New Treatments and Procedures to Improve Your Dog's Health

Welcome to a world where our furry companions’ health is just as important as our own! Did you know that over 60% of households in the United States have at least one pet dog? That’s a lot of wagging tails! As dog owners, we want to ensure that our loyal friends are healthy and happy. Luckily, there are new treatments and procedures that can help improve your dog’s health and extend its lifespan. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the latest developments in veterinary medicine and how they can benefit your furry friend.

Advancements in Veterinary Medicine

In recent years, veterinary medicine has come a long way, thanks to improvements in technology, research, and our understanding of how animals work. Some of the notable advancements in veterinary medicine include:

1. Digital Imaging: Digital imaging, which includes X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans, gives veterinarians clear and accurate pictures of what’s going on inside an animal’s body. This helps them figure out what’s wrong and how to treat it.
2. Genetic Testing: Genetic testing can find genetic diseases, which means that animals with genetic conditions can be treated sooner and better managed.
3. Stem Cell Therapy: Stem cell therapy is being used to treat a range of conditions in animals, including arthritis, hip dysplasia, and tendon and ligament injuries.
4. Telemedicine: Telemedicine lets veterinarians talk to and watch over animals from a distance. This makes veterinary care more accessible and reduces the need for in-person visits.
5. Precision medicine involves making sure that each animal’s treatment is based on its genes, environment, and way of life. This makes treatments more effective and personalised.
6. Rehabilitation Therapy: Hydrotherapy and physical therapy are two types of rehabilitation therapy that are used more and more to help animals recover from injuries and surgeries and improve their mobility.

These improvements in veterinary medicine help vets take better care of animals and improve their health and well-being as a whole.  

Stem Cell Therapy for Dogs

Stem cell therapy is a promising way to treat a number of health problems in dogs, such as osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia, and injuries to tendons and ligaments. Here’s how it works:

1. Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that have the potential to develop into a range of specialised cell types, such as muscle, bone, and cartilage cells. Stem cell therapy involves harvesting stem cells from the dog’s body, typically from their bone marrow or fat tissue. These stem cells are then processed and concentrated, and the resulting stem cell product is injected into the affected area of the dog’s body.
2. Once the stem cells are injected, they move to the damaged tissues and release growth factors and anti-inflammatory proteins, which help the damaged tissues heal and reduce inflammation. This can help to improve mobility and reduce pain and stiffness in dogs with conditions like osteoarthritis.
3. Stem cell therapy for dogs is minimally invasive and has few side effects. It can be used as a standalone treatment or in combination with other therapies like physical therapy and medication. However, it’s important to note that stem cell therapy is not a cure for these conditions, and additional treatments may be necessary to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

If you’re interested in stem cell therapy for your dog, talk to your veterinarian to see if it’s a viable treatment option and to find a reputable provider. 

Laser Therapy for Dogs

Laser therapy is a non-invasive way to treat dogs. It uses light energy to help heal damaged tissues and reduce pain and inflammation. Here’s how it works:

1. During laser therapy, a handheld device sends a focused beam of light energy to the area of the dog’s body that needs help. The light energy is absorbed by the cells in the tissue, which convert it into chemical energy that can be used to promote healing and reduce inflammation.
2. Laser therapy can be used to treat a range of conditions in dogs, including osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia, intervertebral disc disease, and soft tissue injuries. It can also be used to promote wound healing and reduce pain after surgery.
3. Laser therapy is safe and painless, and most dogs experience no discomfort during treatment. It typically takes several sessions to see a significant improvement, and the number and frequency of sessions will depend on the dog’s condition and response to treatment.

If you’re interested in laser therapy for your dog, talk to your veterinarian to see if it’s a viable treatment option and to find a reputable provider. It’s important to note that laser therapy is not a cure for these conditions, and additional treatments may be necessary to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Acupuncture for Dogs

Acupuncture is a holistic therapy that can be used to treat a range of conditions in dogs, including musculoskeletal pain, arthritis, digestive disorders, and anxiety. Here’s how it works:

1. During an acupuncture session, fine needles are inserted into specific points on the dog’s body, called acupoints. It is thought that these acupoints correspond to certain organs and body functions and that stimulating them will help the body heal and stay in balance.
2. Acupuncture is a safe, minimally invasive way to treat dogs, and most of them don’t feel any pain while being treated. Sessions of acupuncture usually last 20–30 minutes, and the number of sessions and how often they happen will depend on how sick the dog is and how well it responds to treatment.
3. Acupuncture is often used in combination with other therapies, like medication and physical therapy, to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. It’s important to note that acupuncture is not a cure for these conditions, and additional treatments may be necessary to manage symptoms.

If you’re interested in acupuncture for your dog, talk to your veterinarian to see if it’s a viable treatment option and to find a reputable provider. Your vet may also be able to tell you more about the pros and cons of acupuncture and answer any questions you may have. 

Regenerative Medicine for Dogs

Regenerative medicine is a new and promising field that uses the body’s own cells and tissues to speed up healing and fix damaged tissues. In dogs, regenerative medicine can be used to treat a range of conditions, including osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia, and tendon and ligament injuries. Here are some of the types of regenerative medicine that are being used in veterinary medicine:

1. Stem cell therapy: Stem cells are unspecialized cells that can turn into many different types of specialised cells. Stem cell therapy involves taking stem cells from the dog’s body, usually from the bone marrow or fat tissue. After these stem cells are processed and concentrated, they are injected into the dog’s body, where they are needed. The stem cells can then promote tissue repair and reduce inflammation.
2. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): For PRP, a small amount of the dog’s blood is taken and processed to make the platelets more concentrated. Growth factors and other proteins in these platelets help tissues heal and reduce inflammation. The concentrated platelets are then injected into the affected area of the dog’s body.
3. Autologous Conditioned Serum (ACS): ACS is a product that is created by processing the dog’s blood to concentrate anti-inflammatory proteins. Then, these proteins can be injected into the part of the dog’s body that is injured to reduce swelling and help the tissues heal.

Regenerative medicine is a fairly new field, and research is still going on to find out if these treatments are safe and effective for dogs. If you’re interested in regenerative medicine for your dog, talk to your veterinarian to see if it’s a viable treatment option and to find a reputable provider. It’s important to note that regenerative medicine is not a cure for these conditions, and additional treatments may be necessary to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Immunotherapy for Dogs

Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that harnesses the power of the immune system to fight cancer and other diseases. In dogs, immunotherapy can be used to treat a range of conditions, including cancer, allergies, and autoimmune diseases. Here are some types of immunotherapy that are being used in veterinary medicine:

1. Therapy with monoclonal antibodies: Monoclonal antibodies are made to target certain proteins or cells in the body. In dogs with cancer, monoclonal antibody therapy can be used to target cancer cells and flag them for destruction by the immune system.
2. Vaccines for cancer: Vaccines for cancer are meant to get the dog’s immune system to recognise cancer cells and attack them. These vaccines can be used to treat certain types of cancer, including melanoma and lymphoma.
3. Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy: In allergen-specific immunotherapy, small amounts of the allergen are given to the dog’s immune system over time. This builds up tolerance and makes allergic reactions less severe.
4. Adoptive Cell Therapy: Adoptive Cell Therapy involves harvesting immune cells, like T cells, from the dog’s body and manipulating them in the lab to enhance their ability to recognise and attack cancer cells. The modified cells are then infused back into the dog’s body to target and destroy cancer cells.

Immunotherapy is a promising way to treat dogs, but more research is needed to figure out if it is safe and effective. If you’re interested in immunotherapy for your dog, talk to your veterinarian to see if it’s a viable treatment option and to find a reputable provider. Immunotherapy isn’t a cure for these conditions, so it’s important to remember that. You may need other treatments to help manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Finally, I would like to say that our furry friends are more than just pets; they play a significant role in our family. Just as we prioritise our own health and well-being, it is crucial to put others’ needs first. More treatments and procedures are now available than ever before to help us enhance our dog’s health and increase their lifetime, thanks to breakthroughs in veterinary care.

But it’s equally crucial to keep in mind that the key to managing any potential health issues is early detection. It’s important for dog owners to be aware of any changes in their dog’s behaviour, appetite, or level of activity and to seek veterinarian care right away if anything seems out of the norm. We can ensure that our dogs enjoy long and healthy lives by being proactive about putting their health first.

Frequently asked questions

How can I improve my dog’s health?

1. Balanced Diet: Feed your dog a balanced and nutritious diet that meets their specific needs and life stage.

2. Regular Exercise: Provide daily exercise to keep your dog physically active and mentally stimulated.

3. Veterinary Check-ups: Schedule regular veterinary check-ups to monitor their health and catch any potential issues early.

4. Parasite Prevention: Ensure your dog is protected against parasites like fleas, ticks, and worms.

5. Dental Care: Brush your dog’s teeth regularly and consider dental treats to maintain good oral health.

6. Grooming: Regularly groom your dog to keep its coat and skin in good condition.

7. Hydration: Always have fresh water available to keep your dog properly hydrated.

8. Emotional Well-Being: Provide a loving and stress-free environment to support their emotional well-being.

9. Training and Socialisation: Invest time in proper training and socialisation to have a well-behaved and confident dog.

10. Safe Environment: Ensure your home and surroundings are safe and secure to prevent accidents and injuries.

What treatments should dogs have?

The treatments dogs should have depend on their specific needs, age, and health status. Common treatments for dogs include:

1. Vaccinations: Regular vaccinations protect against various diseases.

2. Parasite Prevention: Preventive measures against fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal worms.

3. Spaying or neutering: Unless breeding, spaying (for females) or neutering (for males) is often recommended for health and population control.

4. Dental Care: Regular teeth brushing, dental check-ups, and professional cleanings.

5. Medications: Treatments for specific health issues, like allergies, arthritis, or infections.

6. Regular Check-ups: Routine veterinary visits to monitor overall health and detect any problems early.

7. Grooming: Regular grooming is necessary to maintain coat health and hygiene.

8. Nutrition: A balanced diet that meets their specific nutritional needs.

9. Exercise: Regular physical activity keeps them fit and mentally stimulated.

10. Training and Behaviour: Proper training and behaviour management are necessary to have a well-behaved and happy dog.

What new drug helps dogs live longer?

As of the last time we checked (September 2021), there was no specific “new drug” that was universally proven to help dogs live longer. While there have been ongoing advancements in veterinary medicine and research, no single drug can guarantee a longer life for all dogs.

The best way to ensure a longer and healthier life for your dog is to follow proper preventive care, provide a balanced diet and regular exercise, and maintain regular veterinary check-ups. Your veterinarian can recommend appropriate medications and treatments for specific health conditions to improve your dog’s quality of life, but the overall lifespan of individual dogs can still vary based on breed, genetics, and overall health.

At what age do you stop vaccinating your dog?

The age at which you stop vaccinating your dog may vary based on factors such as the dog’s health, lifestyle, and local regulations. In general, core vaccinations (those essential for all dogs) are typically given throughout their lives, but the frequency may change.

Most puppies receive their final round of core vaccinations around 16 weeks old, then booster shots. After that, many veterinarians recommend administering core vaccines every one to three years, depending on the specific vaccines used and your dog’s risk factors.

Non-core vaccines, like those for specific diseases based on lifestyle or location, may have different guidelines and may not be necessary for every dog.

It’s essential to consult your veterinarian, who can create a personalised vaccination schedule based on your dog’s individual needs and local requirements. Regular veterinary check-ups will also help ensure your dog’s vaccination plan remains up-to-date and appropriate for its age and health status.

What are three things most dogs need every day in order to stay healthy?

Three things most dogs need every day to stay healthy are:

1. Balanced Diet: A nutritious and balanced diet that provides all the essential nutrients to support their overall health and energy levels.

2. Regular Exercise: Daily physical activity to keep them physically fit, and mentally stimulated, and prevent obesity.

3. Fresh Water: Access to clean, fresh water at all times to stay hydrated and support bodily functions.

In addition to these three essentials, regular veterinary check-ups, proper grooming, social interaction, and mental enrichment are also crucial for a dog’s overall health and well-being.