If Your Dog Enjoys The Lake, Look For Signs Of Parasites - CBS Minnesota

Reporting Bill Hudson

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Bill Hudson, Cassandra Carlson, Como Lake, Diarrhea, Dogs, Giardia, Heidi Mittelsteadt, Infection, Parasites, Swimming, Veterinarian

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MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – We’ve all heard about the dog days of summer, when lake water starts to look like only your dog would swim in it.

But it turns out there is a real threat to swimming dogs that is invisible.

The Giardia parasite can be swallowed by dogs while they are swimming and playing in the water. If your dog has diarrhea after being in a lake or a river, visit your vet right away.

Four-and-a-half-year-old Max has loved the water since he was a puppy. Fetching his ball from Como Lake is always on Max’s to-do list. His owner, Cassandra Carlson, says he never gets sick from swimming.

“I guess I’m just not too concerned at this point, just because he swam all his life and he has never had anything happen to him from doing so,” Carlson said.

But veterinarian Dr. Heidi Mittelsteadt says Giardia cases are frequent during the summer months.

“All throughout summer we see dogs with Giardia,” Dr. Mittelsteadt said. “I had two German Shepard puppies here this morning with it.”

Giardia can be transmitted from dog to dog through licking, but the most common source is water.

“They do ingest lake water, river water. Like I said, drinking out of puddles in the woods – that can also be a source of infection,” she said.

But some dogs can be infected with Giardia and not show any symptoms. A dog should still be screened every year to cut down the transmission of the parasite.

“I think the best thing is for you to bring in a stool sample if your dog is symptomatic: has diarrhea, decreased appetite, anything like that,” she said. “Bring in a sample on your yearly exam so we can screen for it.”

The treatment for the parasite is quite effective, so swimming is not out of the question – as long as you pay attention to your pet.

“But I’m also a big quality-of-life person, so I let my dogs swim in lakes,” she said.

Dr. Mittelsteadt also says it’s very unlikely a dog can get Giardia from a clean water source, like a shared water bowl at a dog park.

But she stresses that annual checkups are crucial.

the Signs of Dog Disease

Following is a list of most common diseases and in a dog and signs that characterize them. However, this list is not intended to be used to diagnose and treat your dog, but rather as a tool to tell when your dog is ill. Communicating with your veterinarian is a key part of ensuring good health care for your dog.

DISEASES	SIGNS
Abscesses (according to site)	difficulty moving, fever, loss of appetite, pus
Arthritis	painful to touch
Burns	rapid breathing, shedding coat, ulceration
Cystitis (inflammation of the bladder)	abdominal pain, blood in the urine, difficult or no urination, painful urination, urinary incontinence
Dermatitis (skin inflammation)	shedding coat, skin irritation, ulceration
Diabetes Insipidus	intense thirst, urinary incontinence, urinary incontinence, voracious appetite
Diabetes Mellitus	bad breath, coma, frequent urination, intense thirst, urinary incontinence, voracious appetite
Distemper	abdominal pain, convulsions, cough, diarrhea (normal), loss of appetite, fever, low spirits, poor appetite, rapid breathing, trembling, vomiting, voracious appetite
Eclampsia	changes in behavior, convulsions, bedsores, fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, loss of balance, painful breathing, trembling
Eczema	shedding coat, skin irritation
Enteritis (inflammation of the intestines)	abdominal pain, diarrhea (normal), loss of appetite, vomiting, weight loss
External Parasites	scratches the ears, shedding coat, skin irritation
Foreign Bodies	abdominal pain, constipation, cough, cyanosis, diarrhea (normal), difficulty swallowing, intense thirst, loss of appetite, painful to touch, scratches the ears, swelling of the abdomen, vomiting
Gastritis	abdominal pain, bad breath, loss of appetite, swelling of the abdomen, vomiting
Hemorrhage	conspicuous inner eyelid, painful breathing, rapid breathing, shock
Heart Disease	abdominal distension, convulsions, cough, lethargy, mucous tissues pale, painful breathing
Heat Stroke	changes in behavior, coma, bedsores, fever, intense thirst, loss of appetite, loss of balance, low spirits, painful breathing, painful to touch, rapid breathing, shock, ulceration
Infectious Hepatitis	abdominal pain, diarrhea (with blood), fever, intense thirst, jaundice, lethargy, loss of appetite, painful breathing, rapid breathing, vomiting
Internal Parasites	cough, diarrhea (with blood), diarrhea (normal), mucous tissues pale, swelling of the abdomen, vomiting, voracious appetite, weight loss
Intestinal Blockage	abdominal pain, constipation, convulsions, lethargy, loss of appetite, poor appetite, vomiting
Leptospirosis	abdominal pain, blood in the urine, cyanosis, diarrhea (normal), difficult or no urination, fever, jaundice, lethargy, loss of appetite, painful urination, poor appetite, rapid breathing, vomiting
Leukemia	lethargy, loss of appetite, low spirits, mucous tissues pale, conspicuous inner eyelid painful breathing, rapid breathing, vomiting
Metritis (inflammation of the uterus)	abdominal pain, convulsions, cyanosis (low blood oxygen), lethargy, loss of appetite, conspicuous inner eyelid, pus, swelling of the abdomen, vomiting
Nephritis	abdominal distension, abdominal pain, bad breath, cyanosis (low blood oxygen), difficult or no urination, fever, frequent urination, lethargy, low spirits, painful urination, swelling of the abdomen
Otitis	convulsions, loss of balance, pus, scratches the ears, skin irritation
Para-Influenza	cough, painful breathing
Parvovirus	convulsions, diarrhea with blood, diarrhea (normal), fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, low spirits, conspicuous inner eyelid, poor appetite, rapid breathing, vomiting, weight loss
Poisoning	changes in behavior, convulsions, cyanosis (low blood oxygen), diarrhea (with blood), diarrhea (normal), poor appetite, rapid breathing, shedding coat, shock, trembling, vomiting
Rabies	changes in behavior, convulsions, fever, intense thirst, loss of balance, low spirits, mucous tissues pale, conspicuous inner eyelid, poor appetite, trembling, weight loss
Ringworm	shedding coat
Stones	abdominal pain, blood in the urine, difficult or no urination, painful urination, urinary incontinence
Tartar	bad breath
Tonsillitis	cough, difficulty swallowing, fever, loss of appetite, vomiting
Toothache	bad breath, difficulty swallowing, intense thirst, loss of appetite
Torsion of the Stomach	abdominal pain, changes in behavior, coma, convulsions, difficulty swallowing, intense thirst, loss of appetite, conspicuous inner eyelid, mucous tissues pale, painful breathing, painful to touch, poor appetite, rapid breathing, swelling of the abdomen, vomiting
Tuberculosis	cough, loss of appetite, low spirits, conspicuous inner eyelid, painful breathing, rapid breathing, trembling, weight loss
Tumors	abdominal distension, loss of appetite, mucous tissues pale, conspicuous inner eyelid, painful to touch, weight loss

Signs and Symptoms of Dog Diseases - Dog Lyme Disease

What is canine Lyme disease? This is a condition that has affected thousands of dogs every year. This is not specific only to dogs – humans and other pets can contract this disease. While it is generally not fatal in nature; it can cause extreme pain to the canine and possibly bring severe damage to him when left untreated for any length of time.

Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium called Borrelia. It is transmitted through deer ticks and is more prevalent in certain areas in the United States. This feeding tick secretes enzymes to keep the host’s blood from clotting and it is this particular enzyme that causes the dog to be sick. If the tick is removed within 48 hours, the spirochete is not transmitted and the dog will not get infected.

You can avoid having your pet suffer from this ailment by being alert to signs and symptoms of dog diseases. Certainly, there are symptoms we can watch out for.

Typically, the infected dog will have fever of 103 to 105 Fahrenheit in the earlier stages of Lyme disease. He will also lose interest in food. While fever and loss of appetite are common signs and symptoms of dog diseases, when coupled with other factors related to dog Lyme disease, it is reasonable to conclude that the canine is indeed suffering from this condition.

The most common indicator of dog Lyme disease is perhaps limping and lameness. Many times, Lyme disease has been misdiagnosed as a case of arthritis. The limping may shift from one limb to another and can also leave suddenly, only to reappear after weeks or months later.

These arthritis-like symptoms are usually accompanied by the swelling of the lymph nodes. Lymphadenopathy means ‘disease of the lymph nodes’ and will manifest together with the other signs. When the tick has invaded the dog’s bloodstream, the infection will be carried to other body parts and would usually be localized in joints. When the pain is not confined to just the joints and limbs, the disease is in its progressive stages.

Severe pain throughout the whole body is an indication that the disease is already widespread and has affected the dog’s neurological system. The more critical cases of Lyme disease will cause heart and kidney problems, as well as complications in the nervous system of the dog.

If your canine has been exhibiting dog Lyme disease symptoms, visit the vet immediately to obtain a diagnosis. Take note of when your dog has been exposed to ticks or if you have seen any of these parasites on your dog lately. If your dog has been previously vaccinated for ticks, his immune system will be able to fight off this disease on its own.

Lyme disease is easily treatable; but vaccination and grooming your dog regularly will help prevent any infection in the first place. See your vet for concerns for any behavioral and physical changes in your dog.

Being vigilant about dog Lyme disease symptoms will keep your pet from having to suffer from this unfortunate condition. Discover valuable information on signs and symptoms of dog diseases that can help save your pet’s life at HealthyHappyDogs.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brigitte_Smith

Dog Pregnancy Symptoms | Signs of Dog pregnancy

You should know if your dog is pregnant or not. Check the dog pregnancy symptoms and signs for evaluations. This way you will be able to know if your dog is facing common health problems or some pregnancy issues. Dog pregnancy symptoms and signs are as follows:

Dog pregnancy symptoms – Early Stages

Decreased Appetite – One of the earliest dog pregnancy symptoms include decreased appetite. This factor can’t be applied to all dogs but if your dog is eating less then it might be due to pregnancy

Less Activity – The pregnant dogs are less energetic as their bodies shift attention to the gestation,

Nipples Grow – Dog pregnancy symptoms and signs also include nipple’s growth. The dog will develop breast material and her nipples grow because of the milk production.

The receptive days of female dog are called estrus. The phase is then preceded by the pre-estrus, in this period the female dog will experience virginal bleeding for ten days.

Dog pregnancy symptoms and signs – Middle Stages

Increase in Appetite – This might be the situation if the appetite of your dog decreased during first 3 to 4 weeks.

Increase in weight – Your dog will show some increase in weight during 4^th week of pregnancy. The abdomen of dog will seem larger and it feels firm instead of fat.

The first stages (estrus and pre-estrus) are followed by anestrus and diestrus.  These stages can last for upto 50 to 60 days. The pregnant dog will also experience morning sickness like humans. You will note some other Dog pregnancy Symptoms e.g losing appetite, acting moody, nauseous and vomiting. This condition might last for 21 days.

Dog pregnancy symptoms – Late Stages

Larger Abdomen Size – You will notice a much larger belly than usual. In small dog breeds the belly may touch to ground.

Puppy Movements – You will be able to notice some puppy movements in the belly of your dog.

Production of milk – You will also see some milk around the nipples.

Dog pregnancy Symptoms includes Nesting Behavior – The birth will be imminent (normally 24 – 48 hrs) when the dog starts gathering newspapers, toys and blanket in area where the dog intends to give birth.

Advice regarding Dog pregnancy Symptoms and Signs:

If you want some conclusive results then take her to vet. The vet can tell if your dog is pregnant or not by means of a blood test. During 4^th week of pregnancy the vet will e able to hear puppy’s heartbeat inside the stomach with stethoscope. It’s recommended that you consult the veterinarian.

Signs, Symptoms And Treatment Of Heat Stroke In Dogs

by Lorie Huston, DVM 

Heat stroke is a serious and potentially life-threatening situation. It is especially common in dogs that have been left untended in cars We all know it is not safe to leave an animal in a closed car when the outside temperature is extremely warm.

However, even in temperatures as mild as 70-75°F, the temperature inside of a closed car can increase as much as 40° or more in one hour! 

That means the temperature inside of the car can increase to 110-115°F even when the temperature outside is mild!

Besides the car scenario, there are other situations in which heat stroke becomes more likely for our pets as well.

• Dogs (or other animals) left outside on hot and/or humid days without the availability of adequate shade and/or water are likely to suffer heat stroke.


• Animals that are exercised heavily on a hot and/or humid day may also suffer heat stroke.


• Brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds of dogs and cats may be more likely to develop hyperthermia (an elevated temperature) and suffer heat stroke because their ability to pant effectively is hampered by their anatomy.


• Obesity can affect an animal’s airways and make panting less effective at dissipating heat for the animal, predisposing the animal to heat stroke.


• Other diseases that hamper the airway can also alter the effectiveness of the panting mechanism that dogs and cats rely on to dissipate body heat, resulting in heat stroke.


• Animals exposed to forced heat, such as a hair dryer, may also suffer heat stroke.

Symptoms and Signs of Heat Stroke

Early symptoms seen with heat stroke include restlessness and excessive panting. The respiratory rate and heart rate will increase. Excessive drooling may also occur.

Vomiting and/or diarrhea may occur. Dehydration and depression will occur as the symptoms worsen.

As the situation progresses, the animal’s gums may turn brick red in color or even purple or blue as oxygen saturation declines.

Your dog may have difficulty breathing and may appear to be gasping. He will become weak and may stagger. Seizures may occur and the animal may become totally comatose. Petechial hemorrhages, small red areas that resemble bruising, may appear. As the pet nears death, the temperature may actually decrease to below normal.

A body temperature higher than 105°F is cause for alarm.

It is important to remember that an elevated temperature can have many different causes and heat stroke is only one of those potential causes. However, often there are clues in the environment or the recent history of the pet that easily lead to the probability of a diagnosis of heat stroke. For instance, a dog found locked in a car that has symptoms consistent with heat stroke is likely suffering from heat stroke rather than another disease.

Treatment of Heat Stroke in Dogs

Any dog suffering from heat stroke should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible!

However, measures may be taken to begin cooling the pet before transport. It is important not to lower the body temperature of the dog or cat too much or too quickly. Cool wet towels can be placed around or over the animal. Towels soaked in cool water can also be placed between the legs, both front and rear. Placing cool water on the ears and paws may help cool the pet also.

Naturally, the pet should be removed from the environment which caused the heat stroke. If possible, direct a fan toward the dog or cat.

Do not use ice or extremely cold water to cool a dog or cat suffering from heat stroke. Doing so may actually make the condition worse.

Though cooling the pet is part of treating for heat stroke, other procedures will also likely be necessary to save the animal’s life and rapid evaluation and treatment at a veterinary facility is usually necessary.

Heat stroke affects all body systems and causes thermal damage to numerous tissues.

• The kidneys are damaged, leading to acute kidney failure.


• The gastrointestinal tract is damaged and may lead to bacterial translocation from the intestinal tract into the blood stream.


• Damage to the liver and to the heart can occur due to thermal damage.


• There may be swelling within the brain and infarctions that cause further brain damage.


• Clotting deficits may occur, leading to bleeding abnormalities.

Treatment for heat stroke will vary depending on the condition of the animal, but intravenous fluid support is usually necessary.

Blood transfusions may be required. Oxygen therapy may be necessary for animals suffering respiratory depression. Cerebral swelling (swelling within the brain) may require specialized medications, such as mannitol to reduce the swelling. Antibiotics may be necessary if there has been damage to the gastrointestinal tract to combat sepsis caused by bacterial translocation. Other therapies may be required.

Severely affected may not survive despite best attempts at resuscitation.

Preventing Heat Stroke in Dogs

In most cases, heat stroke is preventable by taking some simple precautions.

• Do not leave animals caged, tied or otherwise confined outside without adequate shade and water. At very high temperature, animals should be moved indoors rather than being kept outside for prolonged periods of time.


• Do not leave animals in closed compartments exposed to the sun, such as a closed car.


• Increased caution should be used with animals that are obese, have respiratory difficulties, are geriatric or are otherwise unhealthy.


• Be aware that some animals will lie in a sunny window long enough to become subject to heat stroke. Restrict access to these areas if necessary by closing blinds or draperies.


• Provide adequate water for animals that are performing strenuous exercises in warm temperatures. Be aware that animals performing arduous physical activities require more water, sometimes as much as twice the amount or more, than animals at rest.

***

Lorie Huston has been practicing veterinary medicine for over 20 years. Besides a successful career in a busy small animal hospital in Providence, RI, Lorie is also a successful freelance writer specializing in pet care and pet health topics. 

Currently, she is the feature writer for the Pet Care section at Suite101.com and the National Pet Health Examiner at Examiner.com. Lorie also publishes her own blog, The Pet Health Care Gazette and manages an increasingly popular facebook page, The Voice of Pet Care. 

Articles by Dr. Huston:
Lyme Is Lame (Pun Intended)
The Ticking Bomb
Don’t Let Heartworm Become A Heartbreak!
Summer Perils: Blue-green Algae
Your Dog And Leptospirosis
Canine Parvovirus
Canine Distemper Virus
Why Is My Dog So Itchy? Top 5 Causes Of Itching In Dogs 
Vaccination Concerns and Potential Side Effects 
Natural Flea Control for Dogs

Related articles:
Hypo- Versus Hyperthermia
Know Your Dog’s Enemies: Heat Stroke Is No Light Matter!

Symptoms and Signs of Allergies in Dogs

Allergies in dogs can are pretty rough; dogs can suffer good distress if the hypersensitivity just isn’t diagnosed and treated in a suitable manner. A great deal of dogs with allergies can have indications that present themselves in dissimilar techniques from a plain case of negligible itching or peeling skin to the additional severe dermatitis-like symptoms.

Most allergies in dogs are exaggerated immune responses or are hypersensitive to flea or tick bites, some specific constituent in food or get in touch with or airborne substances. Dogs can develop allergic reactions to anything. Allergies in dogs have noticeable signs that most often come out as skin difficulties, ear redness or irritation or gastrointestinal disturbances. Allergens – substances which can trigger allergies – can be an ingredient in food, a grass or other plants inside the surroundings, fleas or other parasites, a chemical household item or additional or less any other substance or material.

Allergies in dogs are frequently mistaken for other wellness conditions, producing it significant for dog owners to be mindful of what are their pets’ status at all times. When a dog has been exposed to any object or substance that triggers an irregular immune reaction, succeeding exposures to the comparable substance will cause hypersensitivity or allergic reactions. These allergic reactions might be localized, meaning it can be found on the region where it appeared or system-wide, meaning affecting the other systems. Allergies in dogs can happen suddenly or gradually.

Signs and symptoms of dog allergies are commonly manifested with skin irritation – itchiness, scratching, redness, restlessness, irritations at the paws, under the neck and on the chin, near the groin areas, and inside the armpits. You’ll also notice some pimple-like eruptions which are whitish in color. As an effort to relieve itchiness, dogs may often scratch the affected part, lick and chew at it, and they’ll roll on the ground to create the sensation go away.

Moreover, ear irritations and infections are generally manifested in dog allergies – dogs scratch their ears and shake their heads. Dog owners would notice waxy substance build-up inside the ears together with some abnormal yeast discharges.

Allergies in dogs can also be triggered by food ingredients, consequently having manifestations of tummy upsets. Most dogs will experience vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite which will eventually lead to weight reduction. Food allergies are typically mistaken by owners; they tend to think that their dog has a sensitive stomach. It can be generally misleading, so make sure to be cautious on your furry friend’s behavior; allergies which are undiagnosed for years can lead to significant health problems in the future.

Allergies in dogs are usually detrimental to its wellbeing and quality of life. Incessant scratching at affected areas of skin typically leads to weeping sores, which can develop into an infection. When the ears are affected, the continuous head shaking and scratching can trigger hematomas – trauma to the tissues of the head – along with other lesions on the ears. If these are primarily severe and long-drawn-out, the dog may possibly develop significant behavioral adjustments too.

Be alert and informed on these signs and symptoms to stop undesirable outcomes inside the future. As dog owners, it truly is our responsibility to look after our precious companion; allergies in dogs may perhaps be basic at 1st, but can result in devastating results and doable, a tearful goodbye.

Pamela Kazmierczak owns the website Hypoallergenic Dog Food. Stop by now to learn more about subjects such as Allergies in Dogs now!

What Are the Signs of Diabetes in Dogs?

Diabetes mellitus or simply diabetes is a common condition in dogs. However scary it may sound it is not the end of the world for your dog because diabetes in canines is manageable if proper care is taken. Diet, regular monitoring of blood sugar levels and medication are key aspects of adequate care. Diabetes, however, can cause an early death of the dog if it is not treated. High blood sugar levels produce clinical symptoms of diabetes in dogs and cats that can help in early detection.

Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels rise due to the inability of the pancreas to produce enough insulin to manage glucose (a primary sugar) in the food that the a dog ingests. In another situation, cells become resistant to the action of insulin, which also results in a high blood sugar level. If not managed within reasonable time, it leads to abnormally high blood sugar levels, a condition known as hyperglycemia.

High blood sugar results when the dog’s body is unable to process and convert glucose to energy for maintaining healthy growth. The excess glucose in the blood has to go somewhere if it is not used by the body’s systems and it leaks over to the urine. This leads to excessive urination (polyuria). As fluids in the body reduce, the dog feels the need to drink more (polydipsia) to compensate the loss due to excessive urination.

Besides these two most prominent symptoms of diabetes in dogs and cats some of the other symptoms indicative of diabetes are:

* Weight loss
* Poor skin and hair coat
* Frequent bladder infections

On observing these signs, a veterinarian should be consulted at the first opportunity because untreated diabetes can lead to:

* Loss of appetite
* Vomiting
* Diabetic neuropathy, especially weakness in rear legs
* Dehydration

Left untreated, diabetes can progress and cause some life threatening disorders like diabetic acidosis, a condition where abnormally high acidity is accompanied by an accumulation of ketone bodies. Some of the other complications arising out of unregulated blood sugar levels include liver and kidney dysfunction and canine blindness.

The cause of diabetes still remains a mystery despite large amounts of research that has been initiated in this area. Chronic inflammation of the pancreas and genetic predisposition are often suspected to be the cause in most of the cases. Breeds like Poodles, Schnauzers, Keeshounds, Cairn Terriers, Dachshunds, Cocker Spaniels and Beagles are more predisposed to developing diabetes.

Once your dog has been diagnosed with diabetes, close monitoring of diet and regular checking of blood sugar levels is necessary. Minor increase in blood sugar can be managed by controlling and regulating diet. Abnormally high levels require insulin injections. Injection of insulin needs to be correlated with the amount, quality and timing of food intake. If you are taking care of your dog at home, make sure you get proper instructions about how and when to inject insulin on your own. Since excess insulin can lead to hypoglycemia or extremely low blood sugar levels, this is another area that you must understand well.

Get More Info on PetAlive GlucoBalance for Treatment of Diabetes in Pets

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