Cobalequin and Vitamin B12 Supplements For Dogs and Cats

Posted on October 10, 2017 by Holly

Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin that plays an important role in within the body of dogs and cats, including the function of the brain and nervous system, cell growth, protein synthesis, metabolism of fat and carbohydrates, and the formation of red blood cells. Vitamin B12, which is also called cobalamin, is not made by the body and must be supplied by food or nutritional supplements. Having a lack of B12 can lead to other health problems, and both dogs and cats can develop a deficiency of this vitamin. In certain breeds, B12 deficiency in dogs can be genetically passed on, especially in beagles, border collies, and giant schnauzers. B12 deficiency in dogs and B12 deficiency in cats can also occur with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is a condition that prevents animals from being able to digest and absorb nutrients from food because they lack digestive enzymes in the pancreas. Animals suffering from EPI can become deficient in multiple nutrients including B12, because they can not absorb it from the food they eat. Some common signs include weight loss, anemia, lethargy, and loss of appetite. If you suspect your dog or cat has a deficiency, talk with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian may use blood tests and lab work to diagnose a B12 deficiency.

B12 supplements are used to help increase and maintain vitamin levels in animals with deficiency, anemia, pancreatic insufficiency, and other conditions. They may be given as a one-time treatment by your veterinarian or prescribed as a routine supplement to help maintain your pet’s levels. You should always talk with your vet before using a new supplement or medication.

Cobalequin

Cobalequin for Dogs and Cobalequin for Cats

Cobalequin is a supplement for dogs and cats that contains cobalamin, a form of vitamin B12. It helps increase and maintain levels of B12 and replace nutrients missing from your dog or cat’s regular diet. Cobalequin helps increase levels of vitamin B12 in those animals with deficiency and may be given as a regular dietary supplement. Cobalequin comes in a tasty, chicken-flavored chewable tablet making it easy to give. Available in two sizes: Cobalequin for Cats and Small Dogs, and Cobalequin for Dogs Medium and Large.

Vitamin B12 Injections

Vitamin B12 Injection for Cats and Dogs

This is a prescription injectable for dogs and cats that contains cyanocobalamin, a man-made form of Vitamin B12. Injections are typically given in the muscle or under the skin. B12 njections for dogs and cats are typically prescribed to help treat B12 deficiency, anemia, pancreatic insufficiency, or digestive disorders.

Rx B12 and Rx B12 Forte

Rx B12 for Dogs and Cats

Rx B12 contains cyanocobalamin, a man-made form of vitamin B12, and is a nutritional supplement for dogs and cats. Rx B12 Forte contains a higher concentration of cyanocobalamin. It may be given to animals will illness or deficiency or to help replace nutrients missing from their diet. It comes in a flavored, palatable liquid.

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FortiFlora Probiotic Supplement For Dogs and Cats

Posted on May 1, 2017 by Holly

Probiotics are a source of the beneficial microbes or bacteria that help replace and boost those existing in the gastrointestinal tract. Probiotics can promote healthy intestinal function and manage diarrhea or irregularity. Both people and animals alike have natural microbes or “flora” that naturally live on the lining of their intestines. These are types of bacterias and yeasts that help digest and absorb nutrients from food and defend against “bad” bacteria from taking up residence. Keeping a healthy balance of good bacteria in the gut is not only important for proper digestion but also for the immune system. They help protect the body against illness and disease. The natural flora is fragile and can easily be diminished by medications like antibiotics or painkillers, poor diet, disease or stress. This can make your dog or cat susceptible to digestive upsets like diarrhea, gas, and cramping.

Providing a probiotic supplement to your dog or cat can help replace the damaged bacteria and keep a healthy balance. They can also improve the digestive process by breaking down nutrients in the diet so they can easily be absorbed and used by the body.

FortiFlora
Fortiflora contains a special strain of probiotics designed specifically for dogs and cats. With 100 million live active cultures, it helps replenish and balance the good bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. FortiFlora also has a high level of antioxidants which help support the immune system and protect against disease. FortiFlora is ideal for times when your dog or cat is under stress, has eaten something inappropriate, is on antibiotics, has soft stools, diarrhea, or gas. It may also be given daily to maintain normal digestion and regularity. Plus, the great tasting powder is easily sprinkled on your pet’s food. Like any supplement, always consult your veterinarian before using it and always follow their specific directions.

Anal Gland Issues in Pets

Posted on September 3, 2014 by Wes Hepker

This is what you probably don’t want to read about; your pet’s anal glands. This topic can be a little disturbing but there are thousands to millions of pets suffering from anal gland issues today. This article aims to explain what is normal and not-so-normal about our pet’s anal glands, and to describe a few supplements which may help.

Fact: Cats also have two anal glands, just like dogs,

and can develop the same issues as dogs.

Fiction: All pets need their anal gland manually expressed by a veterinarian.

As you may have discovered above, both cats and dogs have two anal glands. They are located on each side of the anus and are fluid filled sacs used to mark their territory. The fluid within the sacs has a distinct odor, similar to a skunk’s spray, and is released each time the pet defecates. The scent is their own identity, which is why dogs typically greet each other by sniffing the rears. Some pets do need their anal glands expressed (or released) by a veterinarian because they are having some issues with their anal glands, but most healthy pets do not.

Courtesy of www.dogchannel.com

What are anal gland disorders?

Impaction: This is where the anal sacs have too much fluid inside of them, usually caused by a decreased expression or release. Treatment is generally just a manual expression of the impacted glands, performed by a veterinarian. Pets with recurring impaction issues may need to consider diet changes and/or supplements.
Infection: Usually following an impaction, anal sacs can become infected, where bacteria decide to take up residence in the gland. These usually require veterinary attention to start antibiotics and cleaning of the gland.
Abscess: An untreated anal gland infection can lead to an abscess, where the anal gland and the surrounding tissues becomes very inflamed. They eventually swell to the point of rupture. These abscesses can be very dangerous and require immediate veterinary attention.

Fiction: All pets can benefit from anal gland support supplements.

Fact: Anal gland support supplements are all very different,

and it is important to pay attention to each’s ingredients.

Glandex is a veterinarian formulated supplement for anal gland support.

Glandex is Available for Anal Gland Support!

Where do Anal Gland Supplements Come into Play?

Supplements are mainly helpful for preventing anal gland disorders and diseases. For pets with impactions, infections, abscesses, or any other anal gland disorder, prescription treatments are likely necessary. After the disorder has been healed, then a supplement may be helpful for preventing further instances. Most anal gland support supplements will contain fiber to help bulk up the stools, causing the anal glands to evacuate regularly. Other supplements will add in vitamins and other natural ingredients that may help with inflammation and general digestive health (Glandex and No Scoot). It is important to talk with your pet’s veterinarian about starting an anal gland support supplement because they may know which product will best compliment your pet’s disorder and diet.

Have you tried other anal gland supplements? How often does your pet need to visit their veterinarian for anal gland issues? Did the supplements help. Please leave us comments below. Thank you.

A Word About Pancreatic Enzyme Supplements

Posted on April 18, 2014 by Wes Hepker

If you’re a companion to a pet that requires supplementing pancreatic enzymes, then you probably understand how confusing and expensive the pancreatic enzyme supplements can be. The large investment in pancreatic enzyme supplements, alone, is a motivation for the desire to have them to be efficient but their activity is crucial for your pets to be healthy and happy. This article is aimed at helping you understand the enzymes, the cost of them, and the disease behind them, so you can get the best results from them while possibly saving money.

Why are pancreatic enzyme supplements for dogs used?

Normally, the pancreas produces enzymes that digest food and allow nutrients to be absorbed. Sometimes the pancreas can’t produce the enzymes needed to help your pet digest their food.The formal name for this disease is Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency and it is often abbreviated as EPI. It can be more common in German Shepherds, Rough Collies, and Chow Chows. The medication used to treat EPI is often a supplement of pancreatic enzymes that act like the ones your pet would usually make themselves.

What are pancreatic enzyme supplements for dogs?

The pancreas produces three major enzymes: amylase, lipase, and protease. Amylase breaks down carbohydrates, protease breaks down protein, and lipase breaks down fats. This breakdown is necessary for all three of these dietary nutrients to be absorbed and put to use in the body. The majority of prescription pancreatic enzymes are extracts from pigs. They can come in tablets and in powders. Some products also contain vitamins A, D3, and E. Your veterinarian will decide if your pet needs the extra vitamins or not.

Are there differences between brands of pancreatic enzyme supplements for dogs?

There are two main categories of pancreatic enzyme products: ones that contain the enzymes only, and ones that contain enzymes and vitamins. They can be further divided into tablets and powders which both contain the same ingredients when made by the same manufacturer, but in different ratios. Many questions have been raised about if the tablets and powders are equally effective and if you should pre-incubate the pancreatic enzymes (let them come to room temperature before feeding them). The American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine reports that pre-incubating the enzymes has no statistical significance in studies, and may be unnecessary. They also state that tablets and enteric coated products may have decreased efficacy. This is likely because the powders can coat the food better, which is the whole point of the enzymes; They need to be in contact with the food to break it down, and a tablet doesn’t reach a large volume of food, as compared to the powder. You could think about trying to flavor popcorn: shaking a flavored powder over the bowl of popcorn will coat more pieces and make it more flavorful, whereas putting a tablet of flavor will only coat a few pieces. This isn’t to say that all pets are candidates for powder pancreatic enzymes but if you have tried the tablets with no success, it may be beneficial to try the powder. It is ultimately the veterinarian’s decision which is best for each case, just be informed about the options.

How do the prices compare between the pancreatic enzyme supplements available through VetRxDirect?

Powders containing pancreatic enzymes only: Pancrezyme Powder, Viokase-V powder, and Epizyme powder: All three of these contain 71,400 units of lipase, 388,000 units of protease, and 460,000 units of amylase per teaspoonful. VetRxDirect’s current cost per teaspoon for each of these medications are:

Epizyme 8oz = $0.92
Epizyme 12oz = $0.95
Epizyme 4 oz = $1.20
Pancrezyme 12 oz= $1.57
Pancrezyme 8oz = $1.65
Viokase –V 12oz = $2.10
Viokase-V 8 oz= $2.18

Tablets containing pancreatic enzymes only: Pancrezyme tablets : These tablets are similar to the powder above, but they contain 9,000 units of lipase, 57,000 units of protease, and 64,000 units of amylase per teaspoonful. VetRx Direct’s current price per tablet is:

Pancrezyme tablet: $0.26

Powders containing pancreatic enzymes and vitamins: PancrePlus powder, Panakare Plus powder, and PancreVed powder. All three of these contain vitamins and 71,400 units of lipase, 388,000 units of protease, and 460,000 units of amylase per teaspoonful. VetRx Direct’s current price per teaspoon is:

PancreVed 12oz: $0.99
PanaKare Plus 12 oz: $1.01
PancreVed 8oz: $1.04
PanaKare Plus 8 oz: $1.04
PancrePlus 12oz: $1.07
PancrePlus 8oz: $1.13
PancreVed 4 oz: $1.14
PanaKare Plus 4 oz: $1.26
PancrePlus 4oz: $1.28

Tablets containing pancreatic enzymes and vitamins: PancrePlus tablets, PanaKare tablets, and PancreVed tablets. All three of these contain vitamins and 9,000 units of lipase, 57,000 units of protease, and 64,000 units of amylase. VetRx Direct’s current price per tablet is:

PancrePlus 500ct: $0.16
PanaKare Plus 500ct: $0.16
PancreVed 500 ct: $0.18
PanaKare Plus 100 ct: $0.22
PancrePlus 100 ct: $0.23
PancreVed 100 ct: $0.25

It’s all in the math for pancreatic enzyme supplements:

To find the difference in prices between the tablets and powders, a comparison between their concentrations must be made. The powders are much more concentrated than the tablets. In the enzyme only products and the enzyme plus vitamins, the powder-to-tablet enzyme concentration ratios (powder:tablet) for lipase, protease and amylase are 7.9:1, 6.8:1, and 7.18:1, respectively. So one teaspoonful is approximately 7 time more concentrated than one tablet. You could also think that it would take approximately 7 tablets to equal 1 teaspoon of the powder. If you multiply the price of the tablets by seven, then you get a rough comparative cost of the tablets to the powders.

For example:

Pancrezyme tablets = $0.26 x 7 = $1.82
Pancrezyme 12 oz powder = $1.57

By using the Pancrezyme powder instead of the Pancrezyme tablet you could save $0.25 per teaspoonful that you use. Let’s say that you are supposed to give one teaspoonful three times a day: you would save $0.75 per day. That could be $273.75 per year. Over ten years you could save $2,737.50, all because you were informed and proactive about your pet’s pancreatic enzyme supplements.

The take-home message about pancreatic enzyme supplements:

While the decision on what product to use is ultimately up to your veterinarian and you, it is important to be informed about the options out there. It is important to discuss the efficacy of the powder and tablets with your veterinarian, and what they think would the best option for your pet. The money that can be saved by switching to a cheaper product or by switching to powder form can save a large amount of money. However, you should be aware that some veterinarians like to start with more expensive products to stabilize your pet and then try the cheaper options, and there may be clinical differences between different manufacturers and how they get the enzymes.The purpose of this article is to educate pet owners about the pancreatic enzyme products and the long term costs that can accumulate from purchasing the more expensive products. We hope that reading this article has informed you about pancreatic enzymes, and that you (and your pet) can both be happy.

Is your dog on Pancreatic Enzymes? Does your dog take the powder? Which brand do you prefer? Please leave any comments below. Thank you.

Abigail Maas

VetRxDirect Pet Pharmacy Pharmacist Intern

Reference

“Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI).” American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 9 Jan. 2013. Web. 29 Mar. 2014.

Bloating in Dogs and Cats

Posted on December 17, 2013 by Wes Hepker

Image of Barrel-Chested Dog for Bloating in Dogs Post

Courtesy of Chris / Flickr

Human beings use the term “bloating” to describe the general feeling of satiety they experience after a large meal or a heavy drinking session. The actual medical condition is caused when the stomach is overfilled with fluid, air or food. Thanksgiving dinner and Oktoberfest are probably the two most common causes of human bloating. But for our furry friends, the condition is far more serious.

For domesticated dogs and cats, bloating is a potentially deadly disorder; stuffed with too much stuff, a distended stomach puts undue pressure on nearby organs and can cause a medical emergency. In fact, between 25 to 40 percent of dogs with the condition die from it, and cats are not far behind. With this in mind, let us take a moment to discuss the disorder.

General Symptoms of Bloating in Dogs and Cats:

An enlarged stomach puts pressure on other organs, causing a decrease in blood supply to vital organs; it can also make it much harder for your pet to breath. Animal doctors refer to the condition as gastric dilation-volvulus (GDV) or gastric torsion, which is commonly referred to as “twisted stomach”. In extreme cases, it can result in death in only a few hours. But even if it is treated as soon as possible, the condition should be considered a medical emergency.

How to spot Bloating in Pets? Look for these common symptoms:

Swollen stomach
Repeated, unsuccessful attempts to regurgitate
Pallid gums
Lethargy
Drooling or excessive salivation
Shortness of breath
Low body temperature
Tachycardia (rapid heartbeat)
Fainting or collapse

What’s behind bloating in pets?

The cause of canine and feline bloating is currently unknown. Veterinarians are aware of the fact that the condition is generally the result of overindulgence in food, drink or air, but they do know why the disorder is so deadly for our pets. The common consensus has always been that early detection is not possible because dogs and cats cannot alert us of a serious problem; in fact, they often to try to hide their ailments from us until it’s too late. As a result, a poor pouch or pussycat often suffers from a serious bout of bloating for several hours before we notice unmistakable symptoms.

How is bloating in pets treated?

Because they know how serious it can be, veterinarians generally take X-rays of the abdomen when they believe bloating is involved. In most cases, they may be able to decompress a distended stomach, which can relieve gas or fluid pressure. However, when GDV is the diagnosis, the stomach has rotated and most be corrected immediately.

The only way to address torsion is with emergency surgery, which is both dangerous and fraught with potential post-surgical complications. Infection, shock, and heart damage kill most of the dogs and cats that are operated on for GDV.

At-Risk Breeds of Bloating:

Dogs and cats are opportunistic eaters, hence their tendency to overeat. Certain breeds, however, are more likely to engorge themselves whenever food is on hand. Dogs, in particular, are susceptible to this behavior, since they evolved as wild pack animals that ate whenever food was available. Canines with smaller or skinnier stomachs are more likely to suffer from both bloating and GDV than others. Chihuahuas and Greyhounds are the two breeds that are most likely to be struck with a bout of bloating; in other words, dogs that do not have deep and/or large body cavities are more likely to bloat.

Prevention of Bloating in Pets:

As with most veterinary issues, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The following tips should help you reduce the risk of bloating in your dog or cat.

Instead of two or three large meals, feed your pet several smaller ones throughout the day. This will prevent them from eating too much food too fast.
Keep a close eye on their waistlines. Overeating will stretch your pet’s stomach, allowing them to eat a lot more and increasing the odds of bloating.
Presoak meals before serving. This will prevent them from having to chew too much, which can cause them to swallow too much air.
Don’t put out too much water. Because they do not have nearly as many sweat glands as human beings, dogs will drink more than necessary if given the opportunity. This can cause bloating in short order. Therefore, you should always be mindful of the amount of H20 you serve your animal throughout the day.
Limit exercise or activity after large meals. When a dog or cat eats heartily, they may not take the time they need to properly digest their food. This can cause bloating or GDV in a matter of minutes, which is why you should not play with or walk your animal soon after mealtime.

Do you have any experiences with bloating in pets or GDV in dogs? Let us know by sharing in the comments section below. Thank you.

Constipation in Cats: Could be but a Symptom

Posted on November 17, 2013 by Wes Hepker

By Marlene Wallace

Beautiful, graceful and slightly enigmatic, it is no easy task identifying what particular kinds of discomfort our beloved felines are experiencing. There are actually several different definitions and possible signs and symptoms of constipation in cats including the following:

Infrequent as well as often partial bowel movements.
Dry, hardened stools.
Straining when passing a bowel movement.
Vomiting during and/or after having gone to the bathroom.
Change in the frequency of a cat’s bowel movements.
Liquid stool, coming from above, leaks past impacted stool (i.e. dried stool stuck within the intestines) giving the appearance that the cat actually has diarrhea instead.
When your furry companion has bowel movements outside of its litter box, it can be a signal of constipation.
Seeing blood and/or mucus in your pet’s droppings.
Any noticeable changes in the color and/or appearance of a cat’s stool.

It is important to note that when your pet is straining to urinate, it can sometimes be confused with straining to pass a stool. If a cat is unable to urinate, it is considered to be a medical emergency. The cat should be taken to a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Not only is constipation extremely uncomfortable for cats, it is also very unhealthy and dangerous for them. Constipation may be a symptom of a more serious underlying disease and/or illness. It can either be temporary (i.e. acute) or ongoing (i.e. chronic). Several causes of constipation in cats include:

Consuming a diet low in fiber.
Dehydration.
Presence of hairballs within the intestines.
Excessive grooming.
Abscessed and/or blocked anal sacs.
Enlargement of the prostate gland in male cats.
Tangled hair on the feline’s buttocks (a problem that is easily remedied with our cat grooming products).
Ingestion of various foreign objects including things like cloth, string and/or bones, etc.
Medication side effects.
Presence of a tumor and/or some other type of intestinal obstruction.
Presence of a neurologic disorder.
Feline obesity.
Abnormally shaped colon.
Abnormal motility of the colon.

How to Treat an Acutely Constipated Cat:

If your cat has an acute bout of constipation, contact your vet right away. While there are many laxatives available, be vigilant to use versions specifically designed to give to cats. They are extremely sensitive animals and can easily be poisoned by certain types of human treatments. Constipation treatments need to be effective as well as very safe for use over the long term.

Lactulose:

Lactulose for cats acts as an osmotic laxative. A thick, sweet liquid, it is a type of indigestible sugar. By-products of gut bacteria aid in the regulation of colon pH. The latter is what influences the amount of water retained within the stool. This particular laxative also influences the bowel pH. It has a slightly acidic effect which causes water retention and therefore increases the stool volume.

Requiring a prescription from your vet, the goal of Lactulose is a normal, soft stool rather than flushing out your cat. Hence, it should be used as a preventative treatment. If your cat actually has impacted stool, this type of laxative is not appropriate until the impaction is dealt with.

Runny Stools in Cats and Dogs

Posted on November 9, 2013 by Wes Hepker

One of the most unpleasant words in the English language, diarrhea is from a Greek word that means “to flow through.” We might snicker and sing funny songs about it, but diarrhea is no laughing matter, as it may be symptom of a serious disorder. When it occurs in our pets, watery, runny stool usually indicates gastrointestinal distress. As execrable as it may be, it is important to deal with the matter as quickly as possible. With that in mind, we will discuss the signs, causes, and treatment options for loose stool.

But before we continue, it is important to note that this is only an introduction to a common problem that strikes most pets at one time or another. For a proper, medical diagnosis, you should always consult a licensed veterinarian. And never, ever attempt to treat your pet for any medical problem without speaking to his/her doctor first.

Symptoms of Diarrhea in Pets

The classic sign that your dog or cat has loose stool is they need to go to the bathroom every few hours. They might stand by the door waiting to be let out with an urgent, worried look on their faces. Older and younger animals are also more likely to have indoor accidents when they have a particularly nasty bout of diarrhea.

Another common symptom of diarrhea is straining, which happens because the pet feels like it has to go to the bathroom even after it has gone several times. It is for this reason that many pet owners mistake diarrhea for constipation. As far as what comes out, the stool may be runny or watery, leading to explosive bouts of elimination.

Other symptoms that may indicate diarrhea in pets include:

Loss of appetite
Lack of energy
Anxiety
Dehydration

Causes of Diarrhea in Dog and Cats

There are numerous reasons why your dog or cat may come down with a case of runny stool. Some of them are minor, others are quite serious.

More often than not, your pet gets diarrhea from a dietary indiscretion, which is a medical term that means he ate something that didn’t agree with him. This food, or substance, upsets his stomach or GI tract, impeding the normal formation of stool. In most cases, the problem is the result of a sudden change in diet. Perhaps you switched from one dog food to another without examining the listed ingredients first. If they are dissimilar, any new ingredient could result in diarrhea.

Another common cause of runny stool are food allergies. Yes, pets and their owners can suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), the main side effect of which is diarrhea. Your dog or cat may also itch and scratch incessantly if they have food allergies.

The most serious causes of diarrhea are pancreatitis and infection. Pancreatitis is when the pancreas becomes inflamed, which precipitates a whole host of negative symptoms. An infection, on the other hand, can be either viral or bacterial and may range from mild to life threatening.

Treatment for Diarrhea in Pets

If your pet seems healthy after an episode of diarrhea and exhibits none of the other signs we have discussed, it is safe to monitor him on your own for a few days. During this time period, you will want to alter his diet, since food is the most likely culprit. What to feed him?

Remember that loose stool is often caused by irritation in the GI tract that is caused by either food allergies or something that didn’t agree with your pet. It is for this reason that we recommend feeding your dog or cat a bland diet low in fat. You may also wish to space the meals a little farther apart to ensure that the new diet is not exacerbating his condition.

Many veterinarians recommend a mild diet of ground beef and rice for pets with loose stool. Just make sure that the beef is very lean, preferably 93 percent lean, since fat can irritate a sensitive GI tract. Another suggestion some experts endorse is to mix ground turkey, which is very lean, with mashed pumpkin, which is very mild.

Fortiflora for Cats and Flortiflora for Dogs

If the problem clears up on its own, it is safe to assume that your animal has intestinal issues that make him sensitive to certain foods. One effective way to treat this problem is to give him a safe and natural probiotic formula that helps promote a strong immune system and healthy intestinal function.

Fortiflora is a popular nutritional supplement for dogs and cats that does just that. Sold in powdered form, it contains a special strain of probiotics, which are live active cultures that help balance out an imbalanced GI tract, leading to fewer episodes of irritation and diarrhea. Thankfully, it is fairly easy to administer and inexpensive. Like any supplement, always consult your pet’s veterinarian before using it and always follow the dosing directions to the letter.

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Parasite Control in Dogs

Posted on May 29, 2013 by Wes Hepker

Did you know 34% of dogs across the country are infected with gastrointestinal parasites? With summer just around the corner, your dog will be spending more and more time outside, which is why it’s so vital to make parasite protection and prevention a priority.

What to Look For
Being able to recognize the signs of a parasite infestation is crucial to addressing the issue and preserving your canine’s health.
Fleas, the most common type of external parasite, are known to cause irritation of the skin, hair loss and constant itching and chewing. Ingestion of fleas by dogs and cats can lead to tapeworms.

Internal parasites can cause severe issues within the stomach, including diarrhea and vomiting. Dogs that are internally infected may show signs of weight loss, “scooting” across the carpet or grass, as well as the presence of larvae near the anus.

Prevention
Be proactive in decreasing your pet’s exposure to parasites by taking the following veterinarian recommended steps:

•	Deworming – Make sure to purchase and give a pet dewormer on a regular basis
•	Take in a Stool Sample – It is recommended your veterinarian performs a fecal examination for your pet once or twice a year, or seasonally if under the age of 1 year.
•	Maintain a Close Eye on Diet – Never allow your dog to eat raw meat or food that has had prolonged exposure to the sun, or drink water from possibly contaminated sources, like rivers and ponds.
•	Flea Prevention – Make sure your pet is on a flea medication to prevent ingestion of fleas

Keep your dog protected today by checking out some of the most popular parasite control and prevention medications ON SALE NOW at our store.

Popular Parasite Control Medications

Virbantel
Affordable flavored tablets treat and control the most common types of round, hook and tapeworms.

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A broad-spectrum de-worming solution used to treat a wide-range of intestinal parasites.

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Used to treat worms infections and other kinds of parasites.

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Tummy Trouble?

Posted on January 2, 2013 by Wes Hepker

A cookie here, some crackers there, a few extra bones, or another helping of catnip … and maybe a sock or two left on the floor. The holidays present so many tasty opportunities for our pets to indulge. Unfortunately, many of those indulgences — or, depending on how you look at them, indiscretions — can cause upset stomach and even diarrhea. Both are uncomfortable for your pet – and no fun for you either.

Here are some tips for helping your pet avoid bouts of diarrhea during the holidays and throughout the year:

If you have guests staying with you, be sure they know the house rules on feeding your pet, especially about whether they can give your pet any “people food.” Let them know which treats – and how many — your dog and cat are allowed to have. That way Grandma will know not to slip Fido Christmas cookies under the table and your littlest guests will understand what foods and items are off limits for your pet.

Go easy on the tasty treats. If Santa Paws left your pet treats under the tree, give your furry friend just a few on the big day then dole them out as you normally would. Letting your dog or cat have a bunch of treats at one time is good way to cause gastric distress.

Try not to leave temptation out for your pet. In the rush of the holiday season, it’s easy to forget how much your dog loves to chew on your kids’ toys or how your cat likes to eat your favorite houseplant. Before the rush of guests arrive, consider putting problem plants, toys, and other enticing items in a place where your pet can’t get to them.

If diarrhea does set in, try to determine what the culprit was so you know the source. And pay close attention to your pet; if the diarrhea lasts more than a few days, be sure to contact your veterinarian. Left untreated, diarrhea can lead to dehydration and other serious problems.

Endosorb tablets can provide some relief from diarrhea. These tablets contain treated mineral clay that absorbs toxins in the stomach and relieves discomfort, cramping, and irritation due to diarrhea. Be sure to give your pet plenty of fresh water when administering Endosorb.

You might also want to consider giving your pet probiotic products to reduce the effects of diarrhea and help stop it from even starting. Probiotic supplements are over-the-counter products that promote healthy intestinal and immune function. Probiotics are usually given daily either in a tablet, chewable, or a powder that can be sprinkled on food.

FortiFlora is one popular probiotic supplement formulated for dogs and cats. It contains a special strain of probiotic that promotes healthy intestinal function and manages diarrhea. FortiFlora also has a high level of antioxidants, which help support your pet’s immune system.

How do you help your pet when she has diarrhea? Have you had success with probiotics? We’d like to hear what you think in the comments section below.

Have a Happy Start to your New Year!

Wes

Review of Pancreatic Drugs for Dogs

Posted on October 8, 2012 by Wes Hepker

Pancreatic Insufficiency in Dogs

According to a recent survey compiled by the American Pet Products Association, there are over 78 million owned dogs in the United States, making them second most popular domesticated animal in the land, after the housecat. Just like their owners, our canine friends occasionally get sick and require medical attention. Today we are going to discuss pancreatic insufficiency in dogs—what it is, what causes it, how to diagnose it, and how to treat it.

But before we can fully understand the nature of the disease, it is important to talk a bit about the pancreas itself. A vital organ in all mammals, the pancreas is located under the stomach and beside the duodenum, the upper portion of the small intestine. The pancreas is responsible for two important functions necessary to complete healthy digestion of the foods we all eat. First, the endocrine pancreas secretes the hormones glucagon and insulin, which are needed to regulate blood sugar levels. Second, the organ releases enzymes required to break down food so it can be fully absorbed by the intestines.

What is Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI)?

When a canine suffers from EPI, its pancreas will not excrete enough of the enzymes needed for healthy digestion, which means even if the dog has a healthy appetite his cells will not receive the calories, i.e., energy they desperately need. As a result, these poor pooches are literally starving no matter how much food they consume because the nutrients cannot be absorbed and used for fuel.

Symptoms of Pancreatic Insufficiency in Dogs

Weight loss without a corresponding loss of appetite is the most noticeable sign of EPI. In fact, many dogs with the condition actually eat a lot more than they did before, since their cells are starving. Another common symptom is protracted bouts of diarrhea and flatulence. Because they are not getting the nutrients they need, a dry-looking coat and dry, flaky skin are other common signs of the disorder. Lastly, a formerly energetic and athletic dog may be reduced to lethargy in short order. They may no longer have the strength to play fetch, go for long walks, or even make it up the stairs unassisted.

Causes of Pancreatic Insufficiency in Dogs

Pancreatic atrophy is the most common cause of EPI. This occurs when the organ either wastes away or decreases in size. Although the disorder is idiomatic, or of unknown origin, most researchers strongly suspect it is an inherited condition. However, it is not present at birth and usually appears between the ages of 4 and 5. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for EPI, but it can be managed with lifelong treatment. As long as there is no permanent damage to the organ, dogs usually regain the weight they lost soon after the disease is diagnosed and can then live a normal life.

Treatment of Pancreatic Insufficiency in Dogs

If you observe any of the aforementioned symptoms, it is important to get your pooch to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Because it is a degenerative disorder, failure to do so could lead to permanent damage, even death. Once your canine friend has been properly diagnosed by an experienced veterinarian, treatment can begin. Treatment for EPI always includes pancreatic enzyme supplements added to your dog’s food to aid healthy digestion. These medications are typically prescribed in powered form and are tasteless and odorless. In other words, your dog won’t know he’s taking medicine.

In addition to prescription medications, it is often recommended that you put your canine friend on a low fiber, low fat diet, which should make digestion a bit easier. In extreme cases veterinarians may also prescribe antibiotics to control bacterial growth in the intestines. For dogs with low-normal B12, vets may also recommend B12 supplements.

PanaKare Plus Pancreatic Enzymes for Pets

PanaKare Plus Available at VetRxDirect

The most common treatment for EPI is a pancreatic enzyme concentrate taken in power form. Tablets are typically less effective and may need to be crushed before they can be mixed into your dog’s food. PanaKare™ Plus Powder And Tablets is a popular enzyme concentrate fortified with vitamins A, D, and E.

The average dose and scheduling is 1 teaspoon administered before each meal. Of course, this dosage may be adjusted based on the size of your dog and the severity of the condition. Because they usually consume more food, larger dogs may need significantly more powder to aid healthy digestion.

Does your dog suffer from Pancreatic Insufficiency Do you have any suggestions or hints we should know? Please leave comments below so we can learn from your experiences.

Wes