Speaking for Spot: Dog Health Care Tips & Veterinary Advice

Learn how to become a savvy medical advocate for your dog. With a sense of humor and explanations that are easy to understand, Dr. Nancy Kay provides a wealth of dog health care tips and teaches you how to navigate the expensive, complex, and often overwhelming world of veterinary medicine. Visits to your vet will never be the same!

Common Dog Health Problems - Symptoms and Answers

Dog owners should know a bit about the various common dog health problems that their pet could get over the course of their lives. An old time belief, still held onto by many people, is that if their dog has a cold and damp nose, the dog is healthy. The truth is that there is no basis in science whatsoever that when a dog has a cold, wet nose, that they are healthy and have no problems such as heart problems, worms, mange mites or any other canine health condition.

Responsible owners should disregard such beliefs without scientific basis and focus on looking at the overall condition of the dog including scheduled physical checks of the eyes, teeth, ears, mouth and skin for any abnormalities that could be signs and symptoms of a particular disease. The dog owner should also be responsible to make sure their dog eats well, gets regular checkups and is groomed on a regular basis so that their dog will stay healthy for a long time to come.

In particular, there are certain dog health symptoms that mean your canine friend has particular diseases or health challenges. Dog owners should be familiarized with these likely signs of abnormalities in their pets so quick and specific action can be done directly to avoid any complications later on.

The dog’s coat should be shining, soft and full. With wiry coated dogs, like Australian terriers, you need to be sure that the coat is springy and has thick strands of fur. Types of dogs that have double coats need to show zero indication of thinning in the undercoats.

Redness or inflammation, open sores, scabs, flakes, lumps or cyst like growths on the skin can be signs of health issues. Your dog’s skin and fur should be free of parasitic infestation like ticks, fleas or mange mites. If your dog is itching or biting him or herself a lot this could mean they have skin parasites.

Just like us, bright, shining eyes in your dog means good health. In dogs, there is an area in the eyes particularly in the perimeter of the eyeballs that should always have a health pink color. This spot is called the conjunctiva and a pale color may mean some health problems. There should also be no abnormal discharges from the eyes, particular yellow or green colored fluids.

Bad odors and/or bloody discharge from the ears is good symptom that something is wrong. Your dog’s ears need to be kept clean and free of signs of parasites.

Dog gums that maintain a healthy rosy pink color and which might have a bit of black color as well is a pretty good indication of good health. wan colored gums can be a sign or symptom of anemia. Sore looking red gums that bleed could be sending you the signal that you dog has a periodontal problem while emphasizing that your dog has some health issues with really bad breath.

Going back to the age-old belief on the dog’s nose, a healthy dog normally has a cold and wet nose but this should be caused only by clear and watery discharges that are common in dogs. If your dog has a bad smelling discharge coming from the nose, this could be trouble and you need to get your dog examined. These kinds of discharges in young puppies could indicate canine distemper and may turn out to be fatal.

A few other things that indicate a healthy dog are the weight – normal for the breed, body temperature – dogs get fevers just like children, and how the urine and feces look and smell. Its very important to know and understand these health signals and symptoms so that you can help your dog right away if you see that something is wrong.

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Dog"s health, dog health care the symptoms should not be underestimated

Dog’s health, dog health care the symptoms should not be underestimated

Our dog is healthy? How to recognize the symptoms of ailments and diseases that could worsen if not treated in time? Dog health care We meet a small but useful guide written by Petplace vets who explains what symptoms should never be overlooked and ignored in our dog.

First of all you should know that by nature, dogs as well as cats, hiding very well the ongoing illnesses. A weak animal in the wild is more vulnerable and therefore, in the course of their evolution, many species have learned to not make the physical discomforts posters to avoid being attacked by predators or rivals in a moment of weakness. Often, therefore, the early symptoms of many diseases are hidden and we realize that your dog is sick only when the disease is at an advanced stage and now the symptoms are posters and violent.

We know very well our dog, his habits, his biological cycles to notice even the most subtle changes and notify your veterinarian. Recognize the symptoms of an illness in time means having more chance of healing, avoid the worst and save money on treatments and surgical operations. Experts advise us to never underestimate these symptoms not in our dog:

Loss of appetite. When the dog does not eat or eat too little might be sick. Many diseases are among the main symptoms just loss of apetite. Don’t let the Bowl always full otherwise you will notice when the dog won’t eat.
Laziness. Often we think that the dog tends to stir less because it is aging, but if the dog is always less active may depend on from a disease, and we know that older dogs need more care and attention in order to diagnose the diseases associated with advancing age. Please notify your veterinarian.
Weakness. If the dog is no longer able to perform activities and movements that first played with fluency and ease and if you view often fatigued and weak is good not to ignore this symptom and talking with your veterinarian immediately. The weakness is a spy many heart disease and chronic degenerative diseases.
Lethargy. As for laziness and weakness, when the dog is apathetic and does not show more interest in activities that before was very stimulating and exciting, definitely something amiss. Lethargy is a common symptom of many diseases of the dog and may occur both in the early stages of the disease, both in a later stage. Even in this case you should talk to your veterinarian.

Dog Health Symptoms Everything you should know about dog health care ย The phrase “health is wealth” applies not only to humans, but pets. Owning and caring for a dog is not only immensely rewarding and a lot of fun, but it is a long-term commitment and a great responsibility as regards both the care and finances. A dog only depends on its master for his daily needs, including food, water, shelter, love and care. Just like humans, canines too need an equal amount of healthcare. They too are subject to diseases like canine cough, heartworms, emotional depression, arthritis, diabetes, and cancer to name a few. It is the primary responsibility of every dog owner be a watchful observer of both physical movements and changes in the behavior of their furry friend to ensure the health care of the dog. One must always keep in mind that a dog can always exercise his functions well only if it is in the pink of health. As a result, dog owners must follow reasonable steps to ensure that their needs are met and that dogs can do the same thing with buying pet products necessary for their beautiful friend from an animal renowned online store. ย tips to follow to keep the dogs healthy and abundant ย always give dog foods that are made from natural ingredients. Take the right food that contains a balanced combination of calories, proteins, minerals and vitamins. Often packages of dog food contains calories and excess nutrients that can be harmful to the health of the canine. Be cautious of nutritional content, while the power of the dog. This is essential to ensure proper dog health care. Always try to be updated with regard to vaccinations as they are very important for dogs. Take them to a veterinary clinic for regular checkups. Adopting effective measures for the protection of dogs against attacks of fleas and ticks. In severe cases, consult a veterinarian may suggest items for pets as effective as Frontline Plus to keep fleas and ticks at Bay. Avoid the use of flea collars as it may cause damage to the dog’s health. Canines are more prone to heat. Provide them with a cool place to relax especially during summers. Do not force them to walk or run or perform exercises if you are willing to do that. Provide them with sufficient clean water and consult a veterinarian immediately in case of heat stroke, as it can become life-threatening. Give much attention to the dog to get it close. This is a must especially for big dogs as it will help to increase attachment between the dog and his master, otherwise abnormal behavioral alterations are probably to be expected from the dog. This is essential to maintain the health care of the dog. ย you can buy pet products to keep your dog healthy and happy at discount prices from a trusted online pet store and give it a new life. ย indiana Pet Store is the India’s largest and fast growing online pet shop. Indian ย ย Pet Store seeks to serve pet owners, with a wide range of pet products. Resource Link: Pet Products Dog Grooming Tips India ย

Dog Health: Spider Bite Treatment

So, we now knew that Lilly suffered a spider bite and ensuing infection. But, we’ll never know what kind of spider or where or how it happened, but she needed treatment and fast.

Again, if you are sensitive at all, fair warning … what unfolds next isn’t particularly gross, but it is upsetting if you understand the potential outcomes of a fearful dog going through something both painful and scary.

You can catch up via Dog Spider Bite Part 1, Dog Spider Bite Part 2, and Dog Spider Bite Part 3 of our latest veterinary emergency saga.

Dog Spider Bite Treatment

Once our veterinarian cleaned the spider bite surface with alcohol and drained the fluid, Lilly needed treatment and fast. That meant both massive antibiotics and massive steroids by injection to kick-start her recovery.

We’d, then, follow-up with at-home meds — both antibiotics and steroids — for a week.

It also probably helped — or least didn’t hurt — that I’d dosed Lilly with benadryl in anticipation of preventing a vaccine reaction for the lepto vaccine we had planned for this routine wellness exam that turned into anything but.

“Hold on to her, talk to her,” my veterinarian instructed. “This is going to sting.”

Now, I’ve held Lilly for many other kinds of injections over the years, but I was NOT prepared for her response to this one.

Suffice it to say, I did not hold on TIGHT ENOUGH.

As soon as the veterinarian began to “push” the injection into Lilly’s back, Lilly screamed.

I mean, yipe … Yipe … YIPE. YIPE, YIPE … screams that went on and on.

This is a dog who has survived TWO painful rattlesnake bites to the face without a whimper.

Lilly whipped her head around and came as close to biting as I’ve ever seen. Clearly, I should have had a better hold. (Note to self and others … these kinds of shots HURT. Hold on tight.)

Her head otter sleek, with ears pinned entirely back. Her lips, long and thin, stretched back into a grimace, and she chattered her teeth at our veterinarian. I’ve seen a few dogs do this before, and I’m not sure … but it looks almost like they’re saying, “I want to bite, but I know I shouldn’t, so I’m just going to click my teeth at you.”

As soon as all the meds were in, Lilly broke loose, flung herself to the floor, and tried to lick and/or soothe the spot on her back. She literally writhed on the floor.

For you Harry Potter fans, it felt like watching the Cruciatus Curse. Not good.

I’m sure I looked both shocked and panicked at Lilly’s reaction. “Is she going to be OK?” I asked.

“It’ll hurt for about 10 minutes, then she’ll be OK,” our veterinarian assured.

So, while she gave me going-home instructions, I did my best to comfort and console Lilly. Our spider-bite-watch rules included:

• Start pills the next morning because the injection would cover her needs until then.


• If she seems in distress at all overnight (poor breathing, lethargy, vomiting, etc.), take her to the veterinary ER.


• If she seems worse the next day (lethargy, not eating, increased swelling), call and bring her back in so that they can do surgery to clean out the infection and put in a drain right away.


• Otherwise, bring her back Wednesday for a recheck, and if the vets don’t like what they see, then surgery. So, don’t feed her breakfast Wednesday, just in case.

As a safety measure, our veterinarian asked another one to come in the exam room and feel Lilly’s lump so that he knew what was what and would be able to assess her for us if necessary the next day.

He helped us with Lilly’s second rattlesnake bite, so we’ve met before. We joked a little about how I thought at first this was another snake bite and how that would have been the last doggone straw for me. He teased that she’s clearly moved on to other biting creatures.

(Flies also find Lilly rather inviting … that story here … Lilly, The Larva Rancher.)

“I hope NOT to see you tomorrow,” I told him.

I ran Lilly out to my car, where she could relax, while I paid our bill and got her at-home medicines.

I called Tom from the parking lot. “You’re not going to believe this…” I began.

Lilly and I had promised to get some spicy, gooey Mexican takeout on the way home, so we upheld the bargain.

Once home, she had dinner … as did I, before updating our fans and friends online, then falling onto the sofa.

***

We’ll continue this tale tomorrow with the debate over surgery.

Prevent These Common Dog Health Symptoms Now - Keys to Your Dog"s Longevity

How will you know that your dog is not feeling well? Is he ill or just tired? Some dog health symptoms may already be showing but you still don’t know it. It is important as dog parents to pay attention to your dog’s health. A grunt, a whimper, or a whine from your dog can mean they are feeling something that you, the owner, may not recognize at first. Having a thorough understanding of the dog symptom checker and prevention guidelines are the keys to ensuring the safety of your beloved family addition. 1. The Wrong Foods- One of the most important steps you can take deals with every day eating habits. While some pet owners feel they are ‘treating’ their dog by giving them table scraps or a sweet nibble of human food, it is important to know the dangerous foods we humans enjoy but are harmful to dogs. Ensuring your pet never eats these foods may prevent it from illness, even death. Some of these foods include: Chocolate- Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine, which is a stimulant that, when mixed with caffeine and theophylline, may result in rapid heart rate, hallucinations, epileptic seizures, internal bleeding, heart attack, and even death. Avocado- Persin, a fungicidal toxin contained in the seeds, leaves, bark and fruit, while safe for humans, can be toxic to your dog and cause vomiting and diarrhea. Fat trimmings- If you are tempted to offer up some juicy fat trimmings to your dog, stop. This innocent enough habit can result in your dog developing pancreatitis. Alcoholic Beverages- A drunken dog acts the same way as an intoxicated man. Beer is from a plant called hops that can cause malignant hyperthermia that is fatal to dogs. Macadamia Nuts- These nuts may be pleasing for humans but never for dogs. Dog health symptoms may be visible as soon as they’ve had some. Once eaten, dogs may suffer tremors, stiffness, hyperthermia, and abdominal pain. Onions- This contains thiosulfate that may result to hemolytic anemia in dogs. Besides dangerous foods, there are also harmful household substances you should be aware to keep the dogs away from it. A few of these are: Mouse and Rat Poison – These poisons are very attractive to dogs. These poisons contain cholecalciferol that causes hypercalcemia and hyperphostamia. Zinc – Ingestion causes severe hemolytic anemia. Antifreeze – Once ingested it affects the liver and often results in kidney failure. 2. Allergies- Allergies, such a flea allergies, often result in infections commonly seen on the dog’s ears, nose, mouth, and skin. Common allergy symptoms include: Shedding, dry/itchy skin Paw chewing Smelly ears Upset stomach Poor coat Hot spots Self-mutilation 3. Lack of Exercise- Just as humans require exercise for proper health maintenance, so do dogs. Remember, your dog is dependent on you to provide it with ample opportunities for exercise, whether it’s playing fetch in your backyard or going for a neighborhood stroll together. Don’t just assume because you have a big yard that your dog will get enough exercise on its own. Take time to exercise ‘with’ your dog. You will both reap the benefits. Common symptoms of lack of exercise include: Poor muscle tone Obesity Little or no energy Emotional problems If not addressed, your dog’s lack of exercise can lead to serious health conditions, such as heart problems and bone disorders, which can shorten the life of your family member. It is up to you, not your dog, to make sure he is getting enough exercise. Illnesses, like diabetes, which result from fatty and excess sugars, and obesity, which results from overeating are our responsibility as good dog parents to prevent.

Speaking for Spot: Dog Health Care Tips & Veterinary Advice

Learn how to become a savvy medical advocate for your dog. With a sense of humor and explanations that are easy to understand, Dr. Nancy Kay provides a wealth of dog health care tips and teaches you how to navigate the expensive, complex, and often overwhelming world of veterinary medicine. Visits to your vet will never be the same!

Symptoms of Poor Health in Your Dog

Signs of ill health are the most relevant signs of the health well being in your dogs, For example if the dog has non-stop nasal discharge it indicates the presence of nasal congestion and if the discharge is thick most of the times, the dog could have pneumonia.
If the dog vomits one or two times every so often,this probably won’t be taken as a serious sign of ill health but if the dog continues this vomiting, then this is something significant to be looked into.

If the dog has continuous itching then one needs to check up the dog first by closer observation and examination of skin by separating the hair material notably in cases of long haired breeds.

You may also encounter a lot of ticks or lice on the skin, which may look plainly normal at a distance.

If the dog passes loose stool for one or two times, this need not be given more emphasis but if there is nonstop passing of loose stool then the dog is known to suffer from bowel disorders.

If the dog does not pass stool for two to three days, then the digestive upsets needs to be ruled out carefully.

Just patiently observe the dog’s walking movements and rule out any abnormal movements in the dog and if the dog is limping, the animal may have foot lesions.

Similarly, if the aged dog has slow walking and less feed intake along with,repeated vomiting then acute renal disorders like nephritis must be ruled out.
If there is whiteness in eyes, believe the corneal opacity that may show up in diseases like trypanasomosis.

When the dog becomes anemic, the mucous membrane of the eyes gets to be paler and in severe cases this may have wall white color.

If the dog bites chain and owners or others, look for behavior problems and rabies has to be ruled out.