Dogs health Archives - Pets Consultancy Pets Care Guide Tue, 05 Mar 2024 08:22:03 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.3 https://petsconsultancy.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/cropped-pets-consultancy-high-resolution-logo-32x32.png Dogs health Archives - Pets Consultancy 32 32 Why Is My German Shepherd Limping https://petsconsultancy.com/why-is-my-german-shepherd-limping/ https://petsconsultancy.com/why-is-my-german-shepherd-limping/#respond Tue, 05 Mar 2024 08:22:02 +0000 https://petsconsultancy.com/?p=161 You ever noticed that your dog came home from the garden after playing, and it has one of its legs hanging, or have you been seeing that one of its legs is getting stiff and can no longer walk properly? It gets you are wondering, “why is my German Shepherd limping?” Limping in dogs is ... Read more

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You ever noticed that your dog came home from the garden after playing, and it has one of its legs hanging, or have you been seeing that one of its legs is getting stiff and can no longer walk properly? It gets you are wondering, “why is my German Shepherd limping?”

Limping in dogs is of two sorts. It can be gradual, which is usually caused by certain health conditions. It can also be sudden, as a result of injury or trauma.

Limping sometimes might just require that you let the dog rest and take better care of it. Other times, you will need the service of a veterinarian urgently.

Why is my German Shepherd limping all of a sudden?

Limping in dogs comes as a result of either a physical wound or an ailment. Limping regularly demonstrates that your dog is in some sort of distress. In any case, it might likewise imply that your dog is unable to move and whether or not it is in agony. There are several causes of dog limping, some include;

  • Sprain
  • Item stuck in paw or foot
  • injury on the foot
  • Joint inflammation
  • Trauma
  • Dysplasia

In the case of my dog limping, what should I do?

A few limps are more genuine than others, so the initial phase in giving emergency treatment is to survey the limp. Watch your dog walk. Distinguish the limping leg from the healthy leg. Observe the limping. Check how the dog walks, whether it hangs the limping leg or it walks with it. Discern whether the limping was sudden or gradual. Take note of how quickly the limping escalates. You can also try to discover if the limping is constant throughout the day or gets worse at a particular time. If your dog is in serious pain, you shouldn’t try to examine it. Regardless of whether she’s not in evident distress, trying to examine broken bones or disengaged joints can cause needless torment and may deteriorate the injury. To determine the severity of an injury, it is essential to note that most dogs cannot walk on a wrecked leg or a dislocated bone.

When you notice an injury that makes your dog limp and you want to examine it, get someone else with you, one of you will restrain the dog while the other person checks the injury. This is important because when dogs are in pain, they tend to bite anyone, even their owners. If the examination becomes unbearably painful for the dog, you should stop and not put the dog in more pain. What is left is for you to take the dog to a veterinarian.

After you recognize the affected leg, you can proceed to pinpoint the source of the pain. Examine his legs by looking between his toes for pieces of objects or particles that might be stuck in between them, or redness. Analyze the cushions for cuts or penetrates and evaluate each toenail for breaks or nail bed contaminations when you notice anything out of the ordinary; waste no time before calling the veterinary doctor.

Can my dogs limp heal on its own?

A dog’s limp can heal on its own. If the limping of a dog is not severe, attempt to keep it tranquil and agreeable. Oblige your dog to rest, and do not let him partake in any physical activity. Try not to permit your dog to exercise or hop. Keep the dog away from staircases if possible; if not, you can help carry the dog up and down the stairs. You may keep your dog to a little territory. Let it lay down most of the day. If the limping leg doesn’t begin to heal within a day or two, it is best to take the dog to the vet.

When should my dog visit the vet for limping?

There are two sorts of limps: gradual limps and sudden limps. Gradual beginning limps happen gradually over the long haul. Sudden limps happen rapidly, similar to their name suggests, generally after a physical issue or injury. Knowing whether your dog’s limp is gradual or sudden can help your veterinarian ascertain the potential reasons for your dog’s limp and can assist you with deciding whether your dog’s limp is a veterinary crisis.

Generally, it is better to avoid any risks and arrange a meeting with a veterinarian when you notice a limp that is continuous for minutes, however as it is with humans, dogs appear to have a talent for getting injured outside their regular playtime. So how long should you wait before you out a call through to your vet or visit the vet’s office?

Gradual limps or sudden limps that do not appear to trouble your dog in an alarming fashion can generally be observed for a couple of hours, and sometimes, may even sort themselves out all alone during this observation period. In some other cases, be that as it may, your dog might hardly be able to wait because of the pain.

Broken bones or disjoined joints require the quick attention of a veterinary doctor, and nerve harm can be an indication of a more genuine neurological condition or spinal contusion. You need to get your dog into the veterinarian or a veterinary clinic if your dog’s limb shows any of these signs

  • Dislocation
  • Expansion
  • Aggravated temperature
  • Clear break

How do I know if my German shepherd has hip dysplasia?

A few dogs start to indicate hip dysplasia when they are pretty much as youthful as four months old. Others come about it with osteoarthritis as they age. In the two cases, there are a couple of manifestations that dog owners ought to be acquainted with. These signs may differ based on the seriousness of the infection, the degree of aggravation, the level of detachment in the joint, and how long the dog has experienced hip dysplasia. Some of the following causes can recognize hip dysplasia;

  • Reduced movement
  • Trouble rising, hopping, running, or climbing steps
  • Weakness in the rear end
  • Grinding in the joint during development
  • A decrease in thigh size
  • Recognizable development of the shoulder muscles as they make up for the rear end etc.

Final Thoughts

There are numerous choices to help a limping dog. Your dog will have a higher possibility of healing faster if you give emergency treatment immediately you notice the limp and also seek a veterinary assessment when it is required.

Your vet may suggest more sophisticated diagnostics or a second assessment from a veterinary expert on account of a significant issue, or if your dog has a limp, that doesn’t disappear.

Make sure to follow up routinely with your veterinarian about the status of your dog’s limping. Do not hold back till situations get out of hand. If things are not improving all alone, your vet should change the treatment plan.

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Can Puppies Eat Papaya https://petsconsultancy.com/can-puppies-eat-papaya/ https://petsconsultancy.com/can-puppies-eat-papaya/#respond Tue, 05 Mar 2024 07:50:40 +0000 https://petsconsultancy.com/?p=157 Since fruits are essential elements for human health, we often assume that they will have benefits on our furry friends as well. But can they eat them without any worries? The truth is that they can indeed, but not all of them. A fantastic fruit is papaya, especially in the summer. Therefore, many puppy owners ... Read more

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Since fruits are essential elements for human health, we often assume that they will have benefits on our furry friends as well. But can they eat them without any worries? The truth is that they can indeed, but not all of them. A fantastic fruit is papaya, especially in the summer. Therefore, many puppy owners ask: “can puppies eat papaya?”. Find out here with the six more frequently asked questions:

  1. Can puppies eat papaya?
  2. Can dogs eat papaya skin?
  3. How many papayas can a dog eat?
  4. What are the benefits of papaya for dogs?
  5. Can dogs eat papaya every day?
  6. Risk of feeding papaya to puppies

Can Puppies Eat Papaya?

Yes! Dogs can indeed eat papaya in moderation.

The majority of dogs love this fruit due to its juiciness and texture which highly pleases their taste.

This fruit also has many benefits for your dog. One of them includes that it is high in fibers and healthy enzymes, which have the power to improve digestive functioning.

Besides, its nutritional value promotes a healthy heart and immunologic system.

Can Dogs Eat Papaya Skin?

One of the only restrictions of feeding papaya to your dog is offering it without the seeds and the skin. These elements must be avoided since it is hard to digest and can cause a gastrointestinal obstruction in your pet.

Keep in mind that the seeds contain cyanide, which is toxic for your dog. Even though it is present in small quantities is best to avoid it. Not only because of the toxin, but because of the choking hazard as well.

How Many Papayas Can A Dog Eat?

There is no problem in feeding papaya to your dog as long as it is occasionally and in moderation, just like every food.

You will not want to give big portions since it has a high level of sugar and fiber. This causes your dog to have potential digestive issues. Bear in mind that it can act as a laxative, another reason to keep the portions low.

Since dogs might develop allergies to any food, just like humans, it is best to introduce it to his diet slowly. Start by only offering him small chunks and gradually increasing the quantity. If he doesn’t show any unusual sign within the next hours (never give a lot to him).

There isn’t a specific answer as it changes accordingly to the dog weight.

  • If your dog is relatively small, only give him ¼ of the fruit.
  • If your dog is medium size, you can give him up to half of the fruit.
  • If your dog is big, you can give him up to the whole food.

However, it is best not to give them regularly. Moderation is key.

The best method of knowing the appropriate quantity is by contacting your pet’s vet.

What Are the Benefits of Papaya for Dogs?

There are many benefits of offering papaya to your dog. Here are five of them:

  1. It has a high nutritional value.

Papaya holds vitamins A and C, fibers (such as calcium and potassium).

  • It improves the digestion process.

Because it is rich in fiber, papaya helps regulate digestion due to these components acting as prebiotics that promote good bacteria’s proliferation, which helps problems like constipation, indigestion, and gases.

Besides, this fruit holds an enzyme that liberates amino acids incorporated in the proteins, which acts in the process of digestion and promotes the development of strong muscles.

  • Papaya is an excellent antioxidant.

Being an excellent antioxidant helps to retard the degradation of cells, which prevents premature aging.

  • It has healing properties.
  • It has enzymes that relieve pain.

These enzymes are able to relieve the symptoms of edema, arthritis, and osteoporosis.

Can dogs eat papaya every day?

No – dogs cannot eat papaya every day.

As we regularly mention, moderation is key with any food.

You can only feed papaya to your dog if it is occasionally and without much frequency.

One of the reasons why you can’t offer this fruit to your dog every day is due to being a laxative, as we’ve previously stated. Therefore, when overly given, it can cause diarrhea in your dog.

After seeing many benefits this fruit can give, it is natural that you want to include it in your dog’s diet. Here some ideas of how you can offer this food to your pet:

  • Cut it in cubes and mix it into his food.
  • You can use it as a snack between his meals.
  • You can do a porridge of papaya.

Risk of Feeding Papaya to Puppies

There aren’t many risks of feeding papaya to your puppy if you do it rarely and in small portions.

However, one potential risk could be the ingestions of the seeds.

As we’ve referred to previously, the papaya seeds can be dangerous to your dog due to the toxin cyanide, which is harmful to dogs. Even though it is present in a small percentage, you still need to be very careful. Not only because of the toxin and the choking hazard but because it can also lead to intestinal obstruction – if this happens, it can be a serious problem, and even a surgical procedure might be needed. Note that dogs are carnivores, so they need meat in their diet and proper dog food in order to have a balanced diet.

Final Thought

It’s natural to look out for variety in our dog’s diet by trying to implement new foods, such as fruits. Thus, it’s highly important to research if what we’re offering is appropriate for these furry friends in order to avoid prejudicing their health and benefit them instead. Bear in mind that only your pet’s vet can give you the best orientation for your dog’s alimentation.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure to check out other similar posts we have under our website on this series of what your puppy can and cannot eat.

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Can Puppies Eat Steak https://petsconsultancy.com/can-puppies-eat-steak/ https://petsconsultancy.com/can-puppies-eat-steak/#respond Tue, 05 Mar 2024 07:38:37 +0000 https://petsconsultancy.com/?p=152 If you have recently adopted a puppy, it’s possible that you are still in the process of deciding how you will feed him throughout his life. Thus, you may wonder “can puppies eat steak?”. In this post we’ll not only answer your question but also provide you the details you need to know in order ... Read more

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If you have recently adopted a puppy, it’s possible that you are still in the process of deciding how you will feed him throughout his life. Thus, you may wonder “can puppies eat steak?”. In this post we’ll not only answer your question but also provide you the details you need to know in order to keep your furry friend healthy.

Here’s how we have structured this post:

  1. Can puppies eat steak?
  2. Can a puppy eat cooked steak?
  3. When can puppies eat steak?
  4. What kind of steak can dogs eat?
  5. Risk of feeding steak to puppies
  6. How to feed steak to my dog?

Can Puppies Eat Steak?

Yes, dogs are carnivores and eating meat is part of a dog’s nature. Even though commercial food already provides the necessary proteins and nutrients for your dog, you may prefer to make your pet’s food yourself.

If you’ve been thinking about feeding your dog homemade food, you’ll need to include steak in his diet since it is crucial for your puppy’s health. Meat should correspond to the biggest percentage of your puppy’s meals. However, you’ll need to add other foods to his diet as he also needs those nutrients, including carbs.

Can A Puppy Eat Cooked Steak?

Yes!

Contrary to what many people might think, raw meat isn’t ideal for dogs even though eating meat is a part of their nature. Later in this post, we will get into more details about that.

Therefore, you should cook your puppy’s steak. This is the most adequate method of feeding him meat if you want your puppy to stay healthy.

When can puppies eat steak?

If your puppy is still a new-born, he can’t eat any type of solid food for now. He should be fed with his mother’s milk or another type of milk that can replace it until he is at least 45 days old. By this time, you may slowly introduce him to extremely small portions of steak but it’s ideal that you start with food aimed to the puppies until, at least, they are a few months old.

What kind of steak can dogs eat?

Protein is crucial to your pet’s diet, which can be given mainly in the form of steak. You don’t have to restrict to just one type of meat; there are plenty that can be suitable for your pet.

Note that a conversation with your pet’s vet might be ideal since he can evaluate him and give you a customized diet plan to suit the needs of your puppy.

Here are the 5 most common meats given to dogs:

Chicken

Chicken may actually be the most common steak given to dogs and there is a good reason for that.

Even though it is light meat, it has a lot of protein, which is excellent for providing energy and muscle mass to your dog. Moreover, this is a great contributor for healthy skin and fur, in addition to strong bones.

Red meat

Red meat is another great option for your dog’s diet. It contains fatty acids that can help maintain muscle tone and joint support. In addition, it also contains high levels of Omega-6, just like chicken.

Pork

In general, pork is affordable and is another common steak given to dogs as they seem to enjoy it a lot due to its texture, flavor, and density.

However, there could be some contraindications, which we discuss more about in another post (you can check it on this website).

Lamb

Even though lamb is commonly used in commercial foods, people seem to put it aside when choosing to feed homemade meals to their dogs. The reason behind this is that it’s a little expensive and rare in markets.

However, if you can conveniently feed lamb to your dog, we do advise you to do so since it’s full of nutrition and has a stronger taste.

Risk of Feeding Steak to Puppies

Feeding a well prepared stake to your puppy isn’t very risky (see the next topic). However, if you give raw meat to your dog, you’re turning him into a potential target for bad bacteria that can be harmful for both, your dog and you.

The 3 potential risks of feeding raw meat to your dog are:

  1. Salmonella
  2. Listeria
  3. Parasites

Also bear in mind that bones of any type can pose a choking hazard for the puppies and could lead to serious digestive issues. Besides, they could fracture your dog’s teeth or damage his digestive organs.

If you’re dealing with a new-born puppy, you could be exposing him to  problems such as vomiting and diarrhea, which can ultimately lead to weakness. In severe cases, it can even become a life threat. Thus, you should avoid giving him steak for now.

Furthermore, you must ensure that your steak is of a good quality. Here’s a list of key factors to look out for when choosing a steak:

  • Strong and bad smell.
  • Presence of abnormal spots or lumps.
  • Unusual color (yellowish, too dark or too light).
  • Mucus on the surface
  • Odd consistency

How to Feed Steak to My Dog?

Whether it’s grilling or pan frying, you can choose any method to cook the steak; it’s totally up to you.

For a well-cooked steak, here are the 5 crucial steps that you must follow:

  1. Remove all bones

As mentioned previously, bones can damage your dog’s teeth and digestive organs. Therefore, you must ensure that you carefully remove all of the bones before cooking.

  • Wash the steak

You must wash the meat before cooking in order to remove any chemicals that might be present from the meat preservation process.

  • Don’t season the steak

You might like it, but we ensure you that your dog won’t; it’s simply too strong for his stomach.

  • Proceed to cook the steak

Make sure you cook the steak until it’s medium-well. This kills any bad bacteria that we’ve referred to above.

  • Cut the steak in small chunks

Final Thoughts

Eating meat is part of any dog’s nature. Whether they have or have not been introduced to it, they will almost always eat it if it’s put in front of them. Therefore, you shouldn’t restrict them from eating meat in any case.

Bear in mind that even though your dog eats almost everything, you shouldn’t give them truly everything. We strongly recommend that you research what your dog can and cannot eat prior to giving him a particular food. We can help you with that; we have many other similar posts on our website.

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