Pet care

Can dogs have thyroid disease?

Like other animals, dogs can have thyroid problems. In some breeds these conditions are more common, but this is not a rule; both pedigree and mixed-breed dogs can be affected. The thyroid gland plays a very important role in the body. Among other things, it regulates metabolic processes, which means it controls growth, development and the function of many organs. It is also responsible for maintaining a stable body temperature and affects mood and general well-being. 

What is hyperthyroidism in dogs?

Hyperthyroidism is usually caused by autoimmune inflammation, which leads to excessive production of thyroid hormones. Giving too high a dose of medication for hypothyroidism can also cause hyperthyroidism, as the thyroid is stimulated into greater activity and hormone production. Another, rarer cause can be tumours of the gland that damage its cells. 

What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism in dogs?

The problem can show itself in ways such as:

• hyperactivity
• weight loss
• increased thirst
• excessive urination
• muscle tremors

How is hyperthyroidism diagnosed in dogs?

Diagnosis of thyroid disorders is based on a clinical examination and blood tests. The most important parameters are T4, T3 and TSH. Sometimes the veterinarian may recommend imaging, such as an ultrasound of the thyroid, to find out what is causing the problem.   

How is hyperthyroidism treated?

Treatment depends on the degree and stage of the disease. The vet prescribes an appropriate dose of medication to stabilise thyroid hormone levels. Radiation therapy also exists, but unfortunately it is not available in Poland. In some cases, surgery is performed. 

What matters most here is proper diagnosis and treatment suited to the patient’s condition. Prevention and keeping an eye on your dog play a big part in spotting any abnormalities early, because untreated thyroid disease can lead to damage to other organs.   

Summary:

Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent thyroid disease, but regular visits to the vet and preventive check-ups can help diagnose the problem at an early stage. If you notice any unusual signs in your dog, contact the vets at Zviropolis to talk about what is worrying you.

Do dogs need their teeth cleaned?

Whether we mean brushing your pet’s teeth with a toothbrush or a professional dental cleaning, the answer is always the same: YES!

Tartar building up on the teeth is an accumulation of bacteria, which causes:

• pain and discomfort in the mouth
• tooth loss
• gum inflammation 
• bacteria spreading throughout the body 

The best way to prevent tartar build-up is regular brushing with special toothpaste designed for animals. Sometimes, however, this is not enough, and then a professional dental cleaning is essential. 

What can tartar cause?

The consequences of heavily soiled teeth can be very harmful to an animal’s health. Tartar is dental plaque that has hardened into a solid bacterial deposit. If proper oral hygiene is not maintained, layers of plaque build up on top of one another, forming a hard coating that interferes with normal function. 

What does a dental cleaning for a dog or cat involve?

This procedure should be carried out only by a veterinarian. The vet is able to assess the condition of each tooth and decide whether to keep or extract it. The cleaning must be done under general anaesthesia, as this is the only way to clean the teeth thoroughly. Without it, hardly any animal would allow tartar to be removed. Anaesthesia also minimises unpleasant memories of the whole procedure. It is safer both for the patient and for the clinic staff.  

The plaque itself is removed with special ultrasonic equipment. Dental X-rays are used during the procedure to assess the internal condition of the teeth. 

How long the cleaning takes depends on how much tartar has built up. 

The procedure requires preparation in the form of up-to-date blood tests and, in addition, an echocardiogram. The animal must be fasted on the day of the procedure. 

How to care for your pet after a dental cleaning?

When you collect your pet after the procedure, at Zviropolis the owner always receives aftercare instructions, and everything is explained in detail. 

After the procedure, we always ask you to provide a quiet and calm place because of the anaesthesia. Soft food is recommended for the first week, but if your pet normally eats dry food, it can be soaked. 

We also give instructions straight away on proper oral hygiene and select products such as toothpaste, a toothbrush and an oral hygiene rinse. 

If the procedure also involved extractions (tooth removal), painkillers are dispensed.

After every procedure, we always ask you to come in for a follow-up to check how the patient is feeling. 

Why are dogs afraid of fireworks?

First of all, dogs do not understand what is going on, and fear is the first reaction in a moment like this. It is natural for animals to sense danger and want to hide. People understand the situation; they know when the fireworks are likely to start and when they will end. Unfortunately, there is no way to explain this to an animal. 

Secondly, both dogs and cats have far better hearing than we do. What we hear as fireworks, dogs may experience as much as 10 times louder, so it is no surprise that some animals take a very long time to recover, even several hours after the bangs have stopped. On top of that there is also  

How to prepare your dog for New Year’s Eve?

A lot depends on how your dog reacts. Some dogs are not bothered by loud bangs, while others cope with them very badly. It is best to take your dog to the vet as much as two weeks in advance, so that milder remedies, which need time to build up, can be used. If you cannot come early enough, there are also medicines that work “at the last minute”, so to speak. Even with pharmacological help, it is worth taking care of things such as:

• the owner’s presence, which is extremely important for a frightened dog 
• a calm, quiet, dark spot such as blankets, a bed or a crate  
• covering the windows so that as little light and sound as possible gets through 
• an earlier evening walk, before the fireworks start or while there are only occasional bangs 

How to train your dog before New Year’s Eve?

Some owners start getting their dogs used to the sound of fireworks well in advance by playing them recordings, but every dog is different, of course, and the results of such training can vary. Timely help in the form of calming medication is the best way to get through New Year’s Eve.  

How should you behave on New Year’s Eve? 

Owners need to know that in such a stressful situation even a very loyal dog may not respond to their call, which is why keeping your dog on a lead is absolutely essential. Also, attach an ID tag with your phone number to the collar or harness, and if your dog is not microchipped, get it done as soon as possible!

If you plan to leave your dog in someone else’s care, it is best if that person comes round beforehand to get to know the dog. The most important thing is that the dog is not left alone! 

What veterinary help is there for New Year’s Eve?

If you have an anxious dog, it is best to see a behaviourist and a veterinarian as much as six months in advance to help your pet through this difficult time.