Common Nerve Disorders Amongst Dogs

In humans and animals, nerves control all body movement. Any disorder that affects the nervous system is bound to cause mobility problems. In many cases, the normal function of that body part will never get back to normal. Dogs are also affected with nerve disorders, especially if they are already in their senior years. Below are some common nerve disorders amongst dogs that you should know about.

Peripheral Neuropathy

This illness is caused by damage or an injury caused by outside sources. Nerves that are spread all though-out the body, controlling the different systems and sending back responses to external and internal stimuli, become weakened as a result of the problem. Loss of consciousness, instability, and spatial disorientation are also other symptoms. This could be caused by toxins, infections, immune or metabolic diseases, and even certain medications that are used to treat cancer.

Radial Nerve Paralysis

Radial nerve paralysis is by far one of the most common nerve problems experienced by dogs. When the dog has this, they have a very hard time using their front legs, resulting with them dragging their paws while walking and damaging their nails. This is usually caused by an injury or excessive stretching. The dog will need some form of therapy and rehabilitation to be able to walk properly again.

Degenerative Myelopathy

Genetics plays a vital roles in this illness. Degenerative myelopathy or DM in dogs, is an illness that affects the dog’s spine and nerves. It usually first affects the dog’s hind legs, causing it drag them while walking. The dog will also shake and lose balance because of the loss of control. The illness will progress and begin to affect the dog’s body, moving up to its torso, front legs, and then their head. DM in dogs eventually results in full body paralysis and manifests in dogs that are in their older years.

Neuromuscular Disorder

With neuromuscular disorders, illnesses such as diabetes, Cushing’s disease, botulism, Addison’s disease, cancer, and tetanus could affect the dog’s neuromuscular system. These disorders could cause swelling of the nerves, leaving the dog in pain. They may also have a hard time when exercising, eating, and even supporting their own weight.

Axonotmesis

This is when nerve fibers rupture due to prolonged pressure, crushing and pinching. It normally takes the dog about a few weeks to a few months to recover from the damage.  Depending on how damaged the body part is, the dog may not regain full ability and control of that part of the body.

3 Tips for Keeping your in Top Shape

Keeping our pet dogs healthy is one of our top priorities. We treat our pets like a part of our family and we want them to live a long and happy life. Many dog owners would go the extra mile when it comes to taking care of their pet dogs. Some even buy the best and most expensive necessities, accessories and toys just to keep their dogs cheerful. However, health and proper care is still the best thing we can give to our pets. There are many things to consider in making sure that our pet dogs are always healthy.

1.    Expert Vet Care

The best veterinary care covers the overall health of our pet dogs. We need to make sure that our vet is trustworthy. Dogs also need to be given regular checkup; a routine wellness test should be given to the dog twice a year. Moreover, senior dogs and puppies need more visits to the vet because of their age. Dogs that have special needs, such as the ones that have degenerative myelopathy, might need an on call vet in case of emergencies.

2.    Optimum Nutrition and Exercise

Picking out the right diet is one of the pillars of keeping a healthy. We can’t just feed them table scraps and bones. They need a balanced diet to stay in good physical shape. There are hundreds of brands of dog food that offers a special formula for certain types of dogs. Ask the vet which one is the best for your dog’s breed and age. Along with a balanced diet, dogs also need a good amount of exercise. Exercise is also a form of therapy for dogs that have joint diseases and degenerative myelopathy. Besides, taking your dog out for a walk will let you bond and build a stronger relationship.

3.    Dental Care and Grooming

Taking care of your dog’s teeth is one of the most forgotten tasks. Just as in humans, tartar and plaque can build up in dog teeth, leading to mouth and gum problems. Most find it difficult to brush their dog’s teeth since dogs move around a lot. A simple solution to this is to give the dog a dental treat that they can chew on that doubles as a way for them to clean their teeth remove oral odor.

Grooming is also important. Besides giving the dog regular baths to keep them clean, their fur also needs to be brushed. Depending on the breed, some dogs might also need to be taken to a grooming parlor to get their fur trimmed and have matted fur removed.

Dog Care – Skin and Fur Care

Knowing how to take good care of your dog’s skin and fur should be something that you as a dog owner learn about. Different dogs have different fur and coat types so care will vary from dog to dog. They require special grooming, fur care and prevention against any bacterial infections that could possible result from exposure to dirt and grime.

Unlike human hair, dog hair has a more coarse texture to it. They also shed a lot, so dog owners need to clean up after them. Depending on the dog breed, some might require a higher level of maintenance then others. Here are some basic tips on how to take good care of your dog’s skin and fur.

Check their Diet

Making sure that your dog is getting a balanced diet will help ensure that their skin and fur stays healthy and shiny. A dog’s fur does not only need care from the outside, but also from the inside. If you are planning to give your dog chicken meat, slowly introduce this to their meals and check if it’s causing any problems with its skin and fur. Some dogs are actually allergic to chicken. You can also give them food supplements.

Brush regularly

Regularly brush your dog’s fur to help take out dander and dead hair. It also helps spread natural oils found on the dog’s pelt and enhances circulation.

Bathe them

The issue on how many times a dog gets bath varies from one vet to another. Some say once a week, while others would go for once a month. Too much bathing will cause the dog’s skin to dry out and cause hot spots. But not bathing it frequently will make it dirty and smelly. Dirt and bacteria could also become trapped on their skin. In certain cases, especially with DM in dogs, owners will have a hard time cleaning and bathing their dog. Although DM in dogs will cause them to lose their ability to walk and go out, you will still need to make sure they stay clean. Medicated soap and shampoo helps kills and prevents pests like ticks and fleas.

Have regular vet visits

By going to the vet regularly, the vet can inform you of any problems with their skin while it’s still early. If the dog is already developing skin and fur problems, the vet can prescribe or administer medication. You can also have a little talk with the vet and ask them about what you can do to keep your dog generally healthy and happy.