Author: World Arabia

Key points

• Dogs can get concussions just like humans. Falls from high altitudes, car accidents, collisions with furniture, and other head bumps or kicks are the most common causes of concussions;
• Smaller breeds and puppies are more likely to get a concussion;
• The most frequent signs of canine concussions include problems balancing or walking, vomiting, and different sizes of pupils;
• If you see that your dog is injured, take it to a veterinarian right away. If a severe concussion is not recognized and treated in time, it can result in long-term damage.

The word “concussion” is typically associated with sports. People who play football, box, ice skate, or do any other kind of sport are more inclined to suffer a traumatic brain injury. However, a concussion can happen to everyone, and our dogs are not an exception. The symptoms of canine concussions often show up much later after the incident, or they may seem harmless at first and then get worse as the brain gradually becomes more swollen. This is why it is important to know what signs of canine concussions look like and what you can do if you suspect that your dog may be suffering from a concussion.

Key points

• Neosporin is the brand name for a topical antibiotic that is typically used to prevent infection on minor skin wounds such as cuts, scratches, and burns;
• Although Neosporin is primarily meant for use in humans, it can also be safe for dogs if used in small amounts;
• You should never apply Neosporin to your pets’ eyes or ears, as this can result in hearing loss, inflammation, infection, or itchiness;
• If your pet has a deep or large wound, you should use medication designed specifically for use in animals;

If your dog has scratches, scrapes, or other external wounds, you might be wondering if an ointment like Neosporin could help them heal faster. Would it work on your pup since it works so well on humans? 

Small amounts of Neosporin are generally safe for dogs if prescribed by a vet. However, there are a few things you should be aware of. Below, we will talk about everything you need to know when treating your dog with Neosporin and discuss the possible risks and alternatives to the medication.

Key points

• Xanax is a drug used to treat symptoms of anxiety both in humans and dogs;
• Xanax is effective for treating medical conditions such as panic attacks, phobias, muscle stress, irritable bowel syndrome, posttraumatic stress disorder, separation anxiety, etc.;
• If used in dogs, the typical dosage of Xanax indicated on the label can lead to an overdose since the drug is initially meant for humans. You should consult a vet before giving the medication to your pet;

Despite the common belief, anxiety is a serious and devastating condition that can affect not only humans but also animals. Just like us, our furry friends are vulnerable to exogenous triggers and sometimes require medical treatment for mental health issues. 

However, not all medications that are safe for people can be prescribed to animals. Tylenol, for example, is a very effective drug used to treat pain and fever in humans but poses a serious risk to cats and dogs. Although dogs can have Xanax, the safe dose for them is different from that for humans. Below, we will discuss puppy Xanax and other options you can use to treat anxiety in pets.

Key points

• Although rare, travel sickness can occur in pets, especially those experiencing vestibular disease;
• Dramamine is a human motion sickness drug that is used as an “extra-label” medication for dogs and cats;
• Common side effects of Dramamine include a dry mouth, drowsiness, sleepiness, and difficulty urinating;

Does your puppy always suffer from motion sickness when you go on a long trip? Don’t worry, there are many ways to reduce the symptoms caused by this condition. Veterinarians often prescribe an antihistamine called dimenhydrinate, which is also commonly known as Dramamine, to dogs to help relieve motion sickness and upset stomach. Although the Food and Drug Administration has not approved this drug for use in animals, Dramamine is considered to be safe to use under the guidance of a veterinarian. Below, we will discuss everything you need to know before giving Dramamine to your dog dogs and talk about other ways to fight canine travel sickness.

Key points

• Hemorrhoids are a condition where the veins located in the lower rectum become swollen and enlarged if left untreated for a long time. This condition is commonly confused with other digestive diseases such as anal sac issues and prolapsed rectum.
• The symptoms of hemorrhoids in dogs include bleeding from the rectum, pain, difficulty trying to sit down, and dragging the bottom across the ground.
• To prevent hemorrhoids in dogs, add a lot of fiber to your pet’s diet, keep it hydrated, give the dog enough exercise, and keep the pet at a healthy weight.
• Hemorrhoid treatment will depend on the underlying issue that’s causing the condition. It may include using medications, topical creams, even minor surgical procedures.

Hemorrhoids are a medical condition in which veins located in the lower rectum become swollen. Over time, they become distended and may appear on the outside of the anus, causing a lot of discomfort. Hemorrhoids are also sometimes called piles, and the condition is very similar to varicose veins in other parts of the body. The condition can be embarrassing and painful for some people, but is it the same for dogs? What is the difference between human hemorrhoids and dog hemorrhoids? We will reveal the answers in this article.

Key points

• Turmeric is an Indian spice that has a pungent, spicy flavor. It has been used for medical purposes for more than 4,000 years.
• Turmeric health benefits for dogs include anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, as well as pain relief and treatment for cancer, arthritis, and different gastrointestinal disorders. Studies have proven that turmeric works just as efficiently as many conventional drugs, including steroids, ibuprofen, and aspirin.
• You can give turmeric to your dog in the form of turmeric paste or drops, chewable tablets, or different turmeric treats.
• Turmeric doesn’t have any specific side effects, but if you give it to your dog in large amounts, the pet might experience stomach upset, diarrhea, and, less commonly – vomiting.
• The appropriate turmeric dosage for dogs is 15 to 20 mg of turmeric per pound of body weight.

People in India have been using turmeric for thousands of years because of its potent medicinal properties. For now, there haven’t been any studies that examined turmeric’s benefits for dogs. However, scientists have conducted more than 6,000 studies that have proven turmeric’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Based on this information, many veterinarians advise using the spice as a health supplement for dogs. Plus, many pet owners are turning to natural remedies rather than prescription medications for their pets, and this gold-colored powder can help relieve pain and canine chronic inflammation, contribute to your dog’s overall health, and increase its lifespan.

Key points

• Apple cider vinegar is a very common home remedy made by fermenting sugar from apples. Yeast and bacteria are combined to create a “mother” during the fermentation process, and this combination is responsible for the product’s health properties.
• Apple cider vinegar can help relieve pain and itchiness, prevent urinary tract and skin infections, help clean the pet’s ears, lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, remove toxins from the kidneys, and contribute to the pet’s overall gut health.
• Apple cider vinegar can be used in the form of liquid, spray, wipes, and capsules.
• Not all dogs react well to apple cider vinegar. It’s not recommended to use ACV with low pH (<6) for dogs because the pet may experience vomiting, diarrhea and constipation. Using apple cider vinegar too often or giving it in large doses can cause adverse effects as well, so always run a 24-hour spot test before giving your dog ACV.

Using home remedies as an alternative to conventional drugs is becoming more and more popular. Apple cider vinegar is one of the most commonly used home remedies both for humans and for dogs, and its usage dates back to 400 B.C. This remedy is known to have many health benefits from aiding with weight loss and to helping with flea prevention and skin itchiness.

Apple cider vinegar is produced by fermenting sugar from apples which results in acidic vinegar. This vinegar contains acetic, lactic, malic, and citric acids. Apple cider vinegar helps to balance the body’s pH and improves digestion. There aren’t many studies that prove apple cider vinegar’s benefits, but many medical trials and customer reviews show that using the remedy can have positive results.

Key points

• Cherries are not the best fruits to offer your dog, and they can be dangerous if consumed without caution.
• Cherries can cause intestinal blockage or cyanide poisoning in dogs. The symptoms of intestinal blockage include vomiting, constipation, lethargy, and decreased fecal production. The symptoms of cyanide poisoning include salivation, panting, and even convulsions and paralysis.
• Avoid giving your dog cherry-flavored products, as they are packed with chemicals, artificial flavors, and sugar.
• Safer fruit alternatives to cherries for dogs include bananas, apples, cantaloupe, cranberries, blueberries, and mango.

High levels of vitamins A, C, and K, minerals like potassium, magnesium, and calcium, as well as antioxidants, beta-carotene, and melatonin make cherries a perfect tasty snack. Cherries can also help with different health conditions, from improving blood sugar control to reducing hypertension and providing pain relief. However, to experience any of these benefits, a dog would have to eat a significant amount of these berries. But is it safe for dogs? 

While generally adding fruits to a pet’s diet is a great way to provide it with the necessary vitamins and minerals, cherries may bring more harm than benefits to canines.

Key points

• Panting is a normal behavior dogs use to avoid overheating. So, there is no need to worry if your dog is panting on a hot day or after exercising;
• Heavy panting with no apparent reason might be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as laryngeal paralysis, pneumonia, lung tumors, anemia, or Cushing’s syndrome;
• Heatstroke is another dangerous cause of panting in dogs, which might lead to dehydration or even death;

Panting is completely normal behavior for dogs. The dog will stick out its tongue, inhale air through its nose, and exhale it through its mouth. The airflow caused by panting increases moisture evaporation from the mucous membranes, which leads to a drop in body temperature. Dogs can’t sweat as much as humans, so they need to pant to avoid overheating. Vigorous panting is also important after exertion or in extreme heat. And if the dog is panting during or after emotional excitement, this is also classified as normal behavior.

However, heavy panting is different. If you see that your dog pants all the time for no apparent reason, e.g., even in relaxed situations, you should call a vet. This behavior could be occurring due to an illness that cannot be seen at first glance, such as a heart problem. And if you notice symptoms such as cough, fever, or vomiting in addition to panting, it could be a sign that your pet is suffering from a severe disease.

Key points

• A hot spot is a red, inflamed skin lesion caused by a dog scratching an itchy spot on its body; 
• Any condition that causes your dog to scratch itself can result in a hot spot;
• Once you notice a hot spot on your dog’s body, you should immediately stop your pet from biting, licking, or chewing the affected area.