| Anemia can be caused by excessive loss of red | | | | the absorption of iron from the intestinal tract. |
| blood cells or by inadequate production. | | | | If the condition is caused by parasites, then you will |
| Nutritional iron-deficiency anemia, common in people, | | | | need to nip the problem in the bud and treat the |
| is uncommon in dogs with today's commercially | | | | parasite infestation first before using any other forms |
| balanced dog foods. Chronic iron deficiency, as | | | | of treatment. |
| described by the "Dog Owner's Home Veterinary | | | | Using a many commercially available flea treatments |
| Handbook," is a clear indication that an insidious loss | | | | such as shampoos and sprays can prove effective in |
| of blood is taking place. | | | | killing fleas. But start by combing or brushing your dog |
| Blood loss is a condition that is commonly caused by | | | | on a white sheet or blanket so you can see any |
| wounds or parasites such as worms and fleas. | | | | fleas fall off. And keep in mind that fleas can jump. |
| Symptoms of anemia in dogs include white or pale | | | | And don't forget to wash your dog's bedding and use |
| gums, weakness, and a fast pulse. Sometimes this | | | | a good flea powder on carpets throughout the |
| condition indicates a more serious illness such as | | | | house, especially in the areas where the dog sleeps |
| toxicity that results from a drug exposure. However, | | | | and has it's bed. |
| the more simple and common cause of anemia which | | | | According to the Dog Owner"s Home Veterinary |
| is blood loss can be easily treated with a view | | | | Handbook", "Signs (of anemia) vary considerably, |
| toward promoting the growth of new red blood cells. | | | | depending on the cause. Often they are |
| You need to give your dog a special diet rich in iron, | | | | overshadowed by the signs of a chronic illness, of |
| protein, and vitamin B12. The following lists of foods | | | | which anemia is but one of the associated symptoms. |
| and supplements are especially helpful and provide | | | | In general, anemic dogs lack appetite, lose weight, |
| the necessary nutrients that your dog needs to treat | | | | sleep a great deal and show generalized waekness. " |
| anemia. | | | | They go on to caution, "With severe anemia, heart |
| 1. Beef liver which contains iron, protein, B complex, | | | | murmurs are common. The pulse is rapid and so is |
| and B12. 2. Kelp powder which contains iodine and | | | | the breathing rate. The dog may faint when |
| other trace minerals. 3. Green vegetables which | | | | overexerting. Most of these signs also occur with |
| contains iron and other minerals. 4. Nutritional yeast | | | | heart disease, and these two conditions might be |
| along with B12 which offers the same benefits as the | | | | easily confused." |
| liver. 5. Vitamin C, from 500 to 2,000 milligrams per | | | | As always, your vet can make the final diagnosis. |
| day (depending on the dog's size) which helps with | | | | |