Grapes and Raisins Are Toxic
In Dogs - It's True!
Have you heard that grapes and raisins are toxic in dogs?I had heard of this some time ago but had forgotten about it. I never give my dogs fruit or vegetables
as a treat - I've always been a small dog cookie treater, or occasionally a piece of Bil-Jac.
However, I've recently been reminded of this again in articles I'd seen in blog posts and on the news.
Grapes and Raisins Are Highly Toxic For Dogs - It's True!
So .... I did a little research and found a few things I wanted to share with you taken directly from the ASPCA websites to make you aware of this potential danger - especially here at the holidays.
Raisins Are Toxic In Dogs! Please read the articles below and DO NOT give your German Shepherds any raisins or grapes to eat, ANYTIME.
Raisins are toxic in dogs! This snippet talking about raisins and dogs was taken directly from the ASPCA.org website
" I’ve heard that grapes are poisonous to dogs." Yes or no?—Sheila C.
Yes, Sheila. At the current time, we know that grapes and raisins appear to cause renal failure in dogs who’ve ingested large amounts. However, we have not determined with certainty the toxic component, or the exact mechanism that causes renal failure. It is also not clear if only certain dogs are affected, or if long-term ingestions can lead to the same effects that a large one-time ingestion can.
Because there are still many unknowns regarding the toxic potential of grapes and raisins, it is advisable not to give grapes or raisins to dogs in any amount."
Additionally, here is more information about grapes and raisins and ingestion of them by dogs:
"The following information was obtained from the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center's EMail News Alert:
"STRANGE FRUIT? ASPCA REPORTS ON CASES OF CANINE KIDNEY FAILURE FROM GRAPES AND RAISINS
In response to reports of dogs developing kidney failure after eating large amounts of grapes or raisins, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) conducted a review of all related cases in its database. Veterinary toxicologists found that all of the companion canines developed vomiting within six hours of ingestion; the estimated amounts of grapes or raisins eaten ranged from nine ounces to two pounds. Other commonly reported signs included diarrhea, anorexia, lethargy and abdominal pain, and all of the dogs developed evidence of kidney disfunction. Adds APCC's Charlotte Means, DVM, "Whether the ingested grapes were purchased fresh from grocery stores or grown in private yards didn't seem to matter, nor did the brand eaten." Clinical signs lasted for several days--sometimes even weeks. And after aggressive treatment, which included intravenous fluids and medications, half of the dogs recovered, while the others died or had to be euthanized.
At present, the exact role of grapes or raisins in these cases--what exactly is the toxic component--is still unclear. But a dog who has ingested large amounts can now be diagnosed and treated successfully. The first line of defense is decontamination, and the canine should be hospitalized and placed on IV fluids. If the blood work appears normal after three days, it's unlikely that kidney failure will occur; if there is evidence of renal failure, more aggressive treatment--including fluids, medication and possibly dialysis--is called for. For more on treating and identifying poisoning from grapes and raisins, please visit APCC online.
If you suspect that your dog has ingested large quantities of raisins or grapes--or any other potentially dangerous substance--call your veterinarian or the APCC's emergency hotline at 1-888-4-ANI-HELP for round-the-clock telephone assistance. For more information on poison prevention, go to APCC online."
Remember, raisins are toxic in dogs - grapes too!
So if you have grape plants in your yard please keep your gsd away from them
A dog emergency medical situation is one in which you must get your German Shepherd to the veterinarian as quickly as possible. Of course, not every ailment will need professional treatment and even then the treatments can oftentimes be scheduled at your convenience.
Even so, better safe than sorry - and if you know canine first aid, then you are well ahead of the pack. If your German Shepherd ever receives any type of injury it is best that you be aware of what to do in advance depending on what type of injury the dog has received.
Different injuries require different treatments - and many may require immediate medical assistance.
The following symptoms require IMMEDIATE medical action from your veterinarian or other animal caregiver:
Broken bones,
Bleeding from nose or mouth,
Bloated abdomen,
Pale gums,
Repeated vomiting,
Diarrhea for more than 18 hours,
Muscle tremors,
Problems with breathing or swallowing,
Refusal to eat for 48 hours,
Spurting blood,
Seizures or disorientation,
Unusual swellings, especially ones that are sudden, hard or fast growing
In an emergency situation it is very important to try and keep calm and get your dog to the veterinarian as quickly as possible. It is a really good idea to have a dog first aid kit too - just in case. Call first to see if the office is open, and to let the vet
know what has happened and that you are on your way.
If your veterinarian's office is not open, call your nearest emergency vet clinic. Always keep emergency phone numbers, including those of your veterinarian and emergency veterinarian clinic, near your telephone.
One thing I can suggest to you without hesitation is to buy a copy of Dr. Jones Veterinary Secrets ebook. It is filled with all sorts of home remedies and treatments that you can and should learn to do for your pet and also tips on what to do in case of dog emergency situations. Check it out at the link below. Your pet won't regret it at all.
So don't take your gsd's health lightly if you see any of these signs take your gsd to the vet asap.
Mange is a serious skin disease caused by mites. Such parasites will attack in big numbers and cause severe damages to the ears, face, and limbs of dogs. There are many signs indicating that a dog is suffering from mange.
The Symptoms of Mange in Dogs
Mange is a serious skin disease caused by mites. Such parasites will attack in big numbers and cause severe damages to the ears, face, and limbs of dogs. There are many signs indicating that a dog is suffering from mange.
Here are the most common ones:
* Excessive itching
Dogs itch and scratch a lot. For most pets, that's normal. However, if they scratch too hard and too often, causing red sores on their skins, then the problem is not a simple skin disease. Mange may be causing this behavior.
* Hair loss
When mites attack, the body parts where they burrow themselves into get affected. Hair loss is the most common sign. If in some parts the hair of your dog seems a little thin, the skin shows red blisters and sores, chances are your pet is suffering from mange. It is best that you take it to the vet right away before the problem gets any worse.
* Dry, crusty and thickened skin
The moment the skin of your dog becomes exposed due to hair loss, check it thoroughly. Hair loss can be caused by a lot of diseases and mange is just one of them. Your dog has mange if their skin is extremely dry and wrinkled. These are the signs that parasites have invaded the skin of your dog and are continuing to damage it.
* Strong, foul odor
As mites invade the skin area, they will reproduce massively. In this case, a dog will experience severe itching. Your dog will scratch its skin all day. As your dog scratches different body parts, the mites will start to spread. When mites increase in number, the odor of your dog changes. Dogs with mange develop odor similar to that of a strong cheese or like athlete's foot.
* Sores and blisters
As with most skin disorders, the presence of sores, reddening, and blisters on the skin are expected. You know the problem is worse when there's blood, open wounds, or severe inflammation on the affected areas. At such point, it is best that you take your dog to the veterinarian for first aid and for continual medication.
These are the symptoms of mange on dogs. If your dog exhibits any of these signs, contact a veterinarian immediately. Dog mange can easily be treated during the early stages. Otherwise, the veterinarian might need to employ a more aggressive form of treatment. In the most severe cases, even the strongest antibiotics can't guarantee the full recovery.
Mange is a terriable skin condition for your GSD it is very uncomfortable. Its itcy and painful so keep an eye out on your GSD and if you see any signs of mange make sure you take your gsd to the vet asap.
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