Causes of Limping in Dogs

During the doggie life, certain dogs break bones, sprain muscles, tear ligaments, or slip discs all of which can result in sudden onset of limping in dogs. Torn knee ligaments occur frequently in dogs while muscle strains are less common, but when that happens dogs find it difficult to climb even the stairs. There are certain minor problems that do not require a veterinarian visit but always keep a good watch on things that can lead to serious problems in dogs due to the limping behavior.

Let us now look at some of the signs that point out that the doggie is suffering from a major medical condition while limping.

· Bobble their head while walking

· Drawing back when touched

· Drooling

· Excessive panting

· Holding up a paw

· Lack of appetite

· Shifting the weight off one of the legs to another leg

· Sitting or lying down on one side of their body

· Stumbling

· Taking smaller steps

· Vigilant while going up and down the stairs

If the dog is showing either of the signs mentioned above, then there can be several causes for the limping behavior. Some of them are:

Arthritis and degenerative joint problems

Arthritis can cause sudden limp in dogs due to excessive pressure on the joints. Hence, if you find any symptoms of arthritis take the dog to the veterinarian immediately. Hip dysplasia is a serious condition that is more prevalent in large and giant breed dogs.

Fractures and dislocation

Fractures and dislocations can result in a lot of joint pain in dogs that can also cause limping. If the dog is not putting any weight on the leg inspect for bruises, deformed areas, bone protrusion or discoloration. If you see any of these symptoms on the dog's leg; rush to the veterinarian immediately.

Infections

Even infections can cause limping in dogs. Always ensure that there is no sign of punctures, breaks or scratches in the skin of the dog. The skin should not be red, runny, tender, crusty and/or foul smelling. The pads of the dog should not have any cuts, stones, nails, glass, thorns or silvers. If you find that the dog is feverish which can be felt when you touch the site of the wound and it is warm it can indicate infection. Clean the area with a disinfectant. If the wound looks critical rush to the veterinarian. The veterinarian will prescribe some antibiotics to prevent secondary infections.

Long nails

If the nails of the paws are not cut regularly; it can cause discomfort in dogs, which results in limping. Hence, regularly trim the nails of the dog.

Obesity

Obese dogs exert a lot of stress on their joints which causes the limping. If the overweight dog falls off or jumps from a high spot it can lead to severe injuries to them. Feed him less food so that the extra weight sheds off. Restrict the number of treats. Have a regular exercise regimen for the doggie in fact; more exercise can result in limbering up the muscles and joints of the dog. Change the diet of the dog after consulting with the veterinarian.

Tick bites

Tick bites can cause Lyme disease and Rickettsial disease. Lyme disease causes the joints to swell the joints slowly but gradually. It is found in more than one leg in dogs. If the dog limps on and off then it may be a case of Lyme disease and the bad news is that it cannot be cured. Rickettsial disease is contracted from fleas, ticks or lice bites. It affects the joints of the dog. See the veterinarian immediately in either of the cases.

Having a dog myself and a successful work experience at VetSupply makes me feel obligated to educate fellow dog owners about different dog care tips. I have come across different types of dog problems during my professional life; and so in this write-up, I have utilized all my experience and enumerated some key pointers that can cause limping in dogs.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Causes-of-Limping-in-Dogs&id=9385142

Summer Is Tick Time

Summer is here again and the ticks are back. Yes summer time is a bad time for dogs when it comes to ticks. It's a known fact that ticks can carry disease so let's talk about some of the things you can do to keep your dog tick free. 

I mentioned that ticks are back because it is summer but actually in some parts of the country ticks are a problem year around. 

Ticks are known to carry many different diseases including but not limited to Ehrliciosis, Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. 

Ticks prefer large animals to get their meals and because of that deer and dogs are always a favorite. Because of our deer population ticks are able to thrive. In fact some experts say that we would not have as big of a tick problem if we did not have deer. 

So how do you keep these nasty creatures away from your dog so you and your dog will stay safe and healthy? There are a couple of easy ways to do it. 

Frontline Plus

Frontline Plus

Frontline Plus

There are products like Front Line that you simply apply to your dog's skin monthly. These products have been around for years and have done a pretty good job of keeping dogs tick free. However there is always somebody looking for the better mouse trap. 

 For some dog owners that better mouse trap is Seresto. Seresto is a collar for your dog that will give your dog flea and tick protection for 8 months. A couple of advantages that Seresto offers is the fact that you do not have to remember to use the topical treatment that you have been using in the past. 

Seresta Small Dog

Seresta large Dog

Seresto can be used on puppies that are 7 weeks and older. You do not have to remove the collar to bathe your dog. However if your dog swims or is bathed once a month or more the duration of the product is reduced to 5 months. Simple fix, take the collar off when your dog swims or gets a bath. 

It appears that this product makes protecting your dog year around much easier. No remembering to do it on the first of each month. 

Of course it is always a good idea to check your dog for fleas and ticks on a regular basis when you give your dog a few minutes of special attention or when you are brushing.

Tick Jacket

Another way to protect you dog is to use a light weight "Tick Jacket"

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Summer-Is-Tick-Time&id=8574818