in 2009 a member of the Special Operations Forces (SOF) kennel began tracking the dogs of war that perished on the battlefield. The SOF would pay for grave markers for these fallen four-legged heroes, but recently they decided to honor them with a special tribute to them. Members of the SOF raised money to get a permanent memorial to dogs of war built at the Airborne and Special Operations Museum near Fort Bragg in North Carolina.

The use of canines in war is not a new development. Ancient Egyptians used them. The U.S. utilized dogs of war in World War II. They are common companions to police forces, big and small, across the nation. There are approximately 2,000 dogs of war currently in service for the U.S. Military. The most common breads are German shepherds, Blgian Malinois and Dutch shepherds. These dogs are the cream of the crop as most that are tested for battle duty cannot live up to the expectations of the trainer.

The SEAL team that took down Osama bin Laden was accompanied by a Belgian Malinois named Cairo. To recognize Cairo and thousands of dogs like him, an artist sculpted a life-size bronze replica of a Belgian Malinois wearing a combat vest. The statue/memorial was unveiled in July to great fanfare from dog lovers and military veterans whose lives have been touched or even saved by these extraordinary canines. The bronze statue of the dog is erected facing a statue of a paratrooper known as “Iron Mike.” The memorial is the center piece of an area that is surrounded by granite pavers that are engraved with the names and information regarding dogs of war that died in action.

One of the breeds most often chosen to serve on the front lines, the German Shepherd is prone to suffering from joint pain. ProLabs  is focused on improving canine joint health and has developed FLEX Rx , a joint supplement that has been shown to be more effective than the traditional glucosamine hydrochloride method. ProLabs joins with the thousands of servicemen and women who have been assisted or saved by these canines, to honor these special dogs and to help provide top products to keep these dogs healthy and ready to serve.

What Causes Joint Pain For Your Dog? Could it Be Arthritis?

No dog owner wants to face it, but it’s likely that as your dog ages, joint problems could become an issue.

While some breeds are more prone to joint issues than others, what causes joint pain in dogs is often associated with arthritis. Arthritis is a condition where the joints and the areas surrounding the joints become inflamed. This often produces swelling and pain. Most dogs will develop arthritis when their cartilage loses its ability to stay lubricated. Once the cartilage begins to break down, bone comes in contact with bone, which doesn’t allow for proper joint operation.

It’s not always arthritis that brings a dog into a less mobile state. What causes joint pain on some occasions is a condition where the synovial fluid that surrounds the joints disappears, which will produce some of the same symptoms that dogs show with classic cases of arthritis. The synovial fluid lubricates the joints and allows the ball and socket to move with ease. Once the fluid is gone, the dog will experience discomfort and difficulty moving the joint.

Dogs play hard. Sometimes they’ll injure ligaments, which is also what causes joint pain that will slow your dog down. An injured ligament will become inflamed and very sore. This will make the dog move differently to avoid hurting itself any further. Sometimes this can lead to other joint issues as weight is placed more heavily on the uninjured joints.

Degenerative joint disease is also what causes joint pain in dogs. Arthritis can be from an inflammatory condition but degenerative effects can also cause it. Degenerative joint disease also includes the breakdown of cartilage, whether it’s from a lack of fluid or from stress on the joint, which also leads to a bone-on-bone situation that is painful for dogs. Some degenerative conditions are caused by too much jumping exercise where joints are submitted to intense pressure.

Inflammatory joint disease is also what causes joint pain in dogs. This occurs in dogs that have a problem with their immune systems. It also occurs in dogs with infections. This condition will often present itself in more than one joint. Dogs with inflammatory joint disease will often lose their appetites, move with great stiffness and sometimes have fevers. Tick bites can lead to this condition, as can a weakness that breaks down the immune system. Lupus is known to cause joint pain in dogs, but few dogs are prone to rheumatoid arthritis.

When your dog begins to experience joint problems, there is something you can do to help. ProLabs, a company that develops veterinarian-quality products to improve the health of dogs and cats, developed FLEX Rx to address joint problems that dogs develop. It’s a joint health supplement that is different than other products on the market, and has been proven to be twice as effective as other popular treatment methods, including glucosamine/chondroitin treatments.

Healthy Dog Foods: What to Look For

What food should I buy for my dog? It’s probably one of the most important questions a dog owner can ask and there is no easy answer. There are so many varieties of foods to choose from that the task can become overwhelming, but there are factors to consider that will make the task of finding healthy dog foods less daunting.

First, you have to know your dogs age, health history, level of fitness (fat or skinny) and any health concerns related to the breed. Most healthy dog foods will have ingredients geared toward the puppy, the adult and the senior dog. Dogs that have weight issues are also targeted for special formulas made entirely for the overweight or the underweight dog. Dogs with joint issues, allergies, cancer or any number of other ailments can be helped with their daily food.

It’s a sad fact, but dog owners on an extremely limited budget may opt for cheap dog foods, which means the quality is likely to be an issue. Where healthy dog foods are concerned, the more you spend, the better the quality. And better quality food means owners may see fewer expensive health problems later on.

Most new dog owners are mortified by what their new canine companion is capable of eating. They usually encounter this when the dog discovers the cat box, or during a playful jaunt at the local park where the dog takes keen interest in a rotting bird or squirrel. But when it comes to eating the fresh food straight out of the package in a clean bowl, they’ll turn up their noses. Yes, dogs can be finicky and this should also enter into your equation when picking out healthy dog foods.

Some of the healthiest foods available for your dog can be found in your veterinarian’s office or online. These foods have the best quality ingredients without a lot of baseless fillers that provide no nutritional value for your dog. If you’re a pet parent who is interested in high quality dog food, you are likely also interested in products that help your pet stay healthy and include high-quality supplements. Many premium pet products, such as products for joint health, contain vitamins and other ingredients to boost overall health – so you can be a true multi-tasker with your pet’s health. 

ProLabs makes products specifically designed to better the health of your dogs and cats. The company has devised a joint health supplement that has proven to be more effective in addressing joint issues than other products. In fact, clinical studies reveal that the supplement, FLEX Rx, is twice as effective as other popular supplements in improving joint function and mobility – plus FLEX Rx contains pro-inflammatory AA metabolites and ingreadients that have an antioxidant effect five times greater than vitamin E.

How to Help Your Pet With Dog Dermatitis

Dog dermatitis is a very common health issue that canines will face at some point in their lives. Skin problems have a number of causes, including chemicals that can affect every dog or allergic reactions to various substances that will affect one dog but not the next.

Look for dog dermatitis in areas that have the least amount of hair, generally the nose, stifles, feet, chin or scrotum. Sometimes it takes multiple exposures to the irritant before the dog dermatitis shows up, other times it’s a single exposure that will produce redness, swelling or moist and weepy spots or blisters. Some dog dermatitis will turn into a scaly outbreak and can crust over.

Dogs with dermatitis will sometimes lose hair in the affected area. Excessive scratching at the itchy spots will produce wounds that can become infected, which is why immediate treatment for dog dermatitis is recommended.

Many dogs will have reactions to soaps and shampoos that their owners use on them. Veterinarians caution owners to never use products made for humans on their canine counterparts – the chemicals are often far too harsh for the canine skin and can cause dog dermatitis. Alkalis, detergents and acids will also cause breakouts.

Some dogs will experience what is called allergic contact dermatitis after repeated exposure to various chemicals to which they eventually become sensitized. These rashes look like normal dog dermatitis but will spread more rapidly. Flea collars and synthetic fibers are the biggest catalyst for allergic contact dermatitis, but other irritants include paint, wool, leather, rubber dishes, wood preservatives and dyes. Some medications have been found to cause this condition.

Most allergic contact dermatitis can be treated with topical ointments that have antibiotics in them. Some veterinarians will recommend corticosteroids, which are taken orally.

Some dogs will experience canine atopy, which is a seasonal itching issue that will not produce any abnormal skin signs until the dog continually scratches at the area. It occurs in the ears and the underside of the body most often. Dogs might flap their ears with vigorous headshaking or rub their faces on the ground to try to ease the itch. The dog might also experience a runny nose and watery eyes.

For excellent, over-the-counter products that improve the health and happiness of your pets, try the  ProLabs line of products. ProLabs designed Skin Soothe to address hot spots, footpad injuries, skin fold dermatitis, incision sites and other skin conditions. The product relieves itching, is easy to spray onto the affected area(s), is not oily and won’t cause any staining. It’s steroid and antibiotic free and has no sting. Skin Soothe actually uses the power of zinc to soothe and heal the skin.

Puppy Nutrition: Build a Healthy Dog Now

Puppy food isn’t just a marketing ploy by pet food companies – it is a specially formulated blend of ingredients that give your puppy a good start to a healthy life. Puppy nutrition is a serious issue that all puppy owners need to spend some time and effort investigating.

Despite their tiny frames, puppies need around twice the nutritional value in their food than grown dogs require. Puppy nutrition includes ingredients that help muscles and bones, which are growing extremely fast, to develop properly. Internal organs are also rapidly expanding, and foods that address puppy nutrition will allow these parts to grow into healthy organs.

Most dog food production companies know that the proper puppy nutrition includes 30 percent more protein than what is included in adult dog foods. There are also a variety of minerals and vitamins that are included in puppy foods that give the immune system and skeletal growth a boost.

Most puppies will be on their special blend of puppy nutrition for about a year, but it can vary per breed. If a veterinarian determines that the puppy is developing too rapidly, which can cause a variety of health concerns including joint issues, he/she will take the puppy off the puppy nutrition diet and offer other suggestions.

So what’s the best choice of puppy food and what are my options? Good question. There are a few types of food to choose from – dry kibble, moist and semi-moist. Your puppy might have a preference, but most vets will tell you to make sure it is high in protein and will probably be less likely to recommend the moist blends.

For dental health, most vets will steer you away from the moist varieties and to the dry kibble as it is a more effective teeth cleaner. Dry kibble is also easier to digest and has fewer additives. Furthermore, the moist varieties are comprised mostly of water, which means they’ll have fewer nutrients, though there are exceptions.

The Association of American Feed Control Officials is the authority on which foods are best for your puppy. Most reputable dog food companies will meet this standard set by the AAFCO and try to surpass the standard. The less expensive puppy foods you see at grocery stores will likely meet the AAFCO standard, but just barely.

If your budget allows, stay away from the minimum and try for a higher quality product. And just because it’s somewhat more costly doesn’t mean it’s the best product – read the labels and look for the quality ingredients.

One key in reading labels is to identify the first five ingredients on the label. These make up the largest portions of what’s in the food. Protein-rich foods should be in the top five. Fats, vitamins and minerals are also key ingredients that should be listed.

ProLabs, a cutting-edge pet health company, offers supplements to keep your dog healthy throughout its life. If you’ve made the mistake of giving your puppy too much moist foods and are starting to notice some issues with its breath, ProLabs offers Breath Refresh, which uses zinc to freshen your puppy’s breath and cleanse teeth without brushing.

Dog Multivitamins: Myths and Truths to Know

When you wake up in the morning, aside from brewing a cup of coffee or setting yourself up with a bowl of cereal, you likely pop a multivitamin to start your day. What dog owners are finding out today is that for many canines, a vitamin supplement may be helpful as well.

The practice of adding dog multivitamins to the daily routine is becoming more common than ever. In fact, by some estimates, about a third of all canine lovers are giving dog multivitamins to their pooches. We want our best friends to live the longest and happiest life we can give them. Dog multivitamins can help this happen, whether it’s for better joint health or to keep shedding at a minimum.

About one-fifth of all dogs will develop joint issues at some point in their lives. For some dogs, genes predetermine the onset of osteoarthritis. But that doesn’t mean you can’t take action and slow the onset of the issues and dog multivitamins or similar products, like joint health supplements, are a crucial step in the right direction.

Some of you might have heard that dog multivitamins with calcium in them can be detrimental to your dog’s health. This is a myth. Indeed, an overdose of calcium in a puppy’s diet can be an issue, particularly with larger dog breeds, but dog multivitamins, if administered a properly indicated levels, shouldn’t cause this problem. Some of you might also be avoiding dog multivitamins because they contain vitamin A, which has been shown to cause joint problems. An overabundance of vitamin A will pose joint issues, but the best dog health supplements are balanced with just the right amount of vitamins and minerals.

Another myth that keeps dog owners from making a dog multivitamin part of the routine is that they contain vitamin D, which in large quantities can cause muscle weakness in dogs. It’s true that too much is not good for muscles, bones or the appetite, but dog multivitamins are nowhere near the level of overdose in this vitamin. The best course of action is to pick a few product on the market today and present them to your veterinarian. Your vet will know exactly what will be right for your dog.

One of the go-to companies is ProLabs Pets, makers of a proven joint health supplement FLEX Rx. FLEX Rx is a supplement that can help dogs of all sizes. FLEX Rx is the first of its kind to address joint problems with pro-inflammatory AA metabolites. The recipe also has an antioxidant built into it that is around five times more effective than vitamin E alone, and it’s being recommended by vets around the country.