We Are The Cure Blog | Canine Cancer Information

I was absolutely overwhelmed to read in the papers that dogs are living longer than they used to. Now that Rover has entered the 10th year of his life, there is always an unknown fear lurking at my heart. This news came as a welcome relief for me.

A renowned doctor from K Heart Veterinary Clinic in Great Falls has attributed this to the growing bond between the pet and his owner. He said that dogs have literally become a part our family. We treat them no less than our children. Moreover, access to more information has also changed the way we feed our pooches. Earlier, owners would hardly discriminate between pet food and human food. But now they have become very choosy when it comes to picking food items for their buddies.

Dr Manzer also emphasized the advancements in medical science that have contributed to prolonging their life span. He in fact revealed that arthritic treatment in dogs has become more advanced compared to that in humans.

The dog you choose to adopt can also play an instrumental role. It has been scientifically proven that small and medium sized dogs live longer than their bigger counterparts. Dr Manzer said that earlier people used to get an idea about a dog’s age in human years by multiplying it with 7.

But there is a new formula in vogue now. According to this, a 1 year old doggie is equivalent to a 12 year old child while a 2 year old pooch is equivalent to that of a 24 year old person. As the dog grows in years you have to keep adding 4 to its original age. This basically boils down to the number of years a dog has in hand, told the vet.

So, according to the new formula my Rover is only 56 years now. Hey that’s a great news!

With the rising lung cancer deaths among non-smokers it has been rightfully established that passive smoking is as dangerous as active smoking. We can still avoid passive smoking if we want to but what about our canine friends? Do you know that the stale vapors from cigarettes can predispose our buddies to lung cancer? The risk increases manifold if there is more than one smoker in the family.

The fumes have a detrimental effect on canine blood vessels and this is the reason why their eyes look sore after prolonged or repeated bouts of passive smoking. The toxic smoke can also affect their ears.

Although passive smoking can harm any breed, ones with long noses like greyhounds are more susceptible to cancer. The poisonous fumes can also result in other life threatening conditions like repeated coughing and spluttering. Smoke can trigger allergies in our pets by irritating their esophagus.

Nothing matters more than our pets’ well being. So, if you still haven’t given up on smoking it’s high time that you kick the butt because it’s our responsibility to make the earth a better place to live in.

If you wish to know more about canine pulmonary tumors you can refer to our cancer library.

I had been wondering of late that why do we always try to teach our pooches what we think is right? Why don’t we allow them to be on their own? We bring them over and confine them to our houses. We think we allow them maximum free space to move around. But little do we realize that they are animals after all and any animal for that matter loves natural environment. My point is we already deprive them of open space and on top of that we also try to overburden them with our lifestyle. Any way this is my point of view.

But you won’t believe I came across an article where a top veterinary behaviorist, Dr. Paul McGreevy is actually speaking along similar lines. He is in fact urging people ‘not to chain their pets to the burdens of modern human life. He has also penned a book called ‘A Modern Dog’s Life’ where he laments that people expect their pets to be tolerant and understanding when it should exactly be the other way round. Very interestingly he points out how strange and awkward our pooches feel at the breakneck speed of modern life. The moving vehicles, fire, electricity and chemistry hold them in bewilderment as they fail to understand the relationship between cause and effect. And how do they react to the innumerable smells pervading the air? Thanks to their oversensitive nostrils.

However, having said all this he doesn’t undermine the importance of dog training. He strongly believes that training is imperative for streamlining their lives and for helping them adjust to the nitty-gritty’s of modern civilization. And he’s cocksure that dog owners who actually value their pets would always acknowledge their good demeanor and most deservingly give back what their doggies enjoy the most!

Like humans cognitive disorders also affect our canine friends. But unfortunately it goes mostly unnoticed because of the lack of awareness on our parts. So, a renowned holistic vet, Dr. Shawn Messonnier, has come up with a book called Unexpected Miracle which provides comprehensive, well-researched solutions on dealing with canine dementia.

The doctor emphasizes natural remedies for treating the disease as opposed to AnipryIR, a conventional medicine which has been recently approved by the Canadian Health Protection Branch. He conducted a study on the nutritional supplement Cholodin and found a number of nutritional ingredients like choline, phosphatidylcholine, methionine, inositol, and various B vitamins. He drew a conclusion that these nutrients can actually increase the formation of nerve transmitting chemicals in the deteriorating neurological system and enhance mental awareness in affected pets.

But how would you know your pet has dementia? The common symptoms include deafness, lethargy, sleepiness, difficulties in indoor training, blank look, difficulty in recognizing the owner and lack of awareness of surroundings.

The doctor says that he starts examining doggies since 5 years. Larger breeds like Great Danes which have a life expectancy of 7 years usually develop the disease as early as 4 or 5. The vet also points out that clinical signs are absent in giant breeds until 7 or 8.

At this point you must be curious to know whether there is a definitive way of detecting the disease. The doctor, however, rules out such a possibility. He rather explains that the aforementioned symptoms could mean the advent of other illnesses like diabetes, heart disorders, kidney disease, liver disease, cancer especially brain tumors, hypothyroidism and cushing’s syndrome. So, a thorough physical examination along with routine tests like complete blood count and urine analysis must be performed. If no abnormality is detected, then it’s a confirmed case of dementia, adds Dr. Messonnier.

For further details you can log onto petcarenaturally.com.

Hair loss in dogs is usually triggered by ‘shedding’ which is a natural process of getting rid of unwanted hair, but it could sometimes mean the advent of an oncoming disease also. Hair loss can actually result from a large number of factors including food allergies, dermatitis, hypothyroidism, mange caused by parasites, cushing’s syndrome, poor nutrition and psychological conditions. Sometimes a genetic factor like pituitary dwarfism may also be responsible for canine hair loss.

Here’s a quick look at some of the deep-seated causes of hair loss in dogs:

Allergies
Allergies in dogs may result from certain food items, pollen, dust and flea bite. However, the saliva of the flea is considered more harmful than the bite itself. Sometimes household cleaning products and rubber may also induce allergies.

Dermatitis
Dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin due to rashes. It is caused by allergic reaction to specific allergens like antibiotics, metals, rubber, wool, plastic, chemicals, dyes, deodorants, irritants, fleas and food additives.

Alopecia
Alopecia is the complete or partial lack of hair in any area of the skin where hair would normally be found. Alopecia in dogs is caused by dermatitis, ringworm or cushing’s syndrome.

Psychological condition
There is another type of dermatitis in dogs called acral lick dermatitis. This is a condition in which the dog licks himself profusely due to anxiety, boredom, or stress leading to severe hair loss.

Poor nutrition
Sometimes lack of essential fatty acids or protein in the normal diet may trigger hair loss. This can be corrected by supplementing your pet’s diet with food items rich in protein.

Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which there is a hormonal imbalance in the body due to improper functioning of the thyroid glands. This leads to excessive loss of hair. Hypothyroidism can be treated successfully with hormone supplement medication.

Mange caused by parasites
Parasites like flea and mite may lead to hair loss in dogs. Other symptoms may include redness, scales, and itching. Mites produce mange which are of 3 types like sarcoptic, demodectic and cheyletiellosis. They are usually present under the dog’s skin.

Cushing’s Syndrome (Hyperadrenocorticism)
Cushing’s disease is a serious condition in which your dog’s adrenal gland doesn’t function properly. Although cushing’s syndrome can be treated with surgery, medication is considered more viable. Sometimes dogs who have been on corticosteroids for a prolonged period develop a different type of Cushing’s syndrome. However, this can be treated by reducing steroid intake.

Pituitary dwarfism
It is a hereditary condition caused by the insufficient development of growth hormone.  The lack of growth hormone is caused by the lack of development of pituitary gland. Unfortunately there is no cure for pituitary dwarfism. Human pituitary gland has been used in some dogs but with guarded prognosis. One of the most prominent symptoms of pituitary dwarfism is hair loss.

So, if you notice excessive hair loss in your dog over a protracted period of time consult his vet without delay.

Come Saturday and Salem would play host to the Boo-tiful Pet Costume Contest. It would be held at the Salem Common on Washington Square from 1.30 p.m onwards.

The event which is a brainchild of Dona Michaund was started around 20 years ago. While working in a pet shop, one day she attired her doggy in a child’s costume and took him out for a walk. To her utter amazement Dona found people flocking around them and taking snaps of her doggy. This incident inspired her to hold a costume party for pet owners which became a runaway success. Later on she started holding a parade for pets which became immensely popular over the years.

The contest has also boosted the economy of the place to a great extent. Many shops dedicated solely to pet clothing and accessories have sprung up on Washington Street in downtown Salem. However, despite the growth in shops many people still prefer to dress their doggies in home-made costumes.

According to Michaund this year the contest has been divided into 7 categories like Scariest or Creepiest Dog; Most Original; Best Dog and Owner (for matching costumes); Cutest Costumed Dog; Wackiest Bunch (for two or more canines); and Crowd Pleaser (for the costume that gets the best audience response.).

This year, the pooches will walk the ramp one by one. After that they would be grouped together in sections according to category. This would enable the judges to take prompt and correct decisions.

The event would be hosted by comedian Steve Calechman. There are prizes for the top three finishers in each category. All participating candidates will receive a gift
token each.

For further information you can get in touch with Dona Michaund at 978-744-2615.

If take your doggy to Salem for the contest do write in to me at gnice@wearethecure.org so that I can invite you to be a guest blogger.

Holidays had never been so peaceful and tension free. Thanks to this all new social networking site called Swap-a-dog. It is a one of its kind site which has been designed by dog lovers for helping out their counterparts in times of crisis.

With the help of this site, people of the same neighborhood can connect with one another and swap their doggies while they are away on holidays or work. This arrangement not only saves money but also keeps your pooches in safe hands. Moreover, getting to know new people can be fun too.
 
This is a much better option than kennels, pet sitting arrangements, and dog boarding as they fail to provide your pooches with a homely atmosphere.

However, apart from the swapping option, this website also provides information on special offers, vouchers, competitions, dog news and tips which can be of immense help to the owners.

If any of you have been benefited from this site I invite you to share your experiences with my readers.

Some of us think that adopting a new pet is a cakewalk. But we have to actually take the headlong plunge to realize what it takes to bring home a new member. We are too often induced into buying new pets after seeing them at some friend’s or relative’s place. But the responsibility that comes with it is paramount. So, before going for adoption we should be clear in our minds as to why we need a pet. Unless we have a determined purpose we wouldn’t be able to do justice to our pooch buddies.

There are certain things that should be kept in mind before going for adoption.

1. People normally go for adoption after losing a beloved family member or a pet. The sorrow is so profound that under these circumstances it becomes difficult to do proper justice to the new family member. However, the poor animal is oblivious to these happenings. So he seeks out your love and attention. In case you aren’t able to come to terms with your grief don’t go for adoption immediately. Give yourself time to cool down first and then take stock of
the situation.

2. If you wish to make your children disciplined, compassionate and loving, you can adopt a pet. Children who grow up with dogs nurture a feeling of unity and oneness. Teach them to respect animals and in this way they would learn to treat everybody around them on an equal footing.

3. We are more used to seeing dogs in the role of a protector. But you should always remember that they are more of a companion rather than a protector.

4. When you bring home a new member you should be able to adapt yourself to the changes in your lifestyle.

5. People who live on their own are usually inclined towards adopting a pet. But always remember that you have no one by your side to help you with your doggy chores. So, you should be self sufficient and just in case you are getting butterflies in your stomach you can brush up your training skills at an animal shelter, or by looking after an animal or watching a friend’s or relative’s pet.

6. Every time you move into a different surrounding you have to retrain your pet because they take time to get accustomed to a new environment.

7. If you plan to adopt a pet before the arrival of your first child you have to take extra precaution. It has been observed that once the couple’s first child arrives, the pet starts feeling forlorn. So, right from the very beginning you have set the rules in such a way so that your pet’s life doesn’t get jeopardized.

8. For some people pets are a welcome relief after their children leave home for higher studies or for work. Initially, pets can be very endearing but gradually they may start restricting your freedom.

9. Before adopting a pet think about your age, size of your residence and the number of family members. Also keep in mind whether you are a traveloholic or a home-oriented person and accordingly buy a pet. Small pets are suitable to travel with but big dogs aren’t.

These simple guidelines can actually help you to set fixed goals before adopting a pet.