It is uncommon to hear about many great souls who risked their lives to rescue their pets. Jumping inside the burning house, jumping in front of the car or inside the well, you name it. People have gone through unimaginable situations to rescue their pets.

Here is the story of the activities who managed to save a thousand different pets from the frontline in Syria.

The Activists who saved 1000 pets from Syria’s war zones

Cat Connect, a charity that works to reunite animals with their Syrian owners, has managed to save thousands of pets from Syria’s war zones. Rawaa Kilani, an animal activist from Damascus joined hands with other animal lovers from Germany, Netherlands, and other countries to form Cat Connect.

They came together when the war intensified in 2013 and 2014. Many people had to leave the war-stricken zone for their life leaving their pets behind. Without their primary caretakers, cats and dogs often ended up on the street, abandoned or abused.

The locals who helped rescue pets and provide shelter were heavily affected by the war. Ernesto’s Sanctuary in Aleppo was destroyed in November 2017, killing several cats and a dog.

The activists go through a complex process to rescue animals. Often the situations are risky and fraught with danger. Kilani and her team have occasionally dived into active conflict areas to retrieve animals. They had to work to get through the red tapes and checkpoints.

Getting animals out of Syria is a complicated and expensive process. To extract animals from Syria, the pets are issued a passport and driven across the border to Lebanon. The animals are examined for diseases, vaccinated and microchipped by a local vet. From Beirut city in Lebanon, they are then flown as cargo to various locations in Europe, and sometimes to North America.

The estimated cost for rescuing an animal runs up to the US $1,000. The entire rescue has been conducted through donations.

Kilani claims,

“We have resettled pets in the U.S., the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, France, the U.K., Dubai and soon, for the first time, Italy.”

She further explains

“Life now, after the war, has become worse than during the war. There is no food or medicine, and many pets that were left behind have become strays. “

Similar examples are followed in other middle-eastern countries. In Afghanistan, soldiers have set up nonprofit and crowdfunding efforts to bring rescued street dogs and cats to the U.S. and the U.K. Dozens of imperiled zoo animals in Syria, Gaza and elsewhere have been transported to safer countries in recent years.

Like Cat Connect, Animals Syria has been helping rescue pets from war-stricken zones. Irma heads the Animals Syria foundation. After the owners settle in their new asylums, Animals Syria helps reunite owners with their pets by organizing the medical procedures and documents required for transportation.

Like humans, the animal suffers from psychological trauma. Thousands of pets have been killed or displaced during the Syrian war.

A 2018 study on veterans and dogs published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology posited that

The addition of trained service dogs to usual care may confer clinically meaningful improvements in PTSD symptomology for military members and veterans with PTSD.

Animals Impacted by the War

Many regions in Africa, Middle-East, Europe, and Asia are plagued by human conflicts. Although the greater cost is paid by humans, animals often end up paying the cost by giving up their lives.

In Africa, we can see the effect of conflict on many exotic animals such as Northern White Rhinos.

Many case studies have demonstrated that war can affect the survival of local populations, sometimes threatening entire species. But the research is mixed: In some cases, conflict actually seems to aid animals.

An organization like Nowzad has helped rescue many animals from the war-stricken zone and rehabilitate them. They arrange for the animal to safely get to the safety of the Nowzad clinic. They then provide shelter for the animal as well as vaccinations.

They also spay/neuter all animals and provide any required medical attention. Afterward, the process is to get them to their owners.

According to Nowzad,

We carry out all necessary checks and paperwork to get the dog or cat to their loving forever home – wherever it is in the world. Our amazing family of supporters never ceases to amaze us how they rally to reach the target necessary to get the much-loved dog or cat home to their new life.

Nowzad has rescued animals from active war-zones in Afghanistan, Iraq, Ukraine, Syria, and Libya. They have helped move animals into the USA, UK, Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Holland, Italy, Spain, Jordan Thailand, and South Africa.

All the animals go through a psychological evaluation. They are then provided the necessary medical and physical needs. Most of these dogs are adopted by organizations.

Why is a veterinarian important to the community?

Veterinarians help save animals. They go through every difficulty to help cure, medicate, and rehabilitate animals.

• They help animals get better by applying medical and surgical treatments.
• Animals depend on them to get a rock out of their stomach or an object out of their paw. Vets are very serious about saving animals' lives.
• They offer preventive pet care such as vaccination, spaying, neutering, heartworm medicine, etc.
• They help people understand what to do to help animals.
• They help an animal's owner understand what is wrong with the animal.

Urban Pet Hospital and Resort

Urban Pet Hospital and Resort is a premier veterinary in Des Moines. We have been in operation since 2007.

We have a current remodeled facility with more than 10,000 sq. feet of indoor space boasting a full-fledged veterinary hospital with state-of-the-art medical and therapeutic equipment. We are proud to be the only facility in central Iowa that offers an indoor counter-current pool from the endless pool and an underwater treadmill.

Our DMV and staff have been in the trade for the last 15 years, and some of our staff are experienced for over 40 years in specific care units.

We offer luxury pet boarding services. Some premium suites also include a webcam that allows you to keep an eye on your pet from anywhere around the world. The resort also provides a big indoor play area for pets. As part of the luxury accommodation service, the pets are walked three times a day and monitored closely with cameras.

Some of our services include

• Pet medical services such as dental, spaying, neutering, vaccination, preventive medicine, and surgery.
• Therapy such as canine massage, laser therapy, motion exercises, underwater treadmill
• Training
• Grooming
• Boarding and Resort
• Daycare

Rabies is a viral disease that causes inflammation of the brain in humans and other mammals. It is transmitted from infected animals to humans through bite or saliva. Rabies vaccination is the best way to avoid rabies infection in the future. Early symptoms can include fever and tingling at the site of exposure.

More than 55,000 people in poor countries die from rabies every year – a rate of one person every ten minutes. Africa and India still bear the highest burden of total annual rabies deaths.

How does the pet hospital help fight rabies?

The cases of rabies are commonly seen in Asia, Central Asia, Middle East, Africa, and Caribbean Countries. These cases are mostly reported from the bites of rabid dogs, and wild animals such as bats and monkeys.

The animals infected with rabies secrete large amounts of virus in their saliva; the disease is primarily passed to dogs through a bite from an infected animal. It can easily transmit through a scratch or when infected saliva makes contact with mucous membranes or an open, fresh wound.

Human deaths from rabies; B: Death rates per capita (per 100 000 population); countries shaded in grey are free from canine rabies (TRS 3rd report, 2017)

Canines tend to suffer more from rabies than humans, as they are exposed to wild animals. The most common carriers of the rabies virus in this country are bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes.

In the United States, rabies is reported in cats more than in any domestic species. If there are also cats in your household, it’s important to make sure they are vaccinated and kept indoors.

Pet Hospitals and veterinaries in the U.S. are committed to eradicating rabies. They have initiated and supported programs to help supply rabies vaccinations to areas at most risk for disease. Today, there are only fewer cases of rabies in dogs throughout the U.S.

The commonly used drug for treating rabies is Nobivac®, Canine 1-DAPPv vaccine is a modified live virus vaccine for the vaccination of healthy dogs as an aid in the prevention of disease caused by canine distemper virus, adenovirus type 1 (hepatitis) and adenovirus type 2 (respiratory disease), canine parainfluenza virus, and canine parvovirus.

According to MERCK Animal Health,

“It is an effective 1-year vaccine to prevent rabies in dogs, cats, and ferrets. It is approved for the vaccination of healthy dogs, cats, and ferrets as an aid in preventing rabies. It is recommended for use in healthy dogs, cats and ferrets 3 months of age or older.”

Do rabies shots prevent dogs from getting rabies?

The only remedy for rabies is the proper vaccination. Dogs and cats are first vaccinated for rabies between 3 and 6 months of age. They need a booster one year from that date. They are then generally vaccinated every three years.

Some states still require annual rabies vaccinations for dogs and/or cats. So far, regular vaccination is the only method to effectively protect canines from getting rabies. However, you should still bring your dog to a veterinarian if you suspect it was bitten by a rabid dog or a wild animal. The veterinarian will recommend a booster vaccine and monitor the vital sign of your dog for any sign of infection.

It is false that the animals will clearly appear rabid and unwell if infected with the rabies virus. While most animals demonstrate some signs of illness such as aggression or lack of balance, some may not have noticeable symptoms.

Rabies the Disease vs. Rabies the Vaccine

It is the only vaccination required by law in the United States to curb rabies. The other main concern is that it is a zoonotic disease.

Zoonotic disease or zoonoses are terms used to describe an infection or disease that can be transmitted from an animal to a human being. In general, these diseases normally exist in animals but can affect humans through different forms of contact.

The zoonotic disease can be caused by a range of pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Of 1,415 pathogens known to infect humans, 61% are zoonotic in nature.

There is no possible cure for rabies; however, vaccinating your pet will help an animal mount an immune system response to protect against rabies.

How Long Do Vaccines Offer Protection?

Some experts suggest that a single shot of vaccine is enough for three years, however, many states in the U.S. demand that the owner take their pet for a vaccine shot every year.

How long a vaccine, rabies or otherwise, is "good" for, in terms of actual disease protection is still debated. The vaccine, the health of the individual and their immune system, the disease agents, all of these factors come into play.

Do veterinarians need a rabies vaccine?

Veterinarians are at the front line when it comes to dealing with rabid dogs, infections, and treating other zoonotic diseases, hence they must be prepared beforehand to prevent any occupational hazard.

The rabies vaccine is equally effective in veterinarians to ward off chances of getting rabies.

Pre-exposure Rabies Vaccine

Pre-exposure rabies vaccination is provided as a precautionary measure. It provides additional protection for at-risk veterinarians, vet techs and other staff. Although it helps to ward off rabies, it but does not replace good preventive measures such as personal protective equipment, and safe animal and specimen handling procedures.

According to the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians’ Compendium of Veterinary Standard Precautions for Zoonotic Disease Prevention in Veterinary Personnel, all veterinary staff with animal contact must be vaccinated against rabies, followed by periodic titer checks and rabies vaccine boosters, in accordance with the ACIP recommendations.

The ACIP recommends titers on a schedule of every two years to assess protective immunity, with a single-injection booster vaccination recommended if the titer level is below 1:5 serum dilution (0.1-0.2 IU/mL).

Urban Pet Hospital & Resort is a premier veterinary in Des Moines specializing in pet care, pet health, and training. We have conducted and participated in community programs to rescue homeless pets. We carefully follow the state guideline regarding rabies vaccination. Our staffs are well-equipped to demonstrate rabies prevention.

Dog giving blood to another dog is as common as a human giving blood to another human. Unlike human blood, the shelf life of a dog’s blood is only 30 -35 days. It means that dogs would need to donate frequently to keep the blood bank functioning.

There are fewer blood banks for dogs around the country, whereas the canine accidents are way more common. When dogs (and cats!) have an injury, become ill, or need surgery, a blood transfusion could save their lives. Thanks to the generous blood donors, many of those pets have survived the worst.

Can a dog become a canine blood donor?

Dogs most certainly can become a blood donor for other dogs. In almost every case of blood transfusion, the blood is donated by another dog. In a few cases, the blood of feline (cat) is also used.

The dog’s blood type is distinguished by the antigens and antibodies. This can be classified into four categories.

DEA 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3, also known as A-type

DEA 1 was formerly known as A and consists of four alleles: negative, 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3. DEA 1.1. It is the most common blood type for most dogs. DEA 1.1 and DEA 1.2 are the most important antigens and together occur in about 60% of dogs, however, DEA 1.2 dogs, which make up 7% to 29% of dogs, will develop potent anti-DEA 1.1 antibodies once transfused with DEA 1.1 cells.

Dogs that are DEA 1.1 positive or A-Type are considered universal recipients. They can receive the blood of any type without expectation of a life-threatening hemolytic transfusion reaction.

Dogs that are DEA 1.1 negative are considered universal donors. They can donate blood to any other dog.

DEA 4

DEA 4 occurs in up to 98% of dogs, and dogs with this type alone are considered universal donors. Only about 75% of Doberman pinschers are DEA 4 positive. Naturally occurring DEA 4 antibodies are not known to exist; however, hemolytic transfusion reactions can occur after sensitization with DEA 4 positive blood transfusions in dogs lacking that antigen.4

DEA 3 and 5

DEA 3 and 5 are expressed in lesser proportions of the dog population, but DEA 3 occurs in 23% of greyhounds, and 30% of greyhounds are DEA 5 positive. Naturally occurring antibody is present in 20% of DEA 3 negative dogs and 10% of DEA 5 negative dogs in the United States.2

DEA 7

DEA 7 is present in 8% to 45% of dogs. Naturally occurring antibodies have been observed against DEA 7, with a delayed transfusion reaction causing the decreased lifespan of transfused cells but no hemolysis.

A single canine blood donation can be used to save up to 4 dogs’ lives!

Can Any Dog Give Blood?

The veterinarian society has specified certain requirements for canine blood donation.

• A dog must be healthy, weighing 35 pounds or more, and must be between the ages of 9 months and about 9 years old
• The dog must have been spayed or neutered, with no history of pregnancy in the case of female dogs
• Must have no history of the disease and not taking any medications
• Must be taking a heartworm preventive
• Must have followed with veterinarian’s preventive health and vaccination schedule.
• Must be well-behaved and friendly to avoid the need for sedation.

Blood Donation Process

The blood donation process includes relaxing the dog, taking out blood, replenishing the donor, and preserving the donated blood.

A typical donation takes about 10 to 30 minutes. The donor is placed on a table and relaxed. A small patch of fur on the dog’s neck is shaved, and a tiny needle is inserted to collect the blood.

As soon as the blood is drawn, the dog’s body begins to produce more to replace it. The donors are replenished by offering water and snacks immediately after donation. While some dogs may be sluggish or weak after donating, others have no reaction at all.

How big does a dog have to be to donate blood?

Only a fully grown canine is used for blood donation. There are many requirements that a dog must pass before begin assigned a donor.

Every blood donation program has slightly different requirements for its donors, taking into account the health and size of the animal.

According to the National Canine Cancer Foundation, there are two types of blood donation programs:

• Full Pint
• Half Pint

While dogs of various sizes and breeds can meet donor requirements, their weight determines which donation program they will be placed into once they meet the basic behavioral and health criteria.

The potential donor dogs must be in generally good health. The veterinarian will then ascertain if donors meet their required vaccinations, including distemper, parvovirus, parainfluenza, hepatitis, and rabies.

They must be free of any medications other than flea, tick, and heartworm preventative.

Dogs who have received blood transfusions or those with heart murmurs or other cardiac issues aren’t ineligible to donate blood.

The dogs must be spayed or neutered, with no history of pregnancy for female dogs.

Age and weight requirements vary slightly from across programs, typically ranging from one to nine years of age and thirty-five to fifty pounds or more without being overweight.

Adult Greyhound dogs represent the bulk of the blood donors in the U.S. They typically have a universal blood type that any dog can receive. They also have big neck veins that make drawing blood easy.

Where do vets get blood for dogs?

The vets get blood for dogs from other dogs. Most of the time, they use the nearest blood center to get the Blood for transfusion. Other times, a dog is brought in for direct transfusion.

In many instances, blood is collected from a donor at the time it is needed from an animal that is nearby.

Dog blood is available from blood banks that centralize the collection of blood from pet dogs through larger facilities which are then able to separate blood into different components and prepare it for storage. Be wary that the shelf life of a dog’s blood is only 30-35 days.

Wherever possible, cats and dogs should receive blood from a donor of the same species and blood type. In some cases, a different animal such as a cat can give blood to the dog.

Urban Pet Hospital & Resort is the best veterinary in Des Moines specializing in pet care, pet health, and training. Get in touch with Veterinary in Des Moines to learn more about safe blood transfusion in dogs and cats.

Although autism has been linked to canines, it hasn’t been yet proved that it is the case of autism. Veterinarians prefer to call this condition “canine dysfunctional behavior.”

The study of autism in dogs has been going since 1966. It involved extensive DNA analysis of different dog breeds. Studies like this one indicate that autism could very well occur in dogs. However, nothing can be proved until more research is done.

Can dogs be autistic? Major symptoms and treatments

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication.

A medical condition is always a possible underlier when dogs experience severe behavioral issues like aggression or obsessive licking, however, this can’t be directly linked to autism.

The important fact to understand is that autism is congenital, meaning that dogs or humans cannot suddenly become autistic, they are born with autism.

Early research concludes that these syndromes in dogs could be linked to a genetic condition called fragile X syndrome. Fragile X syndrome is the prevalence of concurrent autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Diagnosing Autism in Dogs

For a dog to be tentatively diagnosed with autism, it should exhibit atypical repetitive behaviors and some degree of impaired social interaction with dogs and people. A veterinarian must rule out every other condition that might be responsible for the observed autistic syndrome.

Dogs with tendencies of autism onset may entail such signs:

a. Challenges with social skills

If dogs tend to avoid socializing with other dogs, animals, or humans, this may be a sign of underlying problems. Dogs are social animals; hence, lacking social skills can be a sign.

b. Repetitive behaviors

Repetitive behavior refers to repeating certain behaviors or actions, such as grinding teeth, chewing, or walking.

c. Speech and nonverbal communication

Due to difficulties in code processing, emotions and interactions, communication and language development is a challenge for animals with autism.

Possible causes of autism in dogs

The two tell-tell causes of autism in dogs are as follows:

• Scientists believe that it is caused by underdevelopment in certain brain circuits and the over-development of other sensory circuits.
• It is also suggested that it could be a condition inherited from parents or forebears.

Symptoms of Autism in Dogs

The major symptoms of autism in dogs include:

i. Lack of Social Interaction

Lack of socialization or social interaction is common in dogs showing the signs of autism. The lack of socialization is common with both dogs and humans. Dogs with poor socialization skills will often ignore your call. It doesn’t usually engage in everyday activities such as playing, eating and even going for a walk.

ii. Behavioral Issue

The peculiar behavior exhibited by autistic dogs doesn’t necessarily involve violent behavior but unusual behavioral issues, such as staring at stuff, avoiding people and objects, running or staying still without any reason. They entail a lack of excitement with new places, new toys, or other pets.

iii. Mental condition

The mental condition of an autistic dog can only be diagnosed by an experienced veterinarian. It is important to rule out every other mental issue before you can tell that your dog has autism. Such dogs cannot exhibit emotions correctly; therefore they can get scared randomly, making them avoid places and people that don’t present any threat to them.

iv. Physical

The physical activity and gesture are less or none in dogs with autism. They will not behave normally. Although you may get the signs of illness, they just do not show any interest in physical activity. Autistic dogs can be tagged as lazy as they don’t want to play or do anything fun.

v. Sensorial

Like autistic children, dogs with autism feel everything differently. They link physical and sensorial stimuli to wrong emotions, and that makes them react in off the wall ways as if they were hurt just by the gentle touch of their owners. This behavior can be disheartening as you don’t know the cause of this sad reaction. It’s important to know that the dog is not acting correctly and it doesn’t mean the owner is doing something wrong.

Possible treatment of autism in dogs

The diagnosis of any canine problems should be carried out by an experienced veterinarian. It’s important to ascertain the underlying emotional or physical problem with the dogs before diagnosing any medical condition.

If you think your dog might have autism, one of the most important things you can do is determine what his or her triggers are (what causes atypical behavior to flare-up) and avoid those things.

For instance, if your dog becomes fearful and aggressive when approached by a stranger, you can avoid taking it to the public places

a. Medicine

There is no definite treatment for autism or autism-related issues. The treatment with medications doesn’t mean your dog will stop having autism, but it can help to curb the symptoms and provide relief. The veterinarians may prescribe Fluoxetine which is already being used to treat OCD and autism problems in people and dogs. Medicine would help to tranquilize your dog and prevent aggressive behaviors.

b. Secure and safe environment

Ensuring a safe habitat for dogs with autism-related issues is a must. Autistic dogs might be afraid of almost everything. If your dog gets nervous and anxious around other people, dogs or animals, and an unknown environment then you should ensure to provide a neutral environment for your dog.

Build a quiet, safe space just for them so they can hide every time they need to.

c. Anti-stress life

Avoid situations that may give stress to your dog or that could cause your pet any stress or anxiety. If the dog doesn’t like to be petted, don’t pet it. If she or he doesn’t like to meet people or dogs, let it be. Learn to be gentle with both and humans who are suffering from autism.

d. Exercise

Exercise can be a good idea to preoccupy their mind. If your dog has plenty of exercise, it will have less stress and anxiety. Dogs can also be trained to do “heavy work” such as pulling a loaded wagon or carrying a doggy backpack filled with soft weight. These sorts of activities are known to help many people with autism.

e. Diet

Learn more about the appropriate diet for dogs with behavioral issues. You must consult with your vet about possible changes in their food regime.

f. Positive Reinforcement

Work with trainers or therapists who specialize in positive reinforcement. Find a trainer who has experience working with dogs who have behavioral concerns; a good trainer should be part of the treatment team for any dog who may be exhibiting autism-like behaviors.

Urban Pet Hospital & Resort is a premier dog daycare in Des Moines specializing in pet care, pet boarding, training, and therapy services. We are also a reliable veterinary in Des Moines and offer both medical and alternative pet care services.

Not all dogs are born with a tough gut that can chew on and digest everything. It’s quite common for many dog breeds, small puppies, and older dogs to encounter a sensitive stomach.

Dog bile is stronger than humans when it comes to digesting food and your dog’s digestive system can normally look after itself. The sensitive stomach can be attributed to the lack of a balanced diet and nutrition.

Is a Sensitive Stomach in Dogs Common?

The sensitive stomach is known as Gastrointestinal (GI) upset. It is the most common form of digestive issues faced by canines. The early signs of GI upset include intermittent vomiting; loose stools, bloating, and passing excessive gas can be caused by a variety of things.

Some dogs develop digestive issues because their diet either contains too much fat or lacks sufficient fiber. In other cases, digestive issues may signal the presence of an underlying disorder, such as pancreatitis, bacterial overgrowth or intestinal parasites.

Most dogs suffer from a sensitive stomach because of indigestion caused by improper diet. An improper dog diet is defined by the intake of a type of protein, insufficient fiber, and excess fat. Unknown to most pet owners, commercial food can cause indigestions in few cases. The majority of canine food allergy cases involve a reaction to the protein source, such as chicken, beef or egg.

Symptoms of a sensitive stomach

The signs of GI remain visibly present. To find out if your dog is suffering from the sensitive stomach, check out for these early signs.

• Dehydration (dry/tacky/pale gums, low skin elasticity)
• Painful, distended, or hard belly
• Retching, trying to vomit, or difficulty defecating
• The appearance of blood in vomit, urine, or feces
• Lethargy

When you start noticing these serious symptoms, you should immediately call your vet or take your dog to the nearest pet hospital. The symptoms include:

a. Vomiting

Vomiting isn’t necessarily a cause for concern, but if it shows up with other symptoms such as bile vomiting, lethargy, and diarrhea, then you should be gravely concerned. In most cases, yellow foam in the vomit indicates that the dog's stomach is relatively empty of food.

Bilious vomiting syndrome may occur when your dog hasn’t eaten in a while or if it has consumed an abnormally large amount of fatty foods.

b. Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a common sign of a sensitive stomach. Loose stool can be a sign of a sensitive stomach, particularly if there was a recent change in diet. Although this isn’t a major cause of concern, if diarrhea becomes persistent, then you must look into your dog’s diet. It’s time to consult your vet and change diet, pattern, or brand of food for your dog.

c. Gas

Dogs suffering from GI often pass gas. Dogs can have flatulence from gulping air when they eat, from a gastrointestinal illness or from eating too fast. To prevent this, you can use an elevated feeder while feeding. Take your dog out for a walk soon after eating if gas is an issue. Avoid certain foods that can cause gas. Soybeans, peas, beans, milk products, high-fat diets, and spicy foods are all commonly associated with flatulence in dogs.

d. Eating grass

The grass is a natural remedy for an upset stomach. A dog may consume grass to improve digestion, treat intestinal worms, or fulfill some unmet nutritional needs. Although a popularly hold though, not every dog vomit after eating grass. Less than 25% of dogs who eat grass vomit regularly after grazing.

Experts believe that dogs need roughage in their diets and grass serves as a good source of fiber.

Is Your Dog’s Food to Blame for Their Sensitive Stomach?

Gastrointestinal upset has a lot to do with your dog’s diet. Common dietary culprits for indigestion in dogs include the type of protein, insufficient fiber, and excess fat. A balanced diet is most important when it comes to a dog’s health.

You should avoid feeding your dog human food. You must prevent them from eating from table scrapes, dustbin, and kitchen residue.

Food to Avoid

• Alcohol
• Avocado
• Chocolate and caffeine
• Citrus
• coconut
• Grapes and raisins
• Macadamia Nuts
• Milk and dairy
• Onions and garlic
• Eggs and undercooked meat
• Salty food
• Xylitol

Puppies, older dogs, and certain dog breeds are prone to get a sensitive stomach after eating allergic foods such as chicken, beef or egg.

Most of the time, the ingredients in the food such as commercial food or canned food can cause upset stomachs. Food intolerance is common in dogs when you introduce a new brand of food. Avoid feeding dry food to your dog or based the entire diet on the over-processed canned food. 

How to treat sensitive stomachs in dogs?

Here is how you can treat a sensitive stomach in dogs.

i. Try a Bland Diet as a Short-Term Fix

Switching to a bland diet may be the best option to help resolve your dog’s immediate digestive issues as a short-term fix. A bland diet may include boiled and plain chicken and rice. A small amount of canned pumpkin may help resolve diarrhea.

Probiotic which is usually offered as a powder or liquid supplement can be added to your dog’s food. Probiotics can help to restore healthy bacteria in the intestine in order to improve digestive function. Add a tablespoon of plain, unsweetened yogurt to the food.  This helps soothe the stomach, replace healthy bacteria in the gut, and it can even stimulate the appetite.

ii. Consider Switching to a Dog Food That’s Made for Sensitive Stomachs

For dogs with a sensitive stomach, you should increase the food item rich in fiber while decreasing the use of excessive fat and protein. Have plenty of fiber ingredients, such as psyllium or beet pulp, to help firm up loose stools. It contains low amounts of fat and protein, which is helpful because fat can be difficult for many dogs to digest. Add probiotics to promote beneficial bacteria in the gut

iii. Switch to a reliable brand of food

The food label should state that the diet meets the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) nutrition standards. These guidelines ensure that the diet was developed under expert supervision and tested to ensure the accuracy, safety, and quality of ingredients.

Ensure to check the label that indicates that the food is nutritionally complete for your dog’s life stage and contains appropriate amounts of protein, carbohydrates, fiber, fat, vitamins and minerals.

iv. Try an Elimination Diet

An elimination diet is a prescription diet that is specifically formulated for pets with food allergies. The prescription diet is recommended by your veterinarian.

Most owners try to resolve sensitive stomach by introducing a new diet. Although in many cases the change in the diet improves the digestive issues, the symptoms can somehow persist even after several different diets are attempted. This could be a case of food allergy.

Most dietary trials last eight weeks to allow digestive inflammation and infections to resolve. All other foods and treats are discontinued during the trial to avoid accidental exposure to an allergen. This includes table scraps, which should not be fed to dogs in general.

After the trial is complete, your veterinarian may recommend switching back to the old diet to see if symptoms return, or to a different diet for long-term maintenance.

Urban Pet Hospital & Resort is a premier veterinary in Des Moines specializing in pet medical care, pet diet, surgery, therapy, boarding, and training. Get in touch with our expert DVMs for the best advice on pet care service in Des Moines.

Like humans, a pet is often prone to physical ailments. Arthritis and hip dysplasia are common in many canines, while Obesity remains common in both canines and felines. Therapy has been proven to reduce physical pain and ailments in pets.

Water therapy service for dogs is specially designed to treat obesity and different forms of bone ailments in dogs.

Pet therapy service

Not to be mistaken with Animal Assisted Therapy, Pet therapy service is specifically designed for the pets. Pet therapy is a human-assisted treatment designed for pets as an intensive therapy session for various ailments, weight loss, physiological diagnosis, and treatment.

According to a study by the Association for pet obesity prevention, 56% of the pet dogs in the USA are overweight in 2017. Among them, 19.6% are suffering from obesity. Overweight is not only the problem in itself but also the cause of many problems in both humans and animals. Well planned diet, proper exercise, and regular health checkup is the key to healthy pets.

Every veterinary and pet hospital should be equipped with therapists and water therapy services for dogs.  They should be well prepared to rehabilitate major pet problems such as:

• Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD)
• Obesity
• Arthritis
• Hip Dysplasia
• Elbow Dysplasia
• Gait Abnormalities
• Bone and Joint Injuries

Importance of pet therapy service

Pet Therapy service has both physical and mental benefits for pets. From reducing physical pain to gaining confidence, pet therapy has larger implications on pet health.

• Depression and anxiety are common in pets with arthritis. The difficulty in movement often reduces endorphin (any of a group of hormones secreted within the brain and nervous system and having a number of physiological functions including happiness). Intensive therapy can help dogs move freely which can certainly improve their mood.
• Along with increasing endorphin, pet therapy can help decrease feelings of isolation and alienation. They will be encouraged to communicate with other animals and humans.
• The decrease in anxiety, boredom, and increase in exercise can improve the overall health of the dog.
• In the case of obesity, water therapy can help reduce the unnecessary weight by intensive underwater exercise. This has proven to be helpful to many overweight dogs and cats.

Water therapy service for dogs

Water therapy, also known as hydrotherapy, is a technique of reducing weight within a short duration. Water therapy implies two different methods of reducing weight: exercising in the swimming pool and the underwater treadmill.

Water induced therapy in the swimming pool helps dogs to play and engage in an exercise in the swimming pool, whereas, the underwater treadmill is a focused therapy applied to reduce weight or treat physical ailments such as hip dysplasia and arthritis.

Hydrotherapy originally began as a treatment for humans in ancient times. It later expanded to include animals too. The first instance of the therapy saw benefits among racehorses as well as racing Greyhounds.

Various therapies used in the present-day treatment employ water jets, underwater massage and mineral baths (e.g. balneotherapy, Iodine-Grine therapy, Kneipp treatments, Scotch hose, Swiss shower, and thalassotherapy)

About pool therapy

The pool tends to be smaller than a human swimming pool and is heated. A dog's muscles benefit from the warming effects of the heated water. Most pools are equipped with a ramp for entry and exit and some have harnessed to maintain the dog in position in the water. Water is chlorinated or treated with an alternative chemical. Some have jets to add resistance and make the dog swim more strongly.

Benefits of Water Therapy Service for Dogs

The many benefits of water therapy service for dogs include:

• Hydrotherapy helps in relieving pain and strengthen or re-training muscles. The dog is effectively weightless when swimming which helps to minimize pain and enforce the strengthening of muscles or bones.
• It encourages a full range of joint motion, thus improving muscle tone without imposing unnecessary stress on damaged tissues.
• It also helps your dog lose unnecessary body weight by encouraging regular exercise.
• It helps dogs to recover from the injury or surgery.
• It can be beneficial for dogs who suffer from arthritis due to old age. The water buoyancy helps to reduce joint swelling, stress on muscles and bones, etc.
• The older dogs tend to experience sadness and fear, especially when their ailing health causes pain. The support of water and relief from pain promotes a sense of safety and well-being in them.

Why you should perform a water therapy service?

The hydrotherapy technique has been applied to animals since the 18^th Century. It is one of the most effective forms of alternative treatment.

The water is denser than the air, thus making it 5x more effective for the exercise. The intensive exercise can help lose more weight through water therapy in a very short time. Although water therapy is mostly implemented for weight loss, it has many other health benefits. Regular water therapy helps maintain fitness, strength, and condition of body. Being in shape and good health will help reduce future medical costs.

Water buoyancy makes it possible for dogs with joint problems to exercise without any pressure. It is very useful for joint and limb problems.

Water therapy can help in healing after surgery or injury. It makes it easier for muscle mass development and muscle strength in necessary body parts. Water therapy, usually warm water, improves circulation and lymphatic drainage. It reduces swelling, increases mobility and relaxes the muscle.

It increases the metabolism in the body. It helps to digest the food and absorb all the nutrients and spread throughout the body.

Real news about “water therapy service for dogs”

The news was covered by ABC7 Chicago.

Montana beagle named 'Pearl' weighed 50 pounds. Within one year, she lost 20-25 pounds thanks to hydrotherapy.

Pearl's owner said, "She weighed 50 pounds, unable to walk more than 4 to 5 steps before her legs would give out. She had a dislocated hip that prevented her from being able to walk well."

Initially, she was only able to exercise 45 seconds along with many breaks in between. However, after sessions six days a week, he built up the endurance to swim for 15 minutes.

Pearl has Cushing's disease hence she has to follow a strict diet but enjoys a treat now and again.

Pet Care Service in Des Moines

Urban Pet Hospital & Resort is a premier veterinary specializing in pet care service in Des Moines. We offer different forms of pet therapy services such as canine massage, Low-Level Laser Therapy, different range of motion exercise, aqua paws underwater treadmill, magnetic field therapy, hydrotherapy - In the ground endless pool with swim current.

Our therapists perform special weight loss programs. Get in touch with Urban Pet Hospital & Resort for the best pet care service in Des Moines.