It’s easy to think that a couple of extra pounds can’t hurt your hound. But a couple of extra pounds can mean your dog is obese. Dog obesity is quickly becoming the number one health hazard for dogs in the U.S. Because of dogs small bodies the health risks of obesity are very serious for dogs.

One of the most common complications for obese dogs is diabetes. Since extra weight means the dog’s body needs to produce more insulin in response to a greater amount of blood sugar the obese dog can easily develop ‘sugar diabetes’ or diabetes mellitus.

Congestive heart failure is another big health risk that is increased with dog weight. Since the heart has to work extra hard to get blood to the extra tissue of an overweight dog they can develop increased blood pressure, or hypertension. In turn, hypertension can lead to congestive heart failure.

Surgical and anesthetic risks, development canine cancer, distemper, and other bacterial and viral infections are also heightened when a dog is overweight. Arthritis, hip dysplasia, decreased liver function, difficulty breathing, and digestive and reproductive problems can result from dog obesity as well. Some dogs even experience heat exhaustion, a lack of stamina, and hair and coat problems that can lead to skin infections due to unhealthy extra pounds.

If your dog’s overweight consider a specially formulated dog food that will help reduce unnecessary fat content or reduce the amount you feed your pet. Make sure your pet gets at least two hours of active play each day, through walks, dog parks, agility training or highly active outdoor play like fetch or tag. Keeping your dog’s weight under control is an important way to decrease his or her risk of developing unwanted illnesses and increasing your dog’s life expectancy and happiness.

Photo by peasap

If your dog is overweight, middle aged, or on a high fat diet he or she may be at risk for canine diabetes. Canine diabetes is a condition caused by your pets’ inability to process or create enough insulin. Congenital defects, disease, certain prescribed drugs, or illness can cause other forms of canine diabetes, such as diabetes insipidus and nephrogenic diabetes insipidus.

Other factors that determine your dog’s potential risk include breed, as mixed-breed dogs have been found to be more often prone to developing canine diabetes than purebred dogs. Female dogs and neutered males also have a higher risk than intact male dogs. If your dog suffers from Cushing’s disease, inflammation of the small bowl or pancreas, or has had long term use of steroid drugs he or she may have a high risk of developing diabetes.

Dogs with diabetes may exhibit excessive urination and water consumption, unexplainable or unhealthy weight loss, and an increased appetite. He or she may also develop cataracts, be lethargic, weak, out of breath, and otherwise intolerant to exercise, or develop reoccurring infections. If your dog is at risk of diabetes or has developed any of the symptoms of diabetes you should take him or her to the veterinarian for diagnosis immediately.

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In a recent video by ABC News; Dr. David Waters believes Rottweilers could hold the key for humans to live with cancer.

Since dog allergies can be caused by a large variety of stimuli, from food products like wheat to airborne allergens like pollen, it can be hard to determine if your pet is suffering from allergies. Since there are four different types of allergens that can cause reactions and discomfort for our dogs, it is best to know the symptoms for each type of allergen.

Dogs can suffer from seasonal allergies, just as humans can. Dog allergy symptoms for inhalants or airborne allergens include: coughing, sneezing, and watery eyes. If your dog is suffering from seasonal allergies talk to your vet about medications, which range from vitamins to antihistamines and steroids, which may help your dog.

Other allergies that may increase during the spring through fall times of year are flea and tick allergies. The symptoms for flea and tick reactions include: biting or gnawing on legs and skin, chewing, hair loss, itching, and inflammation. If your dog displays signs of flea or tick allergies a hypoallergenic tick and flea bath as well as regular topical flea and tick medication may be the best way to help your dog.

Food allergies are a reaction of the immune system to certain food products. They can be either inherited or developed depending on the food product. Diarrhea, ear infections, hair loss, itching, scratching, skin infections, and vomiting are all signs of food allergies. If you believe your dog has food allergies either change the foods they are eating to brands that contain less fillers and more ‘real foods’ or consult your veterinarian.

Contact allergies can also cause your dog discomfort. Items such as detergents or other powders or liquids that come in contact with their skin can cause these allergic reactions: blisters, hives, rashes, and thickening or darkening of the skin. If your dog is displaying symptoms of contact allergies try to determine what he or she is allergic to by eliminating possible allergens one at a time, or have him or her tested by the vet.

If your dog’s one of the many naturally curious types of hounds, dog poisoning may be a major concern. Poisoning most often happens on accident, as dogs’ small bodies are more susceptible to toxins. Add to the mix that natural sense of curiosity and the desire to taste or ‘mouth’ new objects and you have the perfect case for dog poisoning.

Poisons, or items that are toxic to dogs can be found in a variety of places, not just your average rattrap or jug of chemicals. Poisons that are fatal to dogs can be the avocado on your counter, or the Jasmine plant you just picked up at the nursery. Knowing the chemicals, plants, insects, and foods inhabiting your house that might poison your dog is the key to prevention.

But what do you do if you come home to find that your dog has eaten your beloved Elephant Ear plant, or gotten into a can of chemicals? The first step is to identify the toxic substance your dog has gotten into, as well as any symptoms he or she may have. Armed with this knowledge, call the Poison Control center as well as your dog’s veterinarian. They can assist you in determining the best route to take in handling the situation.

The symptoms of poisoning can be many. Mouth rashes, drooling, lethargy, and skin rashes are some of the less apparent symptoms. Other, more obvious symptoms include seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, staggering, and breathing difficulties. Left untreated poisoning can result in kidney and liver failure, comas, and death.

Dogs who have been poisoned may take up to three days, and sometimes longer, to display the symptoms of poisoning, so it is best to call your vet immediately if you are aware that your dog has ingested or inhaled a poisonous substance, even if her or she hasn’t shown any symptoms yet. With your vet’s help you can lessen the impact poisoning, especially food and plan poisoning, may have on your pet’s long-term health.

While there is no cure for cancer or guarantee that you can save your pet from this disease, there are steps you can take to reduce your pet’s risk of developing cancer. Risk reduction, or prevention, is the only way you can ensure that you’re doing your best to defend your dog’s health.

The key step in reducing your pet’s risk of cancer is to support a healthy immune system. Experts believe that a healthy immune system is essential to holistic risk reduction. Diet is an important factor in helping your dog maintain a healthy immune system. By providing your pet a diet that is full of healthy real food fats and proteins instead of substitutes like chicken meal or fillers like wheat and corn, you will provide your dog with the vitamins and minerals necessary for healthy growth. Antioxidants and vitamins that are designed just for dogs can also help boost immune systems and reduce risk of cancer. Proper exercise and a happy home life can also help reduce your dog’s risk.

Environment can also take a toll on your dog. If your dog is exposed to toxic chemicals like pesticides, fluorinated water, exhaust fumes, or second hand smoke he or she is more likely to develop canine cancer. As recent studies have shown that over vaccination can increase cancer risk, getting your pet Titers instead of vaccination boosters, or limiting the amount of vaccinations your pet has, can also help decrease risk of cancer.

While there is still no one proven prevention method or cure for cancer you can guard your dog’s health, and ensure that he or she lives a long and happy life.

Unknown to you, your home may be a virtual death trap for your dog. Many favorite houseplants can be toxic or even deadly to your pet. These plants can cause a wide range of health problems to your dog, from mouth swelling and vomiting to asphyxiation and seizures, as well as death.

Here is a small list of some of the more common houseplants that should be kept well out of your dog’s reach:
· Aloe Vera
· Bird of Paradise
· Daffodil
· Elephant Ear
· Ficus
· Jack-In-The-Pulpit
· Jade
· Lilly
· Mums
· Norfolk Pines
· Poinsettias
· Tulips

If your household harbors plants that are a potential source of toxins for your dog make sure to keep them out of your dog’s reach. If your dog eats a toxic or poisonous plant be sure to call your dog’s veterinarian and the poison control center immediately.