Category: Advice

Read the full article here

There are many wonderful complementary treatments for dogs with OA. None will cure or heal the arthritic joint, but a combination of treatments can very well restore vitality and decrease discomfort, making a happy walk in the park a reality once again.

1. Omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine and chondroitin, and avocado and soybean unsaponifiables (ASU) can all work to slow joint degeneration. The combination of these over several months can improve function and decrease pain. Can also be used as preventive.

2. Turmeric and curcumin together are a potent anti-inflammatory.

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I recently wrote about my elderley (14 years) galga developing dementia after a stroke a year ago. Here’s an article in the Whole Dog Journal about the problem, with links to a book if you are interested in learning more.

‘Here’s how to love and care for a dog with dementia

Recognize the signs of dementia earlier so you can take steps to slow the process.
Is your dog pacing in circles, barking for no apparent reason, or forgetting his housetraining? Is he starting to get stuck in corners, stare at walls, or act a little distant? These and other behavioral changes may indicate that your dog is developing canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD), a disease akin to Alzheimer’s.

It’s been estimated that more than 14% of pet dogs over the age of 8 show some symptoms of age-related cognitive dysfunction – and a whopping 68% of dogs aged 15 to 16 years have symptoms of cognitive impairment. Some pet owners might joke about “doggie Alzheimer’s,” but this degenerative brain disease is a real thing.

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How long is too long to leave your dog ‘home alone’? Read the full article on this link.

Regular readers will know that occasionally I publish links to article in the Whole Dog Journal, when I find the subject matter interesting or thought provoking. Recently a piece came in on the subject of euthanazie – when is the right time and as my galga Carmela has started to suffer from dementia, I read up some more. Links to a couple of articles are below.

It is over 10 years since Carmela came into my life, during one of my many trips into Spain with L’Europe des Levriers to bring back podencos and galgos for homing in France. She had been rescued from a perrera and showed many signs of having been badly treated by her galguero, mostly in mental fear. She gradually gained in confidence living alongside my outgoing very friendly galga Sahara – who sadly was pts when riddled with cancer. No longer living in the shadow of Sahara, Carmela became a lively happy galga, a joy to behold.

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My galga Sahara died riddled with cancer – but it was only discovered after her belly started swelling and I took her to the vet. Here’s an article about Canine Lymphoma.

Bracken came in with a very swollen face. So here’s advice on what to do if your dog is stung.

Pity so few countries do not understand this.

Read the full article in the Whole Dog Journal on this link.