Giardia in Dogs-Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Giardia in Dogs

In 1995, the kennel population of more than 110 dogs at the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association's Midlands Regional Centre in Leamington Spa was hit by an uncommon severe outbreak of diarrhoea. The cause proved to be an infection of the intestine by a commonly-occuring, single celled organism - or protozan known as Giardia.
So, What is Giardia in dogs?
Giardia is a single-celled parasite that lives in your dog’s intestine. It infects older dogs but more usually infects puppies. Dogs become infected when they devour Giardia that may be found in water or other substances that have been soiled with feces. The organisms, once ingested, make their way into the intestine, usually causing diarrhea. Giardia are found throughout the United States and in many other parts of the world(sometimes called “beaver fever”). Veterinary research docs suggest that 5% to 10% of all dogs in North America have giardiasis at any given time.
How will Giardia affect my dog?
Some dogs infected with Giardia do not get any disease. Giardiasis, the illness caused by Giardia infection, often results in diarrhea. Having giardiasis for a long time may be cause weight loss; poor condition; and even death.
Causes of Giardia in dogs
Giardia often live in different kinds of water sources, just like ponds or lakes. If your dog drinks from a contaminated water source, they may be become infected with giardia. The parasite is in the cyst phase and once within the intestine, the cyst goes through several phases of maturation. Finally your dog will pass the infective cysts in their stool and these cysts lie in the environment and may be infect other animals.
Giardia symptoms in dogs( or symptoms giardia in dogs)
Giardia may be cause a number of gastrointestinal symptoms in domestic dogs. Owners can notice one or more of the following:
+Loss of appetite (inappetance; anorexia)
+Weight loss
+Bloody stools (hematochezia)
+Pale-colored stools
+Greasy stools (steatorrhea)
+Diarrhea (can be acute, chronic or intermittent; usually poorly formed or loose stools; often profuse and watery)
+Gas (flatulence)
+Abnormally strong-smelling (malodorous) stools
+Abdominal pain (cramping; nausea)
+Lethargy (tiredness)
+Weakness
+Dehydration (may be severe)
+Fever (occasional; not common)
+Vomiting (occasional; not common)
Dogs with giardiasis can have no symptoms, as is the case in most dogs, or diarrhea and vomiting. In some cases, dogs will exhibit diarrhea that is soft, frothy, greasy and with a strong, awful odor or too much mucus.
Treatment for Giardia in dogs
The FDA has not approved any drugs for specific use against canine giardia. However, there are drugs usually used by veterinarians which are highly effective in treating the infection as well as to stop the shedding of cysts in feces. The drugs Fenbendazole as well as Febantel are safe and effective in treating the illness and in eliminating shedding cysts. The drug Metronidazole (commerce name Flagyl)  is an alternative, but may have some side effects/toxicity, although positive include that it can be effective against other causes of diarrhea as well.
Prevention of Giardia in Dogs
Also to vaccination, the only way to prevent giardia in dogs is to eliminate the causes of giardia in dogs which is standing water or unhygienic kennels or other areas where dogs congregate.  When walking your dog, try and give clean drinking water instead of relying on standing bodies of water or natural water sources such as ponds or lakes.
If your dog is diagnosed with giardia, environmental disinfection is important. Using diluted chlorine bleach at 1:32 or 1:16 dilutions (500 ml in 4 liters of water or one cup in a gallon of water) is effective in killing the cysts. Be sure to avoid contact with the feces by using gloves. We recommend thoroughly cleaning your dog’s living and sleeping areas, and then letting the areas to dry out for several days before reintroducing dogs.
Remember, Giardia in dogs may be infect people, so good, personal hygiene should be used by adults when cleaning kennels or picking up the yard, and by children who can play with dogs or in potentially contaminated areas.

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Dog Vomiting and Diarrhea- Causes and Treatment of Dog Vomiting and Diarrhea

What is vomiting and diarrhea in dogs?
Vomiting and diarrhea are one of the most common symptoms seen in dogs. They will occur alone or together. Like digestive upset can range from mild discomfort to serious life-threatening illness. These problems may be mild and minor or serious and life-threatening. Below are some common questions pet owners ask when their dog has vomiting and diarrhea.
What is vomiting and diarrhea? or What is dog vomiting? or What is dog diarrhea?
Diarrhea occurs when food and fluid pass through your dog's intestinal system faster than normal. Vomiting is caused by irritation of the stomach or first part of the small intestine.
In most cases, dog vomiting is simply from your dog consuming something spoiled, or eating garbage around the yard(are common occurrences among pooches). However, you do need to be concerned when these symptoms persist for more than a day. Diarrhea and vomiting could be signs or symptoms of an underlying illness or worms. Your dog could have ingested toxic food such as rodent bait, caused in food poisoning.
What is causes of vomiting and diarrhea in dogs?
Causes of diarrhea in dogs
The two most popular causes of diarrhea in dogs are dietary indiscretion and intestinal parasites.
Cause of vomiting in dogs
The most popular cause of vomiting in dogs is eating things such as sticks, leaves, bones, trash, or greasy table foods that irritate the lining of the digestive tract.
Also, vomiting and diarrhea may be caused by a variety of problems including eating too fast, eating too much, eating something that is not digestible, changes in the dog's food, eating spoiled food or garbage, infectious agents (including bacterial, viruses or parasites), as well as systemic problems such as cancer, diabetes, pancreatitis, kidney disease or liver disease.
Treatting dog vomiting and diarrhea
The first step in treating dog vomiting and diarrhea is to stop the vomiting and diarrhea. Medication can be given to do that. The second step is to rehydrate your dog if necessary.
Usually, digestive upset can be handled with conservative medical therapy ( Ex:  your vet may recommend withholding food or feeding several little, bland meals to rest the digestive tract so that it can heal). A prescription diet or medicine to soothe the tract or inhibit vomiting may be prescribed. More serious or persistent cases may require hospitalization and possibly surgery. Vomiting and diarrhea for even a day or two can lead to dehydration, and your dog may need fluid therapy. Fluids are often administered intravenously, but are in some cases also given under the skin, where they are consumed gradually over several hours. Hospitalized pets can also receive treatment with antibiotics and nutrients, or other medications.
If my dog has vomiting and diarrhea, when should I call my veterinarian?
Vomiting:
+Blood in vomit
+Vomiting accompanied by diarrhea
+Vomit looks and smells like stool
+Vomiting persists more than one or two days
+Ingestion of a poison is suspected.
+Depression
+Lethargy
Diarrhea:
+Bloody diarrhea
+Diarrhea accompanied by vomiting
+Ingestion of a poison is suspected.
+Diarrhea persists more than one or two days
+Abdominal pain
+Depression
+Lethargy
It is important to understand that vomiting and diarrhea in dogs can take several forms. They can come together as a pair of gastrointestinal problems, or may show up separately. When in doubt, always get your vet advice as soon as possible.

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Dog Constipation-Causes,Symptoms and Treatment of Constipation in Dogs

What is Constipation in Dogs?
Constipation in dogs isn't a disease, it is a symptom. Like human, most dogs will be constipated at some time or another in their lives, and it's often nothing to worry about. Most healthy dogs have one or two stools a day, however when feces are retained in the colon for two or three days, it become dry and hard, and require forceful straining to pass. If your dog feels to be straining yet can't pass a stool, or when  the stool is exceptionally hard, he has probably constipated. The condition is usually caused by dietary indiscretion or use of certain medications, but sometimes constipation may be caused by some underlying medical disorder. Constipation may be dangerous, if the constipation lasts more than a few days, you need to consult your vet.
Causes of Constipation in Dogs
+Dehydration:Dehydration is the cause that is most often associated with constipation. When your dog is dehydrated, the colon absorbs more fluid from the waste being passed through the intestines. Results in dry, hard stools, and can greatly contribute to constipation in your dog. If there are other contributing causes to your dog’s constipation, basically increasing water intake will not cure your dog's condition.
+Indigestible Objects:Just like with small children, many dogs that are suffering from constipation have ingested indigestible objects(rubber balls, sticks, shoelaces, paper clips, and plastic bags...), which can cause blockages in the small and large intestines. However, this can be remedied with at-home care, while other dogs may need surgery or invasive procedures to remove the foreign object.
+Poor Quality Food:Lower-quality dog food is usually subjected to harsh preservatives and chemical dyes. Many pet owners do not understand the importance of carefully choosing the best food for their dog. Consequently, many dogs are fed highly processed, inexpensive dog food that will cause many digestive issues.
+Low fiber diet: Fiber absorbs a large amount of water during digestive processing, as well as combines with waste material to form much softer stools. This is the most widely known cause of constipation in dogs. A dog is without sufficient dietary fiber has a much higher likelihood for constipation.
Symptoms of Constipation in Dogs
The most common signs seen by owners of a constipated dog is frequent forceful attempts at defecation, with little or no results. The symptoms of constipation can include one or more of the following:
+Straining to defecate
+Small, hard, dry fecal material
+Discharge of a little amount of liquid or mucus from the anus after repeated attempts to defecate
+Painful defecation
+Depression
+Abdominal bloating and discomfort
How treatment of constipation in dogs?
These treatment options are for simple constipation only. Sometimes, constipation can be treated with laxatives to draw water into the intestines and soften the feces(treated with a stool softener such as Laxatone, or you can buy at one of the giant pet warehouses, or DSS capsules, which can come from your veterinarian). Enemas can also be used to evacuate the bowel or change diet( adding fiber to your dog's food).
Preventing Constipation In Your Dog
Constipation is usually 100% preventable. Many dogs that have a sedentary lifestyle are much more likely to suffer from constipation. So, exercise is important for overall health, and may be a large part of preventing your dog from becoming constipated.  Also, as mentioned above, adding fiber to your dog’s diet  as well as the amount of water your dog consuming.
Generally, constipation in dogs will occur some time in your dogs lifetime and in most cases adjustments in their diet as well as their water supply will rectify it. However, if it starts to happen more than a few days, you need to consult your vet.

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Cat Constipation- Causes,Symptoms and Treatment of Constipation in Cats

Constipation in cats isn't a disease, but constipation is a relatively common condition affecting primarily older cats. Cats always have at least one healthy bowel movement every day. However, if your cat is passing dry, straining, hard stools when trying to defecate or making unsuccessful trips to the litter box. This may be a sign that your cat is constipated, please see your veterinarian.
For those cats, chronic constipation lead to a condition called megacolon,  the colon becomes abnormally dilated & enlarged, a potentially fatal complication.
What are the causes of constipation in cats?
+Crying and Straining out in pain when trying to eliminate.
+Dehydration:Chronic low-level dehydration is a very common cause for constipation, especially among diabetic.
+Hair Ingestion:Longhaired cats are both at risk of ingesting hair during self-grooming.
+Low-fiber diet:Diet which are low in fibre can cause constipation.
+Old Age:Older cats are prone to constipation due to a lack of exercise, a reduce in the contraction of the large bowel.
+Obstruction of the colon
+Bone Ingestion:Sometimes cats that hunt for birds and rodents often ingest bones and bones can cause constipation.
In general if you don't know the cause, please consult a vet.
What are symptoms of constipation in cats?
+Irritability
+Painful abdomen
+Lethargy
+Poor appetite or even loss of appetite
+Painful defecation
+Small hard stool
How treatment constipation in cats?
Generally depending on what’s causing your cat’s constipation, your veterinarian can recommend one or several of the following treatments:
+With mild constipation, your vet may recommend bulk-forming laxatives.
+Stool softener
+Medicine to increase the contractile strength of the large intestine
+High-fiber diet
+Surgery to remove congestion in the bowels
+Increase in water intake
Generally constipation in cats can easily recover from the problem with proper attention and won't necessarily experience it again.

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How is canine diabetes diagnosed?Treatment for diabetes in dogs

+Is my dog at risk?

Diabetes is one of the most common endocrine diseases affecting obese dogs and middle-aged dogs, with 60 percent of patients older than seven at the time of diagnosis. Diabetes seldom occurs in dogs younger than two year of age, and it is more common in females and neutered males than in intact males. Keeshonds,Poodles,Miniature Pinschers and Siberian Huskies may be at higher risk.

+How is canine diabetes diagnosed?

Diabetes can be a silent disease, so diagnosis is based on the signs the dog is displaying. Diagnosing diabetes is done through a series of blood tests and urine tests. A blood test that measures your dog’s blood glucose level is the most common diagnostic tool,normal levels for a dog will be 70 - 150 mg/dl, a diabetic dogs blood sugar might be greater then 200 mg/dl, but a high glucose level does not always mean diabetes. Your veterinarian will check your dogs urine for glucose, these testing are necessary to rule out other diseases that have similar symptoms to diabetes.

+The treatment for diabetes in dogs

Like in human, the treatment for diabetes in dogs through diet and insulin therapy. Your pet will need to be kept on a strict regimen of feedings and insulin injections, insulin must be injected and often needs to be given twice daily. For insulin to be most effective, insulin need injected just under the skin. A high fiber diet, proper weight management and regular exercise   can aid in control of diabetes mellitus.

Reason Insulin Is the Best Treatment for Diabetic Dogs?

The reason that insulin is the best treatment for canine diabetes is the fact that dogs with diabetes almost always suffer from insulin-dependent diabetes.

+Prevention of Canine Diabetes

A healthy diet and regular exercise usually is one of the most important things when it comes to prevention of canine diabetes.

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The symptoms and causes of Canine Diabetes

For years the rate of diabetes in America’s pets has more than tripled since 1975, so that today it affects about 1 in every 400 dogs. Diabetes is a common ailment in dogs,it seems to be more common  in middle aged dogs and in obese dogs. There are two types of diabetes: type 1 in which the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin and type two in which the body's cells don't respond appropriately to insulin. Known as a silent killer, if not detected is a serious disease that strikes dogs and if left untreated can cause serious health complications. The key to protection is first knowing the symptoms & causes for canine diabetes.

The symptoms of canine diabetes:

 +Drinking more

 +Urinating more

 +Weight loss

 +Increased appetite

 +Dehydration

 +Sudden cataract formation

In more advanced cases is vomiting, weakness and coma. If your dog has any of these symptoms see your veterinarian immediately.

Pinpointing the causes of diabetes can lower your dog risk of developing this disease. What Are the causes of canine diabetes?

+Obesity:Dogs that are overweight have a higher risk of getting diabetes. Obesity can cause insulin resistance,when a dog does not produce insulin or can't use it normally, his blood sugar levels elevate the result is diabetes.

 +Old Age:Dogs who are middle aged to old aged are more likely to develop diabetes than younger dogs.

+Hereditary:Canine diabetes can be hereditary. If the dog's parents have diabetes there is a good chance he will also develop canine diabetes at some point.

+Reproductive Hormones:Reproductive hormones that may be present in an unspayed or an un-neutered canine may increase glucose levels and cause the dog to develop canine diabetes.

+Steroids:Regular steroid shots can cause under-production of insulin due to its negative effect    on the pancreas,then cause diabetes.

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What is diabetes in dogs?

Diabetes mellitus is a common disease in canines. Golden Retrievers, German Shepherd Dogs, Miniature Schnauzers, Poodles have the highest incidence but all breeds can be affected. Diabetes results when the dog’s body makes too little insulin or doesn’t process insulin properly. Diabetes mainly affects middle-aged and older dogs but there are also juvenile cases.
Diabetes mellitus is an endocrine disease that commonly occurs in dogs. There are two types of diabetes: type 1 in which the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin and type two in which the body's cells don't respond appropriately to insulin. The normal pancreas has two essential functions(It secretes enzymes that assist with digestion in the small intestine+It produces a hormone called insulin that enables the body to absorb glucose from the bloodstream).Without insulin, the body's cells cannot absorb the glucose, it's major fuel source. Glucose in the urine causes the diabetic animal to excrete large volumes of urine.
Diabetes in dogs is increasingly popular but it can be controlled and need not shorten the animal's life span or interfere with quality of life.

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