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.

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 Bad Breath: What to do Besides Brushing

It becomes painfully obvious how spatially unaware dogs are when your “best friend” gets up close and personal, panting in your face with dog bad breath. It’s got a unique aroma all it’s own and in some cases, all the brushing in the world won’t get rid of it. What’s a pet owner to do?

Most of the time we think the odor is emanating from the mouth. But the dog bad breath that seems to never go away is the type that can originate in the gut, lungs, throat or stomach. Even the best toothbrush won’t solve issues this deep.

Most of our dogs get bad breath from tartar and plaque build-up, most often caused by using a lower quality food or allowing your dog to eat off your plate or table scraps too often. Not all dogs are accepting of a toothbrush in the mouth, which means the owner is less likely to brush on a regular basis. If left untreated, this tartar and plaque build-up can get into the gums and cause some serious problems.

Brushing isn’t the only way to keep teeth and gums healthy. Several pet care companies offer dental products that are good at keeping the build-up to a minimum, and your dog probably sees these products as a treat. Dental bones, as most companies label them, not only clean the teeth, they also provide some vital nutrients to keep your dog healthy. Some dental treatments can be a bit harsh on dogs with sensitive stomachs, so be sure to consult with your veterinarian if you’re new to the dental bone market.

Rawhide bones are also an effective means of keeping your dog bad breath from waking you up at night. A common warning with these rawhide bones is that if swallowed in too large of pieces, it can block your dog’s digestive tract, which can be deadly. It’s best to only allow your dog to enjoy the rawhide while under your supervision.

There are also sprays on the market now that will treat dog bad breath. Some of these treatments are made with all natural ingredients and some come in powder form. Read the ingredients carefully and give your vet a quick call to make sure what you’re putting in your dog’s mouth meets their standard for safety and good health.

Some dog bad breath is a clue to a serious health issue. Sweet or fruity-smelling breath is often a symptom of diabetes. If your dog smells like he’s just taken a gulp of urine, it’s possible that he/she is experiencing an issue with the kidneys. Liver disease often comes with a bit of vomiting, yellowing eyes and skin, and a particularly horrid case of dog bad breath.

ProLabs is one of the companies that veterinarians across the country have recommended for problems like dog bad breath. ProLabs has a line of veterinarian-quality products for many issues that affect your dog – from fleas to joint problems to bad breath.

Dog Skin Problems: Annoying, But Avoidable

A dog that gets through an entire lifetime without developing some type of problem with their skin is indeed a rare dog. Dog skin problems have many causes, from allergies to parasites to harsh shampoos (human shampoo can cause severe irritation on canines).

Immune responses can cause flare-ups, from underactive to overactive responses. Demodectic mange and bacterial infections are common when the immune system doesn’t handle exposure to these triggers. Some dogs will inherit a chronic skin allergy, which is called canine atopy. Dogs that experience this issue will itch around their ears, feet, muzzle and eyes. Pollen from trees and grass can often trigger a reaction, as can mold and mites.

Some dogs will face autoimmune skin diseases such as pemphigus foliaceus, which presents as blisters on the skin, which form scab-like substances. It usually starts around the head, but can spread over the entire body. Hot spots are also common dog skin problems. Your veterinarian will likely refer to it as it’s official name – actue moist dermatitis. It presents as an irritation on one particularly area of the body. If not treated, it can develop into a staphylococcus infection.

Many dog skin problems can be avoided through proper bathing. This not only makes it easier for you to enjoy your dog’s company (Fido does get stinky) but it can prevent dog skin problems from developing into potential life-threatening diseases. Some owners have a tough time getting their pets into the tub at bath time. Every dog is different, so what works for one owner might not suffice for another, but here are a few tips to consider to get that reluctant pet sudsy.

If you’re not having luck with the garden hose, there is good reason for it – your dog doesn’t like be shot with cold water any more than you do. Consider taking your pet indoors to a non-slippery bathtub where you can bath him/her in warm water. Dogs don’t like hot bathes either, so be mindful of how hot you run the water. A slippery tub adds to the anxiety, so add a rubber mat. Many owners prefer a hand-held shower device over a bathtub full of water.

Entice your pet into the bathing area with treats – make the experience positive. They may never enjoy being soaked with water and shampoo, but taking their favorite toy and some delicious treats will offset the bad. Also, have towels handy, a brush for grooming and the proper shampoo made for canines.

In many cases, dog skin problems need more than the regular bath. ProLabs, a company dedicated to providing your dog with a better quality of life, designed Skin Soothe to heal and aid hot spots, itching, dermatitis, wounds and foot pad injuries among other issues. Unlike similar products out there, Skin Soothe is veterinarian quality.

Happy Dog, Happy Owner: Dog Skin Care Checklist to Control Hot Spots

As the summer weather kicks into high-gear, it’s time to keep an eye on your dog’s skin, particularly for hot spots. Summertime brings more outside activities, which means your dog has a higher risk of exposure to fleas and to the various triggers that cause allergies – both of which are associated with hot spots.

Your vet will refer to hot spots as acute moist dermatitis. Pet owners need to look for areas on the skin where there are red, oozing infections that your pet is probably constantly scratching or licking due to the itchy nature of the infection. A fleabite has been known to be the catalyst for hot spots. What begins as a simple irritation becomes an oozing wound that should be treated as soon as owners find them.

Hot spots that aren’t treated expand into larger, more serious wounds. Some dogs will develop hot spots near their ears, which is a sign of an ear infection rather than a fleabite or allergic reaction. Hot spots located at the rear of the dog could be a reaction to an anal gland infection. Regardless of the cause (which should also be addressed for future prevention) hot spots need immediate attention because it doesn’t take long for the infection to become serious and for your pet to become miserable and moody.

While the care of a veterinarian is mandatory for dog skin care, there are some things you can do to make your dog as comfortable as possible until it gets into the vet’s office. Use a non-irritating soap to clean the affected area. The area needs to be rinsed of soap and dried, but be gentle as the wound is likely painful when touched. To give your veterinarian better access to the area he/she will be treating, clip the hair around the wound, making sure not to get any of it in the wound.

Your dog is likely to do further damage to the area by scratching it or licking/biting the wound. An Elizabethan collar can be of assistance if licking is an issue and booties or socks will be necessary if your dog is constantly scratching at the wound. Your vet should be looking for what caused the hot spot and give you ideas on how to prevent it from happening again and assist you in providing dog skin care options. Antibiotics are often introduced to speed recovery as are drying agents that can be applied directly to the wound.

ProLabs offers a full line of products to keep your dog’s health in order, from worm protector 2X to Tape Worm Tabs for dogs – dog skin care is a specialty of the company that strives to keep pets healthy or get them that way quickly with safe products. Skin Soothe is one product that aids in the healing of hot spots, minor wounds and many skin conditions.

Top Dog Skin Problems This Summer

Summer brings on a variety of activities that you and your pet can enjoy, activities that aren’t available in the winter months. But with the summer fun comes summer-related dog skin problems that your pet doesn’t encounter when the days are short and the temperatures dip.

Just like humans, your pet will experience allergies as the foliage comes out of dormancy and releases its pollen into the air. Some dogs will experience flaky and dry skin, which depending on the dog; can result in excessive licking and biting in affected areas. Obviously, the constant scratching will result in more serious conditions that need attention before it gets out of hand.

Dog skin problems also move into the ears, which causes discomfort. The first sign is usually excessive head shaking/ear flapping. Your pet will also attempt to dig into their ears with the claws in an attempt to abate the nagging itch. But taking a proactive approach before these conditions flare up by adding a supplement to the diet is the smart approach. These supplements will protect the coat and skin of your pet and keep him happy during the heat of the summer.

More outdoor activities also puts your dog in the path of parasites like ticks and fleas, which are also a major nuisance for your dog. Some owners have unfortunately bought into the home remedies that can put their beloved pets in danger of toxic reactions. There are more vet-approved methods out there that take danger out of the equation and keep fleas and ticks off your dog. Natural formulas exist that keep the coat shiny and the skin moist and healthy, at the same time, ticks and fleas do a 180 when they attempt to find a host in your dog.

Weimaraners owners feel fortunate in the summer months when their non-dual-coated pet sheds little. Xoloitzcuintli and Peruvian Inca Orchid owners are even more fortunate as some regions of those dogs grow no hair at all. But most dog owners can be assured that their breed has a double coat, and if they aren’t taking in the right nutrients, they’re going to lose more hair than the owner will know what to do with.

Dogs that receive the right amount of omega-3 and omega-6 fats in their diets will only shed the normal amount expected for their breed. Some owners will deploy a shampoo or soap that is far too strong and can mimic conditions that are associated with a lack of the appropriate nutrition levels.

ProLabs has the products pet owners rely on to keep their pet’s skin and coat healthy throughout every season.  Products such as Skin Soothe which relieves itching and will help heal your dog’s skin if it becomes irritated are available to help your dog have an itch free summer.