How to Deal With the Common Dog Issues of Cataracts & Shedding

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These conditions can be a cause for concern for dog owners. When dealing with cataracts, getting early treatment and diagnosis is key to the treatment success. In addition, shedding can be lessened by some simple preventative grooming measures. In both cases, there are steps that owners can take to make life better for their furry friends….

Many conditions arise, when caring for dogs. For example, issues such as dog cataracts and dog shedding are two of the many topics all dog owners want to know more about.

Dog Cataracts:

Cataracts can develop in dogs for many different reasons. Usually, they develop due to inherit diseases however, they can also come about from old age or eye trauma. Sometimes, cataracts can develop when a dog is still young, and they can even be born with them.

If left untreated, cataracts can eventually damage the dogs’ eyes permanently, and cause blindness. If cataracts are suspected, the dog should be examined as soon as possible. The diagnosis of cataracts is usually made by the dog’s regular Veterinarian, and then dogs will likely be referred to a veterinary ophthalmologist that will determine the best treatment.

Although, all dogs can develop cataracts there are a few breeds that tend to be more prone to it. These breeds are golden retrievers, miniature schnauzers, poodles, terriers and cocker spaniels. In addition, dogs with diabetes are also more likely to develop cataracts.

Cataracts cannot be prevented however, early diagnosis and treatment will allow for a better outcome. Here are some steps to take, to catch cataracts early. Examine the dogs’ eyes frequently, and take them to the vet if their eyes appear cloudy. Since cataracts can be inherited, finding out the health of the dog’s ancestors can be helpful in predicting if they will suffer from cataracts.

Dog Shedding:

Shedding is another condition that all dog owners would like to know more about. All dog breeds shed, for shedding is the natural way for a dog’s new coat to come in. However, even though it is a natural process, it can still be a very annoying attribute of owning a dog.

Although dogs usually have a seasonal shedding period, inside dogs will sometimes not follow this pattern. Since they are not outside enough, for their bodies to recognize a seasonal difference, inside dogs can sometimes shed all year long.

When a dog sheds a lot, there are a few steps an owner can take to remedy the problem. The step, when trying to control shedding, is proper grooming. Since shedding will occur, no matter what, it is better for the owner to brush off loose hair, instead of it falling off all over the house. The more loose hair an owner can get off of a shedding dog the less hair there is to make a mess.

These conditions can be a cause for concern for dog owners. When dealing with cataracts, getting early treatment and diagnosis is key to the treatment success. In addition, shedding can be lessened by some simple preventative grooming measures. In both cases, there are steps that owners can take to make life better for their furry friends.

Eric Blair writes about tips and advice for keeping dogs healthy which can be found at www.mycaninehealth.com.