Category Archives: Golden Health

Common Health Issues in Golden Retrievers

How to Protect Your Golden Retriever From Ticks

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Golden Retrievers are known to be tick magnets.  Some say ticks are more attracted to lighter colors, and a golden’s long fur is a great place for a tick to hang out and hide.

Golden Retriever

Golden Retriever (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Due to factors like milder winters, an increase in white tailed deer, and fewer insecticides being used, 2013 is being predicted as a record year for ticks.  Ticks are a problem for animals and humans alike.  Tick species vary by location, and different species carry different diseases like Lyme Disease,  Ehrlichiosis and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

Tick Population to Explode in 2013 – Veterinary Practice News

Adult deer tick, Ixodes scapularis.

Adult deer tick, Ixodes scapularis. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

  • Joint pain and stiffness similar to the symptoms of arthritis
  • High fever
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of appetite
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Neurological signs resulting in seizures and neck pain (infrequent)

- See more at: http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/canine-anaplasmosis#sthash.9KsY5RIW.dpuf

  • Joint pain and stiffness similar to the symptoms of arthritis
  • High fever
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of appetite
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Neurological signs resulting in seizures and neck pain (infrequent)

- See more at: http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/canine-anaplasmosis#sthash.9KsY5RIW.dpuf

  • Joint pain and stiffness similar to the symptoms of arthritis
  • High fever
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of appetite
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Neurological signs resulting in seizures and neck pain (infrequent)

- See more at: http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/canine-anaplasmosis#sthash.9KsY5RIW.dpuf

Now that we know this, lets talk prevention.  Here are some things you can do to help protect your golden from these pests:

  • Keep your lawn cut short.  Ticks and other critters love to lurk in long grass
  • Try to avoid long grass and wooded areas
  • Check your dog for ticks every time you bring him/her indoors.
  • Visit your veterinarian every spring to discuss flea/tick and heart worm prevention medications.
  • There are shampoos and collars on the market that deter fleas and ticks.
  • Try a holistic approach such as Dr. Ben’s Cedar Oil

bens

So you have found a tick on your dog.  First, you must remove it with tweezers or a Tick Twister.  It is not recommended that you burn it or suffocate it off with any type of substance, as this can cause the tick to inject more saliva into you or your pet.  Then clean the area with an antiseptic and put some antibiotic ointment on the site.

Here is a great video from Doctors Foster & Smith on removing a tick from your dog:

If your dog has been bitten by a tick, watch for signs of illness including stiffness, loss of appetite and lethargy.  Contact your veterinarian right away if you suspect your dog has a tick borne illness. Keep in mind these illnesses can lay dormant for several months before showing signs.

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Would You Use Medical Marijuana For Your Golden Retriever?

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Medical Cannabis Growing Operation in Oakland,...

Medical Cannabis Growing Operation in Oakland, California (Photo credit: Rusty Blazenhoff)

So your golden retriever has just been diagnosed with cancer and is very weak and lethargic, and in a lot of pain. If you knew there was an option to ease pain and increase appetite in a safe, chemical free way would you consider it? What if that option was marijuana, what many consider to be the root of all evil?

Marijuana is now legal in over 20 states in the U.S. and has been proven very effective for palliative care in humans, as well as treating many other illnesses.

Dr. Doug Kramer of California is a pioneer in the concept of using medical marijuana to treat dogs and cats and has his own clinic Enlightened Veterinary Therapeutics specializing in palliative and hospice care for pets. The marijuana is administered in the form of a tincture. Dr Kramer is not an advocate of feeding your dog “pot brownies” or blowing smoke in their faces. In an article from Vice he says:

“To me, it’s animal abuse, really. It kills me because it devalues what I’m trying to do. Especially in the early stages, starting the dialogue with veterinary medicine, the last thing you want is for people to do that. The dog doesn’t need the medication in that situation.”

Would you use medical marijuana to ease suffering for your golden? I consider it a herbal remedy and certainly would. Please vote! No email or obligation required…

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Arthritis? Stem Cell Therapy an option for Golden Retrievers

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"Colonel" courtesy Deni McDonald

“Colonel” courtesy Deni McDonald

If your golden retriever suffers from arthritis, there is a fairly new procedure that may be an option.  Stem cell treatment  is far less expensive and invasive then joint replacement surgery.

Stem cell therapy involves taking stem cells from a part of the dogs’ body, harvesting them and re-injecting them into the affected area.

Depending on where you live the procedure costs around $2000.  According to the following article, results are almost instant.

Arthritic Dogs Helped By Stem Cell Treatment – CBC News

To find a practicing Vet near you, check out Vet-Stem

Why Your Golden Retriever Should Be Alkaline

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Here is a great article provided by TheDogMaOnline.com about the benefits of an alkaline diet.

Why Should Your Dog Be Alkaline?

by Valarie Marshall – TheDogMaOnline.com

“Our Gabriel”

How Does an Alkaline Diet Affect Cancer Cells? Studies have shown that in the test tube, cancer cells and tumors thrive and grow in a more acidic environment. When the level of acid is lowered, tumors grow much more slowly. If this behavior occurs in the test tube, it stands to reason that cancer cells in the body would also be detrimentally affected by an overall alkaline environment.

Raw Pet Food Will Keep Your Dog Alkaline

It would also make sense that if the body’s pH is acidic, then the growth of cancer cells and tumors would be encouraged. By eating mostly foods that make the body’s pH more alkaline, there would be less of a chance for cancer cells to develop and grow. So, by adjusting the diet, it is actually possible to create a less hospitable environment for cancer cells, thus improving a person’s/dog’s chances of experiencing good health.

Proper pH Will Improve Your Pet’s Quality of Life. Tissues in the body are prone to disease of all sorts, including cancer, if they become deficient in oxygen. To understand why, it is helpful to understand the nature of acidity and alkalinity. Cancerous tissues are acidic, where healthy tissues are alkaline. Water (H2O) taken into the body eventually breaks down into H+ and OH-. When a solution contains more H+ than OH- it is acidic. When it contains more OH- than H+ it is alkaline.

When oxygen is introduced into an acidic solution it will combine with H+ ions to form water. Oxygen helps neutralize acid, but acid also prevents oxygen from reaching the body’s tissue. Acidic tissue is devoid of free oxygen as tissue needs oxygen to remain healthy.

The pH scale ranges from 1 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Below 7 is acidic and above 7 is alkaline. The blood, lymph and cerebral spinal fluid in a dog’s body are designed to be slightly alkaline at 7.0 – 7.5 (6.1 – 6.4 for cats). At a pH slightly above 7.4, cancer cells become dormant and at pH 8.5 cancer cells will die while healthy cells will live.

The following list indicates which foods are acidic and alkaline. The left side of the chart indicates acidic foods, or foods that are more harmful. The right side of the chart indicates alkaline foods, or foods that would be most beneficial. It is important to understand that we are not talking about stomach acid or the pH of the stomach. We are talking about the pH of the body’s fluids and tissues, which is an entirely different matter.

viewer

Kibble Formulated To Be Alkaline based. Canine Caviar Chicken and Pearl Millet ALS Dinner 12 Pound is a complete and balanced kibble formula intended for moderately active dogs, growing puppies, and breeding animals. Chicken and Pearl Millet ALS Kibble is the most nutritious food your dog will ever need and is the ideal diet for large and giant breed puppies.  This kibble is the  only food in the USA formulated to be alkaline based. Cancer cells can not grow in an alkaline environment. Perfect for large- and giant-breed puppies!

Acidity:

• Increases anaerobic activity.

• Reduces amount of oxygen in the blood.

• Cancerous tissues are acidic and devoid of oxygen.

• Leaches calcium from bones & is released into the kidney, resulting in stone formation before being excreted.

• Acidosis is excessive consumption of protein, which is metabolized “acidically” because of sulfur content.

• Without enough oxygen the DNA self-repair mechanism will not function causing free radical damage.

Thank you to Canine Caviar. TheDogMaOnline.com, 678.460.6DOG

On Cancer and Spaying or Neutering Your Golden Retriever

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Wally - Deborah Csongradi

Wally – Deborah Csongradi

With the new information being released on a recent study on cancer and spay/neuter in golden retrievers, I can’t help but say I am a little discouraged with some of the headlines.

A recent heading in The Toronto Star reads:

Don’t want your golden retriever to get cancer?  Don’t neuter it. Controversial new study says neutering your dogs can triple their risk of cancer or joint disorders

Shelters and rescue organizations, along with other animal welfare activists (at least in N America – think Bob Barker) strongly encourage spay/neuter and spend a lot of time promoting this message.

This article is based on a study of 759 golden retrievers by the University of California Davis that seems to more suggest that EARLY spay/neuter can cause a greater risk for certain cancers and hip dysplasia.  The article headline is misleading. (and irresponsible in my lame opinion)

Here are some charts that show the findings from the study.

HD – Hip Dysplasia; CCL – Cranial Cruciate Ligament Tear; LSA – Lymphosarcoma; HSA – Hemangiosarcoma;  MCT – Mast Cell Tumors

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Do I need to feel like I am leading my golden to the death chamber in April when I take him for his “operation”?  Absolutely not!!!!  I purchased Tucker under a non-breeding agreement.  My breeder told me I had to wait until he was 18 months old.  Now I know why :)

My first golden was a pediatric neuter.  Logan lived a healthy life, to the ripe old age of 11, and I believe his demise was a brain tumor, though not confirmed.

There is another option that may or may not be available for you to consider, (depending on your Vet) and that is a vasectomy or tubal, which leaves the dogs sex organs and hormones intact, that I believe may become more popular in the future based on the results of this study.

Discussion – Tubal Ligations and Vasectomies on Puppies – courtesy of YesBiscuit!

Here is a video I found of a news story on the study, filmed at Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue, featuring the wonderful Judy Kent.

Just want to add for the record, I am not a veterinarian, breeder, or expert on canine cancer.  I am a dog blogger and this post is solely based on my own opinions.

Only YOU can decide what is best for your pet.

A good diet, non-exposure to pesticides, not letting your dog climb stairs as a puppy and limiting jumping are all things you can do to help prevent cancer and hip dysplasia in your golden.

I think its about time for a poll!

For further reading, here is a very informative article I came across from a great blog by Leema Kennels called “Some thoughts about Dogs”

Golden Retrievers:  Cancer if you do, Cancer if you don’t

And of course, my previous article

Golden Retrievers and Cancer

Your views and opinions are welcomed in the comments!

DIY Tips for Massaging Your Golden Retriever

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Your dog wants a massage. Trust me, I know this.  Try it and watch them drool and turn into a bowl of jello.  From bonding to lump locating, there are so many benefits to massaging your dog and Life and Dog Magazine has created a great article and printable infographic with some tips on DIY dog massage that you can do at home.

Life and Dog Magazine

Life and Dog Magazine

Infographic:  The Benefits of Massage

Liz Rizzo and her dog Buddy from Hawaii demonstrate for us in this YouTube video

I just had to add this video from TheDeafeningWhisper.  It’s a YouTube channel of relaxing sounds.  Just for the guy’s voice alone.  watch as he gives golden retriever Eddie a massage and brushing.  Just watch the first minute or so, and you will get the idea!  It drives me nuts that he only does one side of the dog!  Eddie, on the other hand, doesn’t seem to mind.

Here is a more in depth article from The New York Times on Pet Massage and in some of the larger cities there are Workshops that may be offered in your area!

Dog Massage? – Isn’t Petting Enough?  – Jennifer Bleyer – New York Times

And just for fun, here is a bunny massaging a golden retriever

Golden Retrievers and Cancer

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Today, February 4, 2013 is World Cancer Day.  Cancer is the leading cause of death in golden retrievers.

English: Golden Retrievers posing for a photo ...

English: Golden Retrievers posing for a photo at Affectionate Pet Care Dog Daycare (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There is currently a study underway to determine some of the factors that may cause cancer in our beloved breed.  The Golden Retriever Lifetime Study is “the largest and longest dog study to date” according to Dr. Rodney Page,  the study’s principal investigator, and a professor of veterinary oncology and the director of the Flint Animal Cancer Center at Colorado State University.

Golden Retrievers Key to Longest, Largest Dog Cancer Study Ever Conducted

3000 Golden Retrievers under the age of 2 and in good health are being asked to participate in the study along with their veterinarian.  For more information visit Golden Retriever Lifetime Study

What are the signs of cancer in golden retrievers? Thank you to celebrity golden retriever and cancer advocate ParkerPup for this great picture:

parkercancer

I am not qualified to give veterinary advice, but common sense would be to visit your veterinarian any time your pet is not acting like him/herself as early detection is key.

I also wanted to share an article I found from Suzie Yacowicz called Preventing Canine Cancer in Golden Retriever Dogs

In honor of World Cancer Day, you can contribute to Canine Lifetime Health Project here.

morris

Betty White’s Birthday Wish – 10K for Animal Research

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January 17th is Betty White’s 91st birthday, and her birthday wish is to raise $10,000 for Morris Animal Foundation.

Betty White at the Time 100 gala in 2010

Betty White at the Time 100 gala in 2010 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

“To help celebrate my 91st birthday on January 17, please help me raise $10,000 for Morris Animal Foundation, which will celebrate its 65th anniversary of advancing animal health this year. In honor of these two milestones, please consider giving a gift to Morris Animal Foundation today.”                                           – Betty White -

Here’s a PSA from 2011

Betty White is a long time animal lover and activist.  She has a golden retriever named Pontiac. Click here to donate.  Happy Birthday Betty!

Golden Retriever Dies From Tainted Treats?

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Gary and Carol Kriesel’s 3 year old golden retriever Emma was a perfectly happy and healthy dog.  On October 3rd , Emma headed out to the wood pile with her human and sister dog Molly.  Emma spasmodically flipped in the air and fell to the ground.  She died immediately. Her death has yet to be explained. The owners remember giving her a chicken jerky treat (that was made in China) 5 minutes earlier.  Their vet advised that they have a list of at least 20 recalls on pet treats recently.  Could the treat have killed Emma?  You can read the full story from Detroit Lakes Online here.

“Emma” – Detroit Lakes Online

I have read articles about jerky, pig’s ear, and other dog treats being contaminated recently.  The standards for pet food are not like they are for humans, so many questionable items slip through the cracks.  What are we rewarding our dogs with?

So sad about Emma. My heart goes out to the Kriesels.   Since hearing this horrible news, I say make your own treats!  I am on the lookout for some great grain-free recipes.  If you have any, please share.  What do you feed your golden for a reward?  Tucker is most responsive to my baked liver.

Retrieving a cure for canine cancer

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Reblogged from LUNA LOVE OF LIFE GIFTS:

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I am getting so excited. I just registered for the 2 Million Dog Puppy Up Walk in West Dundee, Illinois.  My girlfriend will be joining me on the walk and we have registered as a team.  We are looking for 4 more people to join our team.  We have our own personal page for fundraising and a team page.  Our team name is "Walking for Luna and Jaeger"  If you live near West Dundee, Illinois please consider joining our team and help us raise money to find a cure for cancer. 

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