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Get Smart Library
With a commitment to canine health, SmartPak Canine is excited to bring you a new
library of online health articles from the
University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine!
Click any title below for a summary of each article and read your favorites today!
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Canine Articles
Canine Articles
Bloat is a Tricky Problem for Dogs
People can pig out on Halloween goodies, or anything else for that matter, without
it coming back to haunt them. But, for some dogs who overindulge, even on plain
old food and water, their stomach may inflate like a balloon and twist on itself
-- a canine horror story. Food is sometimes the cause of a dilated stomach, but
often a dog's stomach will mysteriously dilate, or bloat, for no known reason. Either
way, bloat is a medical emergency, and the puffed-up pooch will need veterinary
help as soon as possible. [full article]
Brain Exercise Keeps Older Dogs Sharp
As dogs age, they may experience loss of mental sharpness, a condition known
as geriatric cognitive dysfunction, similar to geriatric dementia in humans. According
to Dr. Thomas Graves, an internist at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching
Hospital in Urbana, signs of cognitive dysfunction include altered interactions
with people, decreased activity, "accidents" in the house, disorientation, change
in sleep patterns, and loss of learned behaviors.
[full article]
CHF, Not a New Sports Drink
Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a complex and serious condition defined as
the heart's inability to function normally, leading to excessive retention of water
and salt causing fluid build-up in the lungs.
[full article]
This Summer, Take Cody and Max Along for the Ride
At the mention of "car ride" Cody's ears perk up and her tail wags wildly. To
Cody, a six-year-old black lab mix who has been my companion on two cross-country
journeys and several weekend camping trips, those two little words mean squirrel-chasing,
tongue-flopping fun is in the not-so-distant future.
[full article]
Cushing's Disease: A Threat to Older Dogs
Cortisol is an essential hormone for normal body function and is released in
times of illness, stress, pain, and injury to help the body cope with these stressful
events. When an excessive amount of cortisol is produced, however, the effects can
be harmful and even fatal. [full article]
Degenerative Joint Disease and Your Limpy Pooch
Every time I take Cody to her favorite dog park, she runs around like crazy
-- slobber flying, smiling from Labrador ear to ear. But the next day, I usually
notice, she pays for all that squirrel chasing with a slight limp in her right forelimb.
It doesn't slow her down much, but makes it me wonder if our trips to the dog park
should be replaced by a kinder, gentler activity.
[full article]
Fido's Diabetes Not Like Aunt Rose's
"Almost everyone knows someone who has diabetes, and clients often relate the
information they have heard about Aunt Rose's diabetes to their pet's condition."
says Dr. Thomas Burke, veterinarian at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary
Medicine Teaching Hospital in Urbana. "The problem is, Aunt Rose is not a golden
retriever." [full article]
Does My Dog Need Depends?
Many owners find themselves in a panic when their dogs begin urinating inside
the house. No one likes the messy clean up and the lingering scent of urine. Urinary
incontinence affects many pets but often goes ignored and untreated.
[full article]
Exercising With Your Pet
Kimo Huffman keeps himself in shape with regular exercise, running five miles
most days. The regular exercise is great for his body mass index, the health of
his heart and his general attitude about life. In fact, if he misses a regular run
he tends to be a little sluggish and cranky. The regular exercise is pretty good
for his owner, Liz Huffman, of Denver, Colo., as well.
[full article]
First Rate Food Choices for Fido
Dog foods are all alike, right? Though some are labeled "for all stages of life,"
it is doubtful that these are the best choice. The fact is that the nutritional
needs of dogs change throughout their lives and can even change depending on their
environment. [full article]
Canine Hip Dysplasia
"Hip dysplasia is a painful condition of the hip joint in dogs. It is believed
to be caused by a combination of genetics, environment, rapid growth, and nutrition,"
says Dr. Mary K. Quinn, veterinarian and surgery resident at the University of Illinois
Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital at Urbana. It occurs most often in Labrador
retrievers, German shepherd dogs, and golden retrievers but can affect almost any
breed of dog. Large-breed dogs are most frequently affected because they can grow
too rapidly for their bones to grow in synch. Diets that encourage rapid growth,
such as an early high-protein diet or puppy chow fed for a prolonged time, are thought
to contribute to the problem. [full
article]
Kidney Copes With Chronic Renal Failure
Chronic renal failure is the most common kidney problem in dogs and cats. Though
it is a condition that worsens with time, special care and treatment can help keep
your pet feeling good. Chronic renal failure can be congenital, genetic, acquired,
or of unknown cause. Cats, especially Maine Coon, Abyssinian, Siamese, Russian Blue,
and Burmese breeds, are more commonly diagnosed with chronic renal failure than
are dogs. [full article]
Lifestyle Changes Relieve Pet's Arthritis Pain
Veterinarians now believe that overweight dogs with painful hips and lameness
caused by osteoarthritis may improve by weight reduction alone. Obesity is the No.
1 nutritional disease in dogs and is an important risk factor for osteoarthritis
in humans, so it makes sense that slimming your hefty dog can be a huge relief. [full article]
Preparedness Can Lower Risk and Severity of Pet Injuries
Accidents can happen. They are often unpredictable and can sometimes be quite
serious. Being prepared for emergencies can greatly reduce risk and severity of
the injuries. [full article]
Sending Your Dog the Wrong Message?
"Objectionable pet behavior is the No. 1 reason people have unsatisfactory relationships
with their dog," says Dr. Rolan Tripp, veterinarian and behaviorist who spoke on
animal behavior to veterinary students at the University of Illinois College of
Veterinary Medicine. More dogs die as a result of behavior problems than all preventable
medical problems combined. Frustrated owners simply give up, and their untrained
dogs often end up in animal shelters with uncertain fates.
[full article]
Separation Anxiety
Ever wonder what your dog does when you're not at home? Perhaps he is taking
a nap on your bed (and drooling on your pillow), chewing on your favorite pair of
shoes, or terrorizing the cat. But people whose dogs suffer from separation anxiety
are lucky if their house is still standing when they return home!
[full article]
Dog's Itchy Skin Can Indicate Allergy
Just like people, dogs can suffer seasonal skin allergies to environmental allergens
such as pollen, dust mites, and insect bites. According to Dr. Karen Campbell, chief
of specialty medicine at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital
in Urbana, there are effective ways to diagnose and treat skin allergies.
[full article]
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