Dogs, Cats and nerves

Every month I come across pets with nerve disorders and it's heartbreaking to see them living with it. This post is dedicated to all pet lovers to minimise their pets from getting neuropathies

A Nerve disorder is the layman term to any disease or illness involving the nervous system. In medicine these are called a neuropathy (plural: neuropathies)

Reasons for neuropathies

1. Congenital

2. Genetics

3. Contagious diseases - canine distemper, rabies, feline herpesvirus

4. Non contagious diseases - cognitive dysfunctions, dementia, brain or spinal trauma, systemic illness

Congenital neuropathies are uncommon while the rest of the reasons are equally common in pets

Ways to avoid neuropathies in pets

1. Do not breed dogs with genetic neuropathies

Breeds such as Rottweilers are prone to genetically derived nerve disorders. Those who have been diagnosed with such conditions should not be used for breeding purposes

2. Vaccinate your pets routinely with all the essential vaccines as per your vet's advice. Do not miss any

3. Maintain proper hygiene in and around your pet's environment to avoid contagious diseases

4. Keep your pets away from steps, stairs, sofas, higher or lower elevations to keep them safe from unexpected injuries or trauma to the nerves of the brain, spine or elsewhere

5. Keep away from aggressive dogs. Dog fights can lead to internal trauma resulting in neuropathies

6. Do not use fireworks, loud noise anywhere close to pets

7. Do not use heavy handling or aggressive manipulation on tamed pets

8. Do not leave your pet without anyone's supervision. Most of the neuropathic patients that I have seen have a history of no or less supervision by the owner just before it had happened

9. Improve psychological enrichment

Use pet toys, dog training, daily exercise to maintain a pet's cognition. A bored mind leads to no where. Even older dogs can be trained to a certain extent. Keep food puzzles, teach clues and talk to them everyday. These will reduce early age dementia and cognitive dysfunctions

What other points can you add to the list to save a life? Comment below so we all can know

Until next time

🕊

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