Natural Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections in Dogs and Cats

Urinary Tract Infections in Dogs ; a very common and uncomfortable disease for your pet.

Urinary tract infections otherwise known as UTI's in dogs and cats are a very common and treatable disease in your pet. UTI's in dogs and cats are caused by bacteria that make there was into your pets urinary tract and cause infection. These infections can become serious if not treated properly and in a timely manner. There are several approaches that can be taken for both treatment and maintenance of your pets urinary tract health. The more conservative approach is the use of antibiotics which are prescribed by a veterinarian. This is effective but also carries the risk of reaction to certain medications and also the possibility of future resistance of bacteria to antibiotics in the future.

There are also natural treatments for your dogs UTI and other homeopathic approaches. The combination of fluids (making sure that you pet remains hydrated), good nutrition and homeopathic treatment is very effective in your pets general health. Look for the signs and symptoms of UTI in your dog or cat (frequent urination, fatigue, lethargy, crying, panting are the most common presentations) and treat as necessary. Your pet will be both grateful and feel much better. Consider PetAlive UTI Free for treatment of Urinary tract infections in your cat or dog. This is a formula that is made of herbs and homepathic remedy that will help your pet without the side effects of antibiotics. This natural treatment for UTI in you cat or dog is without side effects and does not further compromise the immune system.

Natural Treatment of Seizures in Cats and Dogs

More commonly associated with human patients, pet seizure disorders are becoming more and more prevalent. Watching your pet fight their way through a seizure can be a very scary experience. Many times this type of disorder comes on suddenly and with little to no warning. The most important thing that you can do for your pet is to educate yourself on what they are facing. If you understand the disorder, then you can understand how to beat it.

Most people associate seizures with very traumatic events that are hard to miss. In reality there are different types of seizures that vary in intensity and seriousness. The two main types of seizures are the grand mal and the focal motor seizure. The grand mal is the type of seizure that most people are familiar with. These are the seizures that cause repetitious jerking of the body, loss of bowel and bladder control, vomiting, and increased salivation. The focal motor seizure is much more subtle. This type of seizure causes repeated twitching movements but only last a few seconds. In fact this type of seizure is so subtle that many times it can go completely unnoticed.

So what causes you pet seizures? Well, all cat and dog seizures are caused by a change in the electrical activity in the brain. The cause for this change generally varies with the patient. For example, seizures have been traced back to everything from epilepsy to chemicals and head trauma to low levels of nutrients. No matter what causes your pet’s seizures, it is very important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. If your pet is having more than one episode per month or shows any other medical symptoms along with their seizures, then it is time to head off to the vet.

Your vet is likely to suggest one of the more traditional treatments for cat or dog seizures. This includes the anti-epileptic drugs such as Phenobarbital. These drugs are designed to treat the causes of the seizures. They work in some animals, but can also have some very unappealing side effects like weight gain and somnolence. If you don’t like the sound of this, then don’t worry there are other options! Natural and Homeopathic medicines for many different pet ailments are now available.

Some of the more appealing options to many pet owners are the natural remedies available on the market. These choices can often offer the same level of relief, or sometimes better, as the prescription options, but without the side effects.

One great option is PetAlive's EaseSure. This is a 100% all-natural product has heaps of testimonials behind it. helps to both treat and prevent your pet’s seizures as well as help with the other symptoms of the disorder. What’s really great is that these easy to use drops can be used along with your pet’s prescription seizure medication. Over time you might even be able to cut back on the prescriptions or even wean them off completely.

Pet Seizures can be frightening. No, scratch that, cat or dog seizures are downright scary. But, with the proper pet seizure treatment, your cat or dog can lead a completely normal life. And don’t forget, knowledge is power.

The more that you know about this pet seizure disorder or any other disease regarding your pet, the more prepared you are to fight it. Study up and make smart choices, your pet will thank your for it!

Natural Pet Medications for Cushings Disease

As we all know, animals can suffer from many of the same diseases that humans do. Conditions such as diabetes, asthma, and infections are as common in the animal kingdom as they are in the human patient. Since this is the case, often times you will at least be familiar with the disease from the get go. Unfortunately Cushing’s is not one of those diseases. In fact until they have a diagnosis, many patients don’t even know that it exists. But, exist it does, and if your pet is suffering from Cushing’s Disease, then its time for you to get some answers. Come with us as we take a look at Cushing’s Disease and some new alternatives to conventional treatments.

Cushings Disease occurs when your pet’s adrenal glands produce more than they need to. Having ultra high levels of these hormones in the blood stream can lead to some very serious symptoms. And to make things more fun, the symptoms aren’t necessarily the same from animal to animal. In other words, Cushing’s Disease does not manifest the same way in every animal. Symptoms can include everything from an increased need for water, and as a result increased urination, to panting, high blood pressure, hair loss, thinning of the skin, and small hard knots under the skin. If you notice any or all of these symptoms in your pet then it is time to make an appointment with your vet. And it needs to be sooner rather than later.

One good thing about Cushing’s Disease that we cannot claim for many other conditions is that we know what causes it. Cushing’s Disease is caused by one of two factors, taking corticosteroids or a tumor. If your pet is diagnosed with Cushing’s and is not taking corticosteroids, medications such as Prednisone, then it probably has a tumor on either one of the adrenal glands or on the pituitary gland.

If a medication is the issue, then you are in for some smooth sailing as weaning the animal off of the drug can often take care of the Cushing’s Disease. But, if a tumor is to blame then things get a bit more complicated. For this form of the disease you will need to work with your vet to find the best treatment regimen for your pet. Tumors found on one of the adrenal glands are often removed surgically, but this procedure poses some very high risks for your pet. If the tumor is on the pituitary gland then surgery usually isn’t an option. Instead your vet will try to treat the tumor through some very targeted drug therapy. The drugs are designed to kill off part of the adrenal gland and therefore lowering the production of corticosteroids. This approach is risky as well since killing off too much of the gland is very easy to do. If too much is eliminated, then your pet will suffer from producing to little corticosteroids instead of too much.

Now remember when we promised you a better way? For those pet owners out there who can keep an open mind there are other viable options. We recommend a more holistic approach that combines natural remedies with diet and vet intervention. If you can find the right balance for your pet, then you might just be able to avoid the harsh side effect of surgery and targeted drug treatment. We know that a natural approach might not be what comes to mind first, but it is a strong option that should never be discounted. If this sounds like something that would interest you, then check out PetAlive’s Cushex Drops. These drops are all-natural and have strong patient testimonials to back them up. At the very least you need to print out their information and take it with you to your next vet appointment. Go over all of your options together and then decide what is best for your pet.

For many of us the knee jerk reaction is to go with conventional treatment methods right off the bat. These are the options that we have heard of, and for some reason that gives us a measure of comfort. Well, just because you have heard of something doesn’t mean that it is the best, or only, option out there.

Natural cures are becoming more and more popular due increased research and the fact that they work. If you can help to ease your pets suffering with out all of the harsh side effects brought on by modern medicine, then isn’t it worth a try? Especially since sometimes, it seems as though the side effects are worse than the disease itself. Take the time to explore your options, all of your options, and you just might be surprised at what you decide.

Treatment of your Pets Anal Gland Problems

There is now a natural and homeopathic treatment for your pets anal gland problems. Your pet’s anal glands are probably something that you don’t tend to think about on a day-to-day basis. That is, you don’t think about it until after your already having a problem. At that point the smell is already on your carpet, and your pet is already in pain. So, what do you do about it?

Well first, you need to know exactly what it is that you’re dealing with. All dogs and cats have anal glands. They are two small glands, or sacs, that are located just below and on either side of the anus. When they are functioning normally, the glands secrete a strong smelling substance that is unique to each individual animal. In a healthy animal the feces presses against the gland and stimulates secretion. The problems start when the glands don’t express normally. When this happens the glands back up and can even become infected.

So, how can you tell if your pet is having problems with their anal glands? The most common sign is scooting. We all know this behavior. It is when a dog or cat raises up their tail and scoots their back end across the ground, usually on your carpet. This is an attempt to express the glands and relieve the pressure. You might also notice that your pet cries or whimpers while they are trying to defecate. If you see either of these behaviors, it is a sign that your pet is in some serious discomfort, and its time to get them some help.

One way to help them get relief is to express the anal glands manually. This is a simple procedure that can be done at your vet’s office, or even by you if you’re brave enough. What you need to do is press your thumb and pointer finger just to the outside of the anal glands. As you apply the pressure upwards and inwards you should see the fluid expressing itself out of the anal opening. If you find that your pet has a problem with irritated anal glands then this is a procedure that you should do regularly to help alleviate the pressure. If you have any questions on how to do this properly then just ask your vet, they will be happy to show you how. This combined with a high fiber diet can do quite a bit to prevent irritation.

Now for some pets these steps just aren’t enough, even when done regularly. For animals like this there are some great natural remedies out there on the market. One great option is PetAlive’s AnalGlandz. This product is wonderful for cleaning the anal area as well as reducing pain and helping to soften the harden material inside of the glands. The way it works is that you mix a small amount of the solution with warm water and then apply it directly to the anal area. Start with every day and then once anal function has returned to normal you can cut back to once or twice a week. If this sounds like something that your pet can benefit.

Your pet’s anal glands are one of those things that you just hope know how to clean themselves. Unfortunately sometimes that is just not the case. If you feel that your pet is having problems with their anal glands, then try your hand at the remedies we have outlined here. That way your pet can finally find the relief they so desperately need.

Natural Treament of Acute and Chronic Ear Infections in Dogs

Chronic and acute ear infections in dogs can difficult to treat. There are some natural treatment options for dog ear infections and sinus infections.

If you don’t know the signs of an ear infection in your dog, then chances are that you are still familiar with the smell! It is one that once you come across it, you never forget it. Dogs with chronic ear infections are fighting a painful disease that in most cases can be prevented with proper care. Knowing the signs and symptoms of this condition is the first step to eliminating the problem. By knowing your pet and paying attention to their signs you can help make your dog’s ear infections a thing of the past.

There are three distinct parts to your dog’s ear, the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear. Ear infections are generally caused by a build up of bacteria on the outer ear canal. If left un-cleaned, these bacteria can get out of control and lead to an infection. While this can happen in any breed, some are more at risk than others. Dogs with floppy ears like Cocker Spaniels, Bassett Hounds, or Labs, are in this group as well as dogs with hair that grows in their ears, like Poodles.

The best way to prevent these infections in any breed is to keep the ear area clean and dry. To clean your dog’s ears you first need to obtain a good ear cleaning solution. Your vet can recommend one to you. Fill the ear canal with the cleaner and massage the ears for about 30 seconds. Then carefully clean out any debris with a cotton ball. You may have to repeat this process several times to completely clean the area. When finished allow your dog to shake their head and dry out their ears. Then you can apply any medication your vet has given you.

So how do you know if you have an infection on your hands or not? First you have to know what you are looking for. The biggest thing, and what most people notice right off, is the smell. Your dog will develop a very strong foul odor that originates in their ears. They might also be scratching at or rubbing their ears and head. If you look into the ear you might notice some discharge or redness and swelling, and the area could be painful for you to touch. Also if you notice that your dog is suddenly shaking their head a lot, you should probably have them checked out.

Ear infections can only be diagnosed in the vet’s office. There are many conditions that can cause this same set of symptoms and each one requires a different course of treatment. Your vet will need to take a swab of your dog’s ear and look at it under a microscope. Only then can they tell if the problem is mites, yeast, bacteria, or a more serious underlying problem. Once they have this figured out, then they will set you on the right path to recovery.

The treatment regimen will depend on the cause of your dog’s ear infection. You may be given an oral antibiotic, a cream for the ears, or both, it just depends. Some dogs have to be anesthetized in order to handle the pain of their ears being cleaned and treated. You have to remember that an ear infection can be extremely painful for your dog. It is important to be gentle in treating it.

One school of thought around the treatment of ear infections is found in the area of natural cures. There are some very well researched homeopathic remedies such as PetAlive Ear Dr. available on the market that show as good if not better results then what you can get with a prescription. These options use natural herbs and extracts to heal the infection from the source, as well as preventing its spread from one pet to another. While natural cures may not be some pet owners first choice, there is too much strong data there to ignore this option. Make sure that you bring it up when you speak with your vet, because in the long run it might just be better for you and your dog! Homeopathic and natural remedies are increasing in popularity for most pet health issues.

If you follow the vet’s instructions then your pet should make a full recovery. But, if you don’t find and treat the cause of the infection then it will be back before you know it. Take the time to clean your pet’s ears regularly and work with your vet to find the cause. Curing the cause will make both you and your dog much happier in the end.

Natural Treatment of Feline Leukemia

Feline Leukemia is a scary diagnosis no matter when you hear it, and for those of us with cats it is terrifying. Who hasn’t heard the horror stories of people watching their beloved pets die of this terrible disease? While this is a very real threat, it is important to know that it is one you can fight. Feline Leukemia need not be the mystery it once was. Arm yourself with information and take the steps to see that your pets are protected. There are also natural treatments for feline leukemia.

First off, the name Feline Leukemia is misleading. The disease is actually a virus that attacks the immune system, not a cancer. It is in the retrovirus family and is more closely related to FIV and HIV than it is any form of Leukemia. Much like HIV, the virus works by attacking the immune system of its host. Therefore, your pet becomes susceptible to a variety of diseases that would not other wise be a problem. One of the first diseases associated with the virus was a form of Leukemia. By the time the mistake was sorted out, the name had already stuck.

The Feline Leukemia virus is spread through bodily fluids. This means every thing from saliva and tears to urine and feces. Cats most commonly contract the disease through their normal habit of grooming one another. It is also possible for kittens to become infected by their mothers. This can happen either before birth or while the infant is nursing. Outdoor cats are at a higher risk due to the uncontrollable variables in their environment. Also, this disease can only survive in felines. This means that none of your other pets or your family is at any kind of risk.

Feline Leukemia is devastating and damages your pet’s immune system. Fighting this cancer is important and there are ways to help. Learn the signs, symptoms and treatment of feline leukemia.

So how do you know if your cat is infected with Feline Leukemia? There are a few key signs that should point you in the right direction. First you need to pay attention to your cat’s habits. Signs and symptoms of Feline Leukemia can include depression, increased drinking and urination, sudden weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, diarrhea, constipation, and respiratory distress. If your cat starts to exhibit some or all of these symptoms it is a good idea to call the vet. Whether or not it turns out to be Feline Leukemia you vet is going to want to take a look.

Fortunately there is a simple blood test to tell you whether or not your pet is infected. If the test comes back positive then you will need to test again in about 12 weeks. It does happen that some cats are able to fight off the infection on their own. If this is the case then your re-test will be negative. However, if the second test is positive as well, then your cat has Feline Leukemia. Once this is confirmed you and your doctor will decide on a course of treatment. But you must always treat the animal as if they were contagious. This means quarantining them away from any other cats in the household, and changing all food and water bowls as well as setting up a new litter box.

Find out what type of treatments are available and consider which would be suitable for your pet's condition. In addition to conventional treatments (which are often effective although extremely harsh) there are a number of alternative treatments which have proved extremely helpful in treating cancer in pets, including acupuncture, aromatherapy and homeopathy such as PetAlive C-Caps.

Now should worst come to worst and your cat pass away from Feline Leukemia, you need to wait about a month before bringing in a new cat. The disease is unstable outside of the body, but it is better to be safe then sorry. You also need to buy new food and water dishes and a new litter box. The chances of your new pet contracting the disease from these items are very slim, but why take them at all?

Feline Leukemia is a terrible disease for cats and their owners. If you want to spare both your pet and yourself the pain of this disease, then have your cats vaccinated at a young age. Studies show that kittens under 4 months of age are much more susceptible to the virus than older cats. So keep those babies inside until they have time to grow up a bit. By taking these few easy steps you can cut your cats chances of catching Feline Leukemia to almost nothing!

Diabetes in Dogs and Cats

While most of us commonly associate diabetes as being a human problem, it is becoming more and more common in dogs and cats. In fact, the most recent numbers show that as many as 1 in every 400 cats has the disease, and that figure is growing all the time. With the numbers for dogs being very similar, it seems as that diabetes is now a worry in our vet’s office as well as our doctor’s office. If you are in the dark about this increasingly common issue, then read on while we shed some light on the subject.

Our cats and dogs can develop the very same Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes that we can. Most dogs are affected by Type 1 or Juvenile Diabetes, and generally have an earlier onset of the disease. While cats can be diagnosed with Type 1 they are much more likely to have the Type 2 form of diabetes. This is the type most commonly associated with obesity in humans. It is rare for a cat to develop diabetes any younger than the age of seven, but, like we pointed out, the disease tends to manifest earlier in dogs.

Overall the symptoms of diabetes in dogs and cats are very similar to those found in human patients. You are watching for a sudden change in weight or appetite, either increased or decreased. The animal might start drinking excessive amounts of water and urinating frequently. If it is a cat, they tend to become obsessed with water, hanging around faucets or sinks. Cats sometimes develop weakness in their back legs, and may start walking much slower. Dogs develop vision problems. This can range from blurred vision, to cataracts, to a sudden onset of blindness.

If you think your pet is affected by this condition then head to your vets office. Just like in humans a simple blood or urine test can determine whether or not your pet has diabetes. The blood test measures the amount of sugar in your pet’s blood, while the urine test looks for glucose. If the sugar is high in either scenario, your pet has diabetes. Luckily if you catch it early and follow the treatment set up by your vet, then your pet still has a great shot at leading a full life.

The first step in treating diabetes in dogs and cats is to set up a proper diet. For cats this means going low carb. Since most cats develop Type 2 diabetes, there is a chance that a strict low carbohydrate diet can put the disease into remission. Dogs are usually put on a high fiber diet with a moderate level of carbohydrates. However, some dogs are left on a regular healthy diet but given a short acting oral insulin at meal times. This is called an insulin bolus supplement.

There are oral medications out there, but they are not commonly used in today’s environment. Mostly because studies are showing that these medications may actually do more harm to the pancreas then has already taken place. Since dogs are generally Type 1, pills are not usually an option for them. And since it is easier to give a cat an injection than it is to give them a pill, it makes more sense to go with the more reliable form of medication.

The most common form of treatment for diabetes in dogs and cats is injectable insulin. The treatment regimen may be slightly different between the species, but the basics are the same. For cats the usual course of treatment includes two doses of long acting insulin given throughout the day combined with a low carbohydrate diet. It is not recommended to only inject them once a day because their metabolism is so fast. For example, if the medication will last 12 hours in a human, it will only last 6 hours in their cat. This means you have to go with double the doses to have the same effect.

Dogs can be on the same regimen with their high fiber and moderate carbohydrate, or it can vary slightly. Some dogs seem to do better with long acting injections either once or twice a day with a short acting agent given before meals. In both species you may have to try a few different brands before you find the right fit. Just like with humans, you have to find what works best with their individual body chemistry in order to achieve success.

Now that we have covered the more common prescription treatment methods, it is important to point out that more and more pet owners are finding real success in natural treatment methods. With a condition like diabetes it is very important to exhaust all your options before making a final treatment decision, this cannot be done with out first considering natural cures. Some pet owners have even managed to put their pet’s diabetes into remission using nothing more than a healthy diet and natural supplements. Long-term exposure to any chemical can have negative results in both pets and humans. If it is possible to minimize this exposure or even eliminate it completely then it is worth at least looking into.

Finding out that your dog or cat has diabetes can be a scary thing, but it is not the end of the world. Find a vet that you trust and like and then work with them on your pet’s treatment. If you can get control of the disease early then chances are very good that your pet can still live a full life with you. You just have to be willing to take the time to learn about what it is that they need. Natural treatment options like