Siberian Husky Diet

Did You Know?

Meat is a very essential component in a canine's diet, and it has to be included along with limited amounts of healthy greens and fruit.Siberian Huskies, like any other dog, need their nutrition in one wholesome meal, given over the course of a day to ensure that he/she grows up in the right way, and lives out a healthy life. A lot of companies say that their food is good for dogs, with many claiming to be the best in their brand of dog food. How much do we know about dog food, to deem it as healthy and beneficial for a dog?

What Should a Siberian Husky Diet Contain?

A Siberian Husky requires important elements like linoleic, linolenic and oleic acid, where you need to go easy on carbohydrates, and concentrate more on the aforementioned fatty acids. Foods that work well for a Siberian Husky include:

• Beet pulp
• Lean meat sources
• Horse meat
• Corn
• Beef
• Avocado
• Soy

Preservatives used most commonly in dog or other pet food are BHT and BHA which cause health problems like kidney/liver dysfunction and some forms of cancer. Dogs weren't designed to digest foods rich in fiber (since most dog foods are rich fiber-based meals), because of their digestive tract structure which was made solely for digesting meat more than anything else. Dog food should contain the following key ingredients.

• Meat rich foods with minimal use of vegetables and fruit
• Doggy treats including whole grain eatables given on rare occasions
• Supplements from vets to make sure they get their vital vitamins and minerals in case of the lack of it
• Homemade dog recipes using fresh ingredients from scratch
• Whole milk that is organic in nature, including foods that aren't stuffed with preservatives
• Clean drinking water
• USDA approved dog food

Canned food, packaged treats and the works, shouldn't be your prime diet concern when it comes to your Siberian Husky. It is shocking to uncover that grains and cereal which are rejected by inspecting companies because they are harmful to humans, make their way into dog food instead. Meat, in the same way when rejected for approval-giving companies, makes its way into dog food where they've either been infected or dead-before-slaughter. How would you feel if someone told you that you were eating meat that was from a diseased carcass and not a healthy animal that was killed before consumption?

The antibiotics and growth hormones used on animals affect not just us humans, but pets too. That's why it is important to make sure that food is organic and tested thoroughly by a company. It is always mentioned on packaged foods that it has been USDA inspected, and if not, then most probably should be used with caution.

Beware of dog foods that carry labels like by-products, and meat and bone meal, since companies throw in parts like the lungs, intestines, bones and even blood of carcasses. This happens because when the animal is slaughtered for human consumption, there is a large part of the carcass left off, that companies see as going to waste, so they include these in dog and other animal food products. Always look behind at the table of contents/ingredients of your dog food package, to spot any glitches in the list that may come off as suspicious, or dangerous for your pet.

The Truth About Commercial Kibble

Many people feed their dogs packaged kibbles or canned food, without worrying about the effects, since companies drill into consumers' minds that it is nutritional for their pets. A lot of pets like dogs and cats live longer than their limited years, because they were fed the right foods. Animals were never fed processed eatables, and neither were we. Now that we have the markets clogged with preservative ridden packaged goods, with many coming up recently with organic eats, it is no wonder why we struggle to stay fit and healthy today. We should take advantage of what is introduced in the market today, as fresh, healthy, and nutritional.

Dogs similarly, cannot eat anything that is given to them just because a dog food company claims to make the healthiest of dog eats. The truth here is that dogs, or any other pet for that matter, have to eat fresh food that we humans eat as well, made from scratch and entirely organic without being altered by humans, with very less of its packaged counterpart, served.You have to feed them food that you would put into your mouth, that are all-natural and healthy to eat, and choosing dog food from a company that is both reliable, and genuine in its claims.

Health Problems from Manufactured Dog Food

A diet that only contains packaged food is of no good to your dog. You have to give manufactured dog food in minimal amounts, and concentrate more on healthy eatables that are freshly made and prepared by hand. The effects your dog can undergo from a badly put-together diet plan are -

• Loose stools
• Dandruff problems
• Foot licking
• Hot spots
• Gas
• Excessive shedding
• Face rubbing
• Itchy troubles

The diet of a Siberian Husky needs to contain foods that are rich and abundant in healthy ingredients. We humans cannot live alone on packaged and canned food, and similarly neither can pets.

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How to Care for a German Shepherd

A German Shepherd, also known as an 'Alsatian', is a dog breed which is known for its intelligence and agility. Mainly used for catching anti-social elements by the cops, this dog is also the perfect example of an ideal family guard dog for domestic surroundings. People who want to make this smart and beautiful dog a proud member of the family should first understand how to care for a German Shepherd and then move ahead with the buying or adopting procedure.

German Shepherd Care

It's advised that people who want to buy German Shepherds should always start with puppies. Why? Because puppies are easy to train and they never show the characteristics of a rebellious adult dog. The first and the most important thing to do is to socialize the puppy who has spent the past few months with its mother and siblings. The animal would take some time to get used to different people and the new surroundings.

Caring for a new and unruly German Shepherd puppy can be quite a task if the owner is not familiar with general German Shepherd puppy care. Although, these pups tend to be very mischievous at first, they grow up quite quickly to become intelligent and quite loyal dogs. Due to its structure and intelligence, German Shepherds are one of the most sought after dogs breeds in the world. One of the most important things to remember about this dog breed is that they are full of energy and this trait should be balanced by exercise sessions or long walks. These dogs, when young, tend to get bored of their surroundings very easily and hence it's very necessary that they are surrounded with lots of toys. If not provided with enough activity, these dogs tend to get very lazy. German shepherds also like digging so owners who live in houses with lawns or private gardens should be alert at all times. When not exercising, this dog enjoys playing with a variety of chew toys like tug ropes, bones and balls. These dogs love chewing, so it's important that owners provide them with toys that are durable and can withstand their intensive chewing habits.

German Shepherds should be provided with a healthy and balanced diet and owners should mostly give them dry food to avoid tooth problems. Owners can also feed their dogs with commercially available dog foods in the market. Make sure the brand chosen is filled with essential nutrients and proteins. Being active is in the nature of this dog and they tend to get thirsty very fast. Hence it's good to provide the dog with fresh and clean drinking water. Another important thing to remember is that these dogs need a cool and a shady area for breeding. Frequent trips to the vet's office when the German Shepherd is young will ensure protection from various dog illnesses. Owners should strictly follow all the guidelines provided by the veterinarian regarding the dog. Healthy puppies grow very large in size during the first year hence it's necessary to feed them more than once in a single day. These dogs usually have a medium length coat so there's no need of frequent brushing. Bathing sessions should be done with a gentle dog soap, just once a month.

Caring for German Shepherds is not that difficult if owners have begun their training from a young age. Make it a point to potty train your puppy when it completes five weeks of age. Show some effort and patience and in no time the puppy will learn how to keep its surroundings clean. Never bring a German Shepherd out of the house without a leash as the dog is very protective about its owner and will attack any stranger.

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Dog Skin Sores

Canine skin complications are usually frustrating for every pet owner, as they grow gradually and often affect every part of the skin. Skin sores make the dog feel uncomfortable and as a pet owner, it is quite sad to see the pet dog in distress. The sores are mostly a manifestation of some skin disease that may be in the initial stages or may have advanced into some other stage. They require early diagnosis so that the problem can be tackled at the earliest.

Types of Skin Sores in Dogs

There can be various causes of skin sores in dogs and so it often becomes difficult to diagnose the sores in the skin. Generally, following are the most common types of skin sores in dogs.

Hot Spots
A problem encountered by hairy dogs in warm weather, hot spots leads to hair loss in the area which it affects and causes a hard lesion. The dog will feel an urge to lick and in most cases bite the lesion. Medically, hot spots are known as acute moist dermatitis. These types of sores usually occur due to flea bites, poor hygiene and allergies on skins of the dog.

Demodectic Mange
Demodicosis or demodectic mange is caused by microscopic mites of the Demodex genus. These dog skin sores result in patchy fur, scaly patches on the skin and hair loss. Small dots often red in color can also be seen in some cases.

Scabies
Scabies is one of the sores on dog skins that compels the dog to scratch their skin often, even to the extent that it causes bleeding. This is caused by a bite that releases toxins in the dog's skin leading to redness in skin parts.

Blastomycosis
A fungal infection, blastomycosis is the condition that degrades with every passing day and so it needs early treatment. In blastomycosis, dogs will have severe round crust type oozing sores on the skin. As the severity of condition increases, the dog's health goes on worsening. The dog may experience weakness while walking, poor appetite and drowsiness. The dog sores in this case may crust over especially in winters.

Allergies
Another common recurring are hives that occur as raised red bumps. These skin sores cause severe itching and may end up breaking the skin.

Diagnosis

If your dog suffers from dog skin ailments that become yellow and hard with time and ooze out yellow or green colored pus, then it is probably past the right time to visit a vet. To properly diagnose dog skin sores, the veterinarian will examine the skin areas of the dog's body. The vet may need to perform some tests that can help him decipher the cause of dog skin sore.

The dog skin is examined under special lights that are known as woods light and this can be helpful in determining if the skin is infected from some problems of fungal infections. Another diagnostic test is the biopsy test in which cell samples of the dog's lump are examined under a microscope by a pathologist to check the presence of cancerous cysts or benign cysts. Sometimes, poor dog foods or nutritional deficiencies can lead to various skin sores on dogs and sample of blood tests can prove the presence of these. So the vet can ask for a blood test of the dog as well.

Treatment

The treatment depends on the cause, as every skin infection has a different treatment. The treatment procedure is often oral medication accompanied by medicated shampoos as instructed by the veterinarian. Bacterial infections may take about 2-3 months to heal so it is necessary that the pet owner has patience and takes proper dog care during this period. Other factors, like not allowing your dog to go out to swimming and interacting with other animals and people during treatment process is necessary so that the infection is not spread.

Dog skin sores can be treated by eliminating the cause of the disease. Pet owners must maintain hygiene and cleanliness in the vicinity of dog's living area and must ensure that they take their dogs for frequent medical check ups to the veterinarian, to avoid such diseases.

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Learn About a Dying Species - Facts About Wolves

When man was young on the Earth, millions of wolves roamed world wide. Today, due to centuries of hunting for sport, be it legal or illegal, there are little more than 300,000 wolves left in the world. Wolves are the largest of the canine breed and are often used as the spook in many scary tales.

Diseases Gave Wolves a Taste for Blood

While wolves would pick off a human or two in times of hunger, but they really got their taste for blood in the Middle Ages when the black plague ravaged Europe. With the bodies piling up faster than the healthy could burn and bury, the wolves began to feast on the dead that had been left out.

This happened several times throughout history during outbreaks, such as smallpox, and during world wars where enemy sides occasionally had to team up to fight starving wolves lured to the bloody battlefields. This taste of human flesh could explain why European wolves are so much more aggressive to humans than their North American brothers.

Black Wolves

The black wolves are not a mutation or a natural occurrence within wolves. Black wolves actually stem from interbreeding with dogs. The black fur gene is dominant and passed down through the generations.

You may think white wolves are a similar story, however white fur is genetic to arctic wolves who are some of the toughest wolves on the planet due to their terrain. The white fur is thicker to keep them warm and white to camouflage them in the snow.

Wolves and Dogs

Above I mentioned the relationship between wolves and dogs, how they interbred to create the fiercesome black wolf. Wolves and dogs mating is not a very common occurrence, in fact wolves usually see dogs as a food source.

After World War 2, stray dogs ran rampant in Russia which put them on the food chain for Russian wolves. A singular wolf would usually lure a dog to a secluded place where the rest of the pack would pounce.

Even large breeds of dogs are unable to stand a chance against a wolf, much less a pack of them.

Eating Thier Prey Alive

Wolves, unlike bears and many other predators, lack the tools to bring down large prey even in packs. Wolves prefer animals like deer or moose and usually swarm them as a pack taking bites from their haunches and underbelly until the animal gets tired. While wolves are large and can weigh upwards of 200 pounds, but even a whole pack can not tackle a 600 pound moose.

When the animal falls from having chunks taken out of it, the pack will feast on the animal while it is alive and kicking.

Wolves are the Most Dangerous Rabid Animals

Most animals that contract rabies go through phases of lethargy and disorientation before they reach the rage phase that marks a rabid animal. However, wolves fly almost immediately into a rage, making them extremely dangerous.

Though wolves are not frequent carriers of rabies, they can contract it from the smaller carriers they eat, like raccoons. Rabid wolf attacks on humans have near dropped off the Earth, but they do still occasionally happen. Rabid wolves are most likely to attack a human in the neck or the head, because of this the rabies usually spread to the human brain too quick to be treated.

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Strange Animals From Around The World - Goats That Faint

Myotonic Goats - An American Breed

There are some strange animals around the world and one of them is the 'fainting' goat. Like another strange animal in the world, the edible dormouse, the name catches the attention at once.

The myotonic goat is one of the truly American goat breeds. America doesn't have many indigenous goat breeds but the myotonic goat is native to Tennessee. The breed has a number of common names, some of which are: fainting goat, nervous goat, Texas wooden leg goat or Texas peg-leg goat. These strange names come from the habit of the animals of suddenly stiffening up and falling over at any sudden, unexpected stimulus. The animals don't actually faint as they don't lose consciousness as the term 'fainting goat' is a misnomer.

The more scientific name is Myotonic goat. There are now two strains of the breed with those in Texas being larger and more heavily muscled. They also have more spectacular fainting spells!

Myotonic goats were taken to the hill country of Texas in the 1950s. Selective breeding for meat production has resulted in larger animals. They have a high meat to bone ratio and yield tender, succulent meat. The myotonic goat has also been crossed with the Boer goat with excellent results.

The goats suffer from a condition called 'myotonia congenita'. A recessive gene is responsible for the fainting attacks. When startled, a neuromuscular condition causes the contraction of the muscles of the rear legs and neck. These muscles 'lock up' and the afflicted animal falls over. The legs extend stiffly (see the image) but after a short period, the animal gets up and continues merrily on its way as though nothing has happened. Some even learn to lean against a support when their muscles freeze up. They then shuffle off stiffly. Depending on the age, breed and level of fright, the goat may go completely rigid or may just stiffen slightly. Luckily the condition is painless and the episode is over in roughly ten seconds.

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The more muscled the animal, the greater the stiffening. The second half of the binomial name, 'congenita', indicates that the condition is inherited. Myotonic symptoms are not confined to goats. Some dog breeds (eg the Chow Chow), tumbler pigeons, sheep, mice and humans can display similar symptoms. Myotonia is induced in some humans by cholesterol lowering drugs.

Myotonia is not a fault of the central nervous system but takes place in the muscle fibre. It is not considered a defect as no other body functions are affected. Once the episode passes the animal goes back to its normal activities.

Apart from its myotonia congenita, the breed has some fine characteristics. They breed aseasonally so may even kid twice a year. Multiple births are common. Does sometimes hide their kids for several days. They have plenty of milk but produce excellent meat as well. Because they don't jump or climb very well they are easier to contain than some breeds. And they live long, productive lives with a lifespan of around twelve years.

Goats selected for meat production should have deep chests and well-fleshed rumps. The most common colour is black and white but multi-coloured animals are common. It is a slightly smaller than standard breeds, generally 17 to 25 inches at the shoulder and weighing between 27 and 79 kg.

The breed has a short to medium length head. The nose is wide, flat and round, with the profile straight as opposed to the convex or 'Roman' profile of some breeds such as the Anglo-Nubian. They are mostly quite stocky and certainly not a tall breed. A feature is the large, prominent eyes which sit in high sockets and bulge from the skull a little.

The ears are not as large as the Nubian and Spanish breeds but longer than the Swiss breeds. Most have short coats which tend to bulk up in winter with some producing a great deal of cashmere.

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Two theories have been put forward for the origin of the breed. One suggests that a spontaneous mutation occurred in 1885, resulting in the passing on of the 'fainting' gene. A second explanation is that a farm worker, John Tinsley from Nova Scotia brought a buck and three or four does with him to Marshall County Tennessee sometime around 1880. The following year he sold the goats to Dr H H Mayberry then left the district. Sources state that today's Myotonic goats trace back to Tinsley's goats. Marshall County has a Goats, Music and More Festival each year in Lewisburg and the City Hall in that town is graced with a statue of a fainting goat.

Fainting goats served a useful purpose in flocks of sheep as wolves or foxes would be more inclined to go to the easy prey lying on the ground than the more valuable sheep.

The breed has good resistance to parasites. They rarely need concentrates, maintaining good condition on browse and pasture. Like most goat breeds, they are sure-footed and at home whatever the terrain.

The breed has been added to Slow Food's Ark of Taste. Ark of Taste promotes consumption of foods that rely on particular flora or fauna for its taste and appeal. Some of the 'old' breeds need special preparation in cooking or perhaps just longer, slower cooking. By promoting these foods, it is hoped that fewer of the old, less popular livestock breeds will be in danger of disappearing from our farms.

The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy has the myotonic goat listed in its 'watch' section. The interests of the breed are looked after by the International Fainting Goat Association.

Myotonic goats are sociable and good with children. They are excellent mothers and are calm and easily trained. Their quirky 'falling over' habit gives them great novelty value and they have become very popular as pets. They are ideal for smallholdings and family farmlets.

Being slightly smaller they are easier to handle when hooves need trimming or medications need to be administered. And they are never any trouble to catch! Simply clap your hands and you can have your pick of all the goats lying on the ground! And when you've finished with that individual, clap your hands again to go on to the next.

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Indoor Dog Kennels

Indoor dog kennels are a necessity for all dog keepers as it is the best way to keep your dog safe and warm from the harsh winter months and weather conditions. If the house has less space, setting up an indoor dog kennel has its own set of problems and difficulties. But, it sure is a better choice than leaving your dog out in the cold expecting him to guard the house all night. There are many kinds of kennel plans which allow you to keep the dog from being a nuisance in the house and also give him his own personal space.

Efficient Indoor Dog Kennels

If you're thinking of buying a new dog and want it to have a good living environment till you train it, an indoor dog kennel is what you need. This way you can not only ensure that he doesn't go tearing the house down but also gets a comfortable space inside the house while you're out working.

Kennel Materials and Sizes

You can have a dog kennel of any material you like. Some of the cheap dog kennels are made of wires, nylon, plastic, and even synthetic fiber. If your dog is big, heavy and a good chewer, you can always go for large wire dog kennel. This will not only facilitate, your dog's spacious accommodation but will also ensure that he doesn't chew off his own house! If you're a traveler, moving houses often and have a small dog, the best choice for you can be a nylon dog kennel as they have handles on top and can be easily transported.

Plastic kennels are a great option for owners with small as well as large dogs. They can be accommodated anywhere in the house and are spacious enough. They also come in various designs as well as colors and can be matched with your home interiors. Some dog kennels can also be made from wood, in any style you want.

Indoor Dog Kennel Features

When you have an indoor dog kennel, you don't need to chain your dog while you're off to work. Another feature of these comfortable kennels is that they can have enough space for the dog to sleep, eat and also play with his favorite toys while sitting quietly at his place. These dog kennels come handy with zips and door to lock the dog inside. Just to keep him occupied throughout the time you're out, you can do his bed and leave some food and water with his toys so he doesn't need anything more. If your dog is a barker, some of these kennels also have a cover that can be dropped to keep them from any visual distractions. These kennels are not very expensive as they cost from $40 to $100 and more depending on their features.

Indoor dog fences are also one of the major features of indoor dog kennel plans. It ensures the safety of your home and kids from a new untrained dog. Dog fences can be made from wires, nylon and also wood so that the house belongings are not tampered when the dog is home alone. As mentioned earlier, these kennel fences also keep the dog from chewing them off, if they are made from the right material.

Hence, indoor dog kennels are quite useful for every dog owner as it is also his responsibility to keep his pet safe and happy. Have you bought one for your dog yet?

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Perianal Fistula FAQs

Chances are, if your dog has a perianal fistula, you will know it.

According to Dr. Cathy Alinovi of Hoofstock Veterinary Services, fistulas are incredibly painful for your pet.

In this exclusive interview session, she answers some of the most commonly asked questions about fistulas and offers some dog health tips for pet owners.

Credit: Image provided by and used with permission of Dr. Cathy Alinovi, Copyright 2012, all rights reserved

Donna Cosmato (DC): What are perianal fistulas?

Dr. Cathy: Perianal fistulas are inflammations occurring in the skin around the rectum and may also be referred to as:

• Anorectal abscesses
• Perineal fistulae
• Perianal fissures
• Perianal sinuses

DC: What causes them?

Dr. Cathy: The cause of perianal fistulas is not fully known but it is suspected to be an autoimmune condition. It is also suspected to be a genetic issue since it occurs primarily in German Shepherd dogs. German Shepherds have more apocrine sweat glands than other dogs the apocrine glands are the ones that make smelly, oily, sweaty discharge, whereas regular sweat glands produce watery discharge.

In fact, 80% of dogs with perianal fistulas are German Shepherds, and most affected dogs are males over five years old.

DC: What signs or symptoms would alert me that my dog has perianal fistulas?

Dr. Cathy: Perianal fistulas look like deep cracks and crevices that ooze smelly pus and discharge in the area around the rectum. Dogs with perianal fistulas smell bad under their tail or may spend a lot of time itching and chewing their rectum. They may scoot and they may scream or run if their human friend tries to lift their tail and look underneath. Fistulas get worse and better with time. These dogs may have constipation and/or diarrhea, or these symptoms may alternate.

DC: How does the vet make a diagnosis of this condition?

Dr. Cathy: A biopsy (sample of tissue that is surgically obtained) of the perineal tissue provides diagnosis of perianal fistulas. Other things that must be differentiated from perianal fistulas are

1. Cancer of the anus (squamous cell carcinoma)
2. Hyperplastic anus
3. Perianal adenoma (benign tumor)
4. Anal sac rupture

Biopsy differentiates between all of these.

DC: What are the treatment options?

Dr. Cathy: The most important thing to realize is this ailment takes time to treat and flare-ups are common. Treatment can be medical or surgical. Medical treatment can be conventional or alternative; conventional medical treatment includes:

• Antibiotics
• Stool softeners
• Immune suppressive drugs
• An anti-inflammatory diet

Some options include:

1. Antibiotics are used when the fistula is oozing pus or has formed an abscess.
2. Stool softeners make defecation less painful and are recommended for quality of life.
3. Immune suppressive drugs such as prednisone, cyclosporine, and/or azathioprine can help quite a bit to reduce the pain and inflammation.

About Medications

Remember, these drugs suppress the immune system, so the dog is at higher risk of secondary infections; additionally, some of these drugs have pretty nasty side effects.

These medications may be used in combination with metronidazole or ketoconazole, which can also have side effects.

Tacrolimus, which modulates the immune system, can be applied topically to the region (if the dog isnt too sore to tolerate it) to help with the symptoms. Regardless of the medication, monitoring is highly recommended so potential side effects dont get out of control.

Nutrition

Feeding an anti-inflammatory diet is one big thing pet parents can do for their dogs with perianal fistulas. These diets are usually made from unusual proteins that the dog has hopefully never eaten before. Typically, these diets include:

• Rabbit
• Duck
• Kangaroo
• Fish
• Venison

Many of the prescription food lines have these purported allergy diets. Please keep in mind that these diets are still highly processed, especially the dry diets, and may still cause immune-related overstimulation.

DC: Whats your opinion about using natural treatments or dietary modifications?

Dr. Cathy: As mentioned above, diet plays a huge role in treating perianal fistulas. I suggest to my clients to prepare foods at home using cooling foods like turkey, rabbit, fish, pears, and cucumber and to consider feeding them raw, as raw foods cool as well. Fistulas are hotjust rest your hand over the areaits hot!

Changing the diet helps tremendously to decrease inflammation (the perineal region is definitely inflamed with fistulas). Other things to decrease inflammation include detoxification for heavy metals, intestinal parasites, yeast and other causes of leaky gut such as intestinal dysbiosis.

Other modalities, which may be helpful in treating fistulas, are homeopathy or Ayurvedic medicine. Regardless of the modality chosen, treating perianal fistulas is tough and time-consuming. Be patient and stick with it, keeping your baby as comfortable as possible.

DC: What happens if the vet has to remove the fistulas?

Dr. Cathy: Surgical treatment is still used commonly in humans with perianal fistulas, however, it is really only used in dogs when medical treatment is not enough. In dogs, the goal of surgery is to remove any stricture or scar tissue; surgery is also needed if the fistula extends to the anal glands. Laser surgery has been successful in controlling pain and preventing recurrence; however, 20 percent of these patients end up with fecal incontinence.

DC: Will my dog need special care or a special diet after surgery?

Dr. Cathy: Stool softeners are probably the most important things after surgery as there is a need for time for things to heal without creating a huge pain syndrome or damaging the surgery site. The perineum will need to be cleaned daily by the owner because the dog will probably wear a cone or a donut so as to not over-clean the area.

Complications of surgery are fecal incontinence, restricted anus, and no improvement of the fistulations.

DC: What is the prognosis for these dogs?

Dr. Cathy: Not great recurrence is common and because this condition can be so painful for the dog, owners often worry about the dogs quality of life.

DC: What can pet parents do to prevent their dogs from developing perianal fistulas?

Dr. Cathy: Because the causes are not known, this question is difficult to answer. However, as fistulas are inflammation going wrong, reducing any inflammation in our dogs lives should help reduce the risk of perianal fistulae. This means:

• Feeding a high quality, meat-based diet (no corn, no dyes, no by-products, preferably real food)
• Avoiding overuse of medications and vaccinations

Fistulas in Dogs

If you suspect your dog has a perianal fistula, consult your veterinarian as soon as possible because early intervention and treatment is critical to your pet.

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnosis or treat any dog health problems. While the information is deemed factual and reliable, no warranties either expressed or implied are made.

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