Dogs lack the communicational skills to tell us their problems through words, but a keen eye and knowledge of your pet and signs to health problems can help your dog from suffering with common dog health problems in silence.
Ear Infections can be caused by allergies, yeast, mites, bacteria, etc. Symptoms which you may notice are
- Head shaking/tilting
- Vigorous scratching
- Lack of balance
- Odor
- Redness and/or swelling
- Discharge (brown, yellow, or bloody)
- Unusual eye movements
Having your dog’s ears given a professional cleaning every so often can keep ear infections at bay in some cases, or help make you aware of a problem before it becomes more serious to rupture a blood vessel.
Worms come in different variations: tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms: none of which are fun, and in some cases can lead to fatality. Symptoms which you may notice are
- Diarrhea (possibly bloody)
- Appetite changes
- Rough/dry coat
- Weight loss
- Generally poor appearance
- Scooting
Your vet can help to correctly diagnose and treat this problem.
Fleas can multiply in a matter of weeks into a full-blown infestation. While they’re easy to pick up they are also easy to get rid of. Treatments include oral medicine, shampoo, ointments, and sprays. Symptoms which you may notice are
- Scratching, licking or biting excessively
- Hair loss
- Tapeworms (caused by fleas)
- Black dots or flecks against your dog’s skin
- Skin allergies
Fleas untreated leave your dog open to the potential of getting allergic reactions, infections and anemia.
Hot Spots are bacterial skin infections which present themselves as bare, inflamed red areas of skin which are itchy and painful and have the potential to increase in size. Discussing with and having your vet diagnose the cause of a hotspot can help to provide the proper treatment, as hot spots can be the cause of different sources.
Treatments can range from antibiotics to steroids, depending on the severity and the amount of pain it is causing your dog.
Vomiting can be caused by dozens of different sources ranging from mild to serious and should be diagnosed and treated by a veterinary doctor if the symptoms are ongoing, persistent, or believed to be detrimental to the health of your dog. Symptoms which you may notice are
- abdominal heaving
- drooling caused by nausea
Dehydration is possible and can be life-threatening if your dog is losing too much fluid or not taking in enough fluid. Contact your vet right away if your dog has these symptoms
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- blood in vomit
- lethargic
- continues vomiting
- can’t hold down liquids
Treatment depends on the cause of your dogs’ symptoms.
Diarrhea itself (loose, watery, or liquid stool) can also be cause for concern if your dog also shows any of these symptoms
- fever
- lethargy
- vomiting
- dark/bloody stools
- loss of appetite
- straining to defecate
If your dog has diarrhea for more than one day it is a good idea to consult a vet.
K9 Dojo promotes healthy living for you and your pet: A healthy dog is the foundation for a happy dog!
