From Accidents to Illness: Top 10 Reasons Why Dogs Die and What You Can Do About It
Understanding the Causes of Canine Mortality
As my friends’ dogs have passed away and my own dog, Tula, continues to age, I’ve become increasingly concerned about the health risks that dogs face. I’ve realized that the causes of death in dogs vary widely depending on their age and breed. In this article, I’ll share the top nine causes of canine mortality and provide tips on how you can help prevent these diseases in your own furry friend. If you’re interested in learning more about natural pet health and wellness, I invite you to subscribe to Veterinary Secrets for more insights.
1. Cancer: The Leading Cause of Death in Older Dogs
Cancer is the most common cause of death in dogs over the age of 10, with breeds like Golden Retrievers, Boxers, and Bernese Mountain Dogs being particularly susceptible. To reduce the risk of cancer in your dog, focus on their diet. Feed them high-quality kibble in moderation and supplement it with a high-quality protein source, such as chicken or prepackaged frozen raw food. Additionally, limit vaccinations after the age of three, as there is a correlation between over-vaccination and cancer. Incorporate supplements like essential fatty acids, probiotics, and antioxidants into your dog’s diet to support their immune system and reduce the likelihood of cancer.
2. Gastrointestinal Disease: A Common Threat to Certain Breeds
Gastrointestinal disease is a leading cause of death in Great Danes and Shar-Peis, with bloat being a particular concern for Great Danes. To prevent gastrointestinal issues, feed your dog a diet with less kibble and more animal-based protein. Digestive enzyme supplements and home remedies like activated charcoal can also help reduce gas production and prevent bloat.
3. Respiratory Disease: A Risk for Bulldogs and Afghans
Bulldogs and Afghan Hounds are prone to respiratory disease due to their modified faces, which can cause breathing difficulties. To minimize the risk, ensure your dog maintains a healthy weight, gets adequate exercise, and is protected from heat stroke. Natural anti-inflammatories like curcumin can also be beneficial.
4. Heart Disease: A Concern for Small Breeds
Heart disease, particularly mitral valve insufficiency, is common in small breeds like Chihuahuas and Poodles. Supplements like essential fatty acids and coenzyme Q10 can support heart health. For breeds at risk of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), such as Newfoundlands, consider adding taurine to their diet.
5. Musculoskeletal Disease: A Major Issue for Large Breeds
Large breeds like St. Bernards and Great Pyrenees are susceptible to musculoskeletal diseases like hip dysplasia. A good quality joint support supplement containing glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM can help, as can alternatives to veterinary painkillers, such as CBD oil.
6. Neurological Disease: A Problem for Dachshunds and Miniature Pinschers
Intervertebral disc disease is a common cause of death for Dachshunds and Miniature Pinschers. Keeping these dogs active and at a healthy weight can reduce the risk of disc herniation. Supplements like glucosamine and MSM can help keep the discs spongy and soft.
7. Urogenital Disease: A Risk for Scottish Terriers and Westies
Scottish Terriers and West Highland White Terriers are prone to urogenital diseases, including bladder cancer. Ensuring your dog stays hydrated and avoiding toxins in their diet can reduce the risk. CBD oil may also be a helpful preventative measure.
8. Congenital Diseases: A Concern for Bulldogs and Newfoundlands
Congenital diseases are a leading cause of death in Bulldogs and Newfoundlands. For example, Newfoundlands are prone to subaortic stenosis, a heart condition. Supplements that support heart health and natural vasodilators like Hawthorn can be beneficial.
9. Trauma and Infectious Disease: Risks for Younger Dogs
Trauma, often from accidents like being hit by a car, is a common cause of death in younger dogs. Ensuring your dog is always on a leash near roads can help prevent accidents. Infectious diseases like parvovirus are also a threat to young dogs without vaccinations. Vaccinating your dog against canine distemper and parvovirus at 8 and 12 weeks is crucial, but after the first year of life, the risk of dying from infectious disease is significantly reduced.
10. Taking Proactive Steps for Your Dog’s Health
While it’s impossible to completely eliminate the risk of disease in our dogs, there are proactive steps we can take to reduce their likelihood. By focusing on a healthy diet, appropriate supplementation, and regular exercise, we can help our furry friends live longer, healthier lives. If your dog is one of the breeds mentioned, it’s especially important to be aware of
Thank you for this article. I bought Dr. Jones Ultimate Canine Health Supplement for my Yorkipooo, Dusty, who is 6 years old, and has an ACP injury. Xray looks bad to me, and my veterinarian wants to operate, but not only can I not afford the operation, but his diagnosis of “Partial Tear ACP Right” determined me to seek to heal him at home. He is taking CBD from Dr. Jones, also Omega oil from Dr.n Jones but he won’t eat food with Dr. Jones Ultimate Canine Health Suupplement on it. Is there another way to disperse this for Dusty. ? The Omega Oil capsules are helping him immensely. By the way, I have not been receriving emails. I have downloaded your ebopok.
For your question about your dog not taking Ultimate Canine, we have several suggestions you can try that should help:
First, just mixing it with a different treat can work, it doesn’t have to be fed with their regular food. Mixing it with something like peanut butter, ice cream / cheese, cooked ground meat, liver, anything you can mix it with that’s not part of their regular diet, can help them get used to it. You can try with very small amounts mixed in at first, and increase from there.
Play a game of ‘catch the treat’: get him/her used to catching a (moist) treat out of the air (anything such as the treat suggestions above, or even coconut oil that’s cooled so you can roll into a small ball). Once he/she’s used to that, mix the supplement in and toss him/her the treat – most dogs gulp it down without even noticing.
Try pill pockets, some find that works well. You can get them on Amazon, just put the powder in and squeeze shut, and give it as a treat.
“Treat Sandwich”: try mixing with some cream cheese or coconut oil (cooled so you can shape it) then use 2 of their favorite treats and put the cream cheese/coconut oil mix between the 2 treats, like a ‘treat sandwich’, then give that.
“Tricky treat method”: hide the powder in a treat or food they like (don’t mix it it, just wrap the food around it), then put that in a bowl with other treats or bits of meat / meat tube / tuna / etc, then give them the bowl – many will just smell the other good treats and not notice the one with the powder, and eat them all.
One (last resort) way to make sure your dog gets it is to mix the supplement with a small amount of water, then ‘shoot’ it down the throat with a soft tipped plastic syringe (you can find them on Amazon) – it’s like giving medicine from a Vet, but that way you can make sure your cat gets it.