Deciding to add a canine companion to your life is a wonderful way to add laughter and fulfillment to your household. This is especially true if you choose to rescue a dog from a local animal shelter. Shelters across the country are increasingly overcrowded, and they rely on generous people like you to give these needy pets a happy home.
But adopting a dog, whether you go through a shelter, a breeder, or anywhere else, is always a decision that requires a lot of responsibility. Just like a child, a dog relies on you to keep them healthy.
Preventative Medicine
Of course, there are many ways that you can prevent your dog from getting sick in the first place. One type of pet medication that is continually increasing in popularity is medicine for anxiety or other behavioral issues.
These issues can include things like chewing up shoes and making an all-around mess throughout the house. In many cases, dogs develop these issues even after they have been well trained as puppies.
Before you decide to put your pup on a medication regiment for separation anxiety or other behavior problems, you should take a look at how your own schedule can affect your dog's existence. Do you often leave your pet alone for long hours? Do you live in a small city apartment? Not getting enough exercise is often a big issue when it comes to anxiety problems.
If you live in a city, there might not be any choice for you but to live in a small apartment. However, you might be able to curb some anxiety issues by running your dog at the local dog park for an hour or so every day. In many cases, you can even bring a book and relax while your dog entertains themselves playing with other canines.
City dwellers should also consider hiring a professional dog walker to come in and care for their pooch during the afternoon. This is a great way to split up the animal's day while you are busy at work. Dogs are creatures of habit, and if you schedule a walk for them at the same time every afternoon, it can do wonders to help their demeanor.
If these techniques for prevention don't seem to work, there are still a wide variety of behavioral drugs out there that might do the trick. Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant for dogs that is designed to curb many different behavioral problems.
Clomipramine is a similar medication used specifically to treat separation anxiety. Sometimes even having a dog walker come in isn't going to make your pet miss you any less! Having a walker come while you are at work or away is a great idea either way, but talk to your veterinarian about whether Clomipramine can help as well.
Choice of Breeds
In some cases, you can do everything right and still your dog will suffer from medical issues. A lot of times the breed of your animal comes into play.
Think for a moment about how human beings sometimes inherit diseases that are passed down from generation to generation. The same thing goes with dogs.
The difference is that because of traditional breeding techniques, certain types of dog are more susceptible to genetic diseases and problems than others. Many large breeds, for instance, are very susceptible to joint problems. Adequan Canine, Novox, Deramaxx, Zubrin, and Rimadyl are all common medications for arthritis in dogs.
While it isn't always the case, so-called "mutts" are often less prone to genetic diseases. With mixed DNA, these dogs many times end up being far more resilient animals. That's just one more reason to adopt your next pet from an animal shelter!
Other Common Medications
Just like people, dogs suffer from all sorts of maladies. It is important to talk to your vet before putting your pet on any medication regiment, but here are a few other ailments your animal may encounter, as well as corresponding medications.
Gastrointestinal issues - If you have had problems with constipation in your pet, give them the relief they need with Lactulose Solution. Lactulose is also commonly used for pets with liver disease. It can help to lower the amount of ammonia that exists in your pet's blood, preventing hepatic encephalopathy (a condition that can lead to cirrhosis of the liver).
Seizures - Having a dog who suffers from seizures can be scary for owners and pets alike. Potassium bromide capsules are often used to prevent seizures in the future. To prevent an upset stomach, administer the drug with your dog's meal.
Notice that your pet seems winded while out for a walk? They may suffer from canine asthma. Talk to your vet about whether a canine inhaler like the AeroDawg Canine Aerosol Chamber can help your dog feel like a puppy again.
Remember that it is imperative that you speak with your vet before ever starting to give your pet a new medication. But if your vet agrees that your dog needs to be on medicine, it is up to you to make sure they take it on the schedule that the vet provides.
Pamela Wendt is a freelance writer who writes about pet care and products such as dog medicine.
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