How to Tell if Your Dog is Sick
Your dog can’t explain his symptoms to you when he feels bad, so it’s your responsibility to take care of him and to understand when your dog is feeling bad. Just exactly how do you do that you may ask?
Well, the best thing I can suggest to you is to know exactly how your dog acts when it is feels good. If you know this you should be able to tell when your dog is really sick and you’ll be able to easily answer your own question – ” Is my dog sick?”
What is a symptom? Whenever your dog is sick or feels bad he will usually exhibit some sort of symptom that he does not feel up to par. Some common symptoms you may see your dog exhibit when it feels bad include: vomiting, diarrhea, stumbling, seizing, drooling, not eating, limping, etc.
It’s simple overall. Just remember that some symptoms, such as seizures, collapse or any kind of difficulty in breathing should always receive a prompt a veterinary exam – immediately. If there is ever any doubt about the seriousness of any particular symptom, please contact your veterinarian or local veterinary emergency facility. Explain the symptom your dog is having and ask for their advice. Better safe than sorry I always say.
There are all kinds of serious health symptoms that should never be ignored in any dog. As a pet owner it is important that you’re aware of these and know what to do. Below is a list of symptoms that should never be ignored if you see them exhibited by dog! So, let’s begin.
Remember, if any of these happen to your dog to contact your veterinarian immediately. A few important dog symptoms you’ll never want to ignore are:
Breathing Problems.
Bloated or Distended Abdomen.
Collapse or Fainting.
Losing Weight.
Urinating and Drinking Excessively.
Seizure.
Unproductive vomiting.
Trouble Urinating.
Excessive coughing.
Bloody Diarrhea – Bloody Urine – Bloody Vomit.
Pale Gums.
Bruising and/or Bleeding.
Bite Wounds.
Lethargy or Weakness.
Not Eating or Loss of Appetite.
Pacing and Restlessness.
Fever.
Your dogs health should be extremely important to you so watch carefully for any symptoms your dog may exhibit closely and be aware of what you should do in response. It’s important to be able to tell whether or bot your dog is sick.
5 Ways To Keep Your Dog Healthy And Happy
A dog for a pet and a pal can be a great joy. They provide us with so much, and ask for nothing in return but that we care for them. They require of us food, water, shelter, and, of course, love. Therefore, keeping your dog healthy is a priority. This information is being provided to you to help keep your dog both happy and healthy.
Fleas & Ticks
External parasites are not only extremely annoying to your best friend, but they can also be a healthy hazard. Fleas are thought to be extremely common among dogs, while this true, what you may not understand is that fleas can lead to a variety of health problems. Fleas can carry tapeworm to your dog, they can also cause hair loss, infections of the skin, allergic reactions, and even anemia. Ticks are also a big cause for concern for your dog because they can carry the disease known as Lyme disease, which is a fatal disease to both humans and animals. Another thing to watch for is ear mites, which can be extremely annoying and painful to your dog. It is important to check for and rid your dog of these external parasites regularly if necessary. Even if your dog is an inside, when they are outside relieving themselves or on walks they can become infected by fleas, ticks, and ear mites.
Internal Parasites
Worms are one of the most common infestations of dogs, next to fleas. Tapeworms, whipworms, hookworms, heartworms, and roundworms are all internal parasites to watch for. Worms can cause a great deal of harm to your dog include, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, weight loss, anemia, and perhaps even death. The worst thing about worms is that most are not noticeable without some sort of stool examination or blood tests. An annual check for worms is necessary for all dogs; this will help in controlling or preventing any infestations.
Disease
There are many diseases that can affect dogs, just as there are with humans. However, some breeds of dogs are more prone to certain diseases than others are. It is important to understand the disease risk of your specific dog breed and watch closely for any signs. Some diseases that effect dogs include:
Canine Distemper – This is a disease that is bacterial for the most part and will effect the nervous and organ system in the body. For the most part, this disease is fatal, if a dog does survive it will have some form of impairment, which is why vets require vaccination against the disease.
Rabies – This is generally transmitted from one animal to another via a bite from an infected animal. Rabies is almost always fatal and can be transmitted to humans, vaccination is required against rabies.
Other diseases to watch for include Kennel Cough, Leptospirosis, Canine Hepatitis, Canine Coronavirus, and Canine Parvovirus (Parvo). It is important to watch your dog for any signs of labored breathing, bloody stools, coughing, vomiting, fever, weakness, stiffness, nose or eye discharge, appetite loss, or diarrhea.
Keep Your Pets Vaccinated
A lot of diseases these days can be prevented through vaccinations. If you are starting out with a puppy, be sure to get their first shots done as soon as recommended and follow up as necessary to keep your dog happy and healthy.
Feed Your Dog Properly
Keeping your dog on the right diet, eating the right foods, will keep them active, healthy, and getting the proper nutrition. It is important that you feed the right foods for puppies and adults, as each has a specific make giving the dog exactly what they need during their growing period. You should also make sure you are feeding the dog the right amount of times per day. For example, a puppy will need to be fed more often than an adult dog.
By following these tips, you will keep your dog healthy. Remember, a healthy dog is a happy one.
David Lee is an expert on dog care, see Dog Food Nutrition, Dog Disease – Dog Illness or Dog Flea And Tick Control
Luxated Patella – Taking Care of Your Dog During
Even thought luxated patella is not considered a condition that needs to be treated in the emergency room, getting your dog tested for this disorder stops it from progressing.
Every dog owner should be tested their dog for this because a slipped kneecap can affect dogs of all breeds and sizes. On the other hand, if you own a small or a toy dog breed, you should have him tested for luxated patella immediately.
Reputable dog breeders should know that this condition is hereditary, so, they should know the importance of having their puppies tested at around 6 weeks old, preferable before sending them to their new homes.
Important Treatment Options For A Dog’s Slipped Kneecap
Physical tests are essential, along with the length of time that the dog is showing symptoms such as limping, skipping, and carrying his leg, will decide your dog’s diagnosis. To point out the severity of the condition, an X-ray of the thigh bone and the knee will be administered.
Keep in mind that treatment is not necessary for Grade I, although you should check your pet just in case the problem gets worse. For example, Grades II, III, and IV, surgery can be done in order to repair the malformation.
Also, surgery is done by an Orthopedic surgeon and includes fixing the dog’s bone alignment, tightening his joint capsule, and/or deepening the groove where the kneecap rides.
On estimate, the total cost for this kind of surgery is between $1,500 to $3,000. This depends on the severity of the case.
Although this may not be a dire emergency, we recommend that you consult your vet as soon as possible if your dog is suffering from a slipped kneecap. If surgery is needed, your vet will refer you to an orthopedic specialist who will perform the operation.
Never wait till the last minute. If your dog has a condition of Grade II, Grade III, or Grade IV, it is recommended that you give him the surgery now before the condition worsens. Further damage of the bone and joint may make the outcome of the surgery less successful.
How to Care For Your Dog After The Surgery
Immediately following surgery, your dog’s vet will prescribe medications for your dog’s pain as well as anti-inflammation to be taken for an average of seven days. Your pet will need plenty of rest during this time period. So, he should be involved in very little activity for at least 1½ weeks.
Your dog should be kept on the leash when outside of the home. It is important to be aware that he should be placed in a small and comfortable room to avoid jumping, running around, or other types of activities that can put pressure on his knee.
Your dog will need physical therapy will begin around 7 days after the surgery. Take your dog for a slow walk for about five minutes. If all possible, take your dog swimming – this is good exercise for him. Eventually, your dog should be able to handle longer walks on the leash 6 weeks following the surgery. He will eventually be able to have complete recovery and normal use of his knee around 15 weeks following the surgery.
Written by Kelly Marshall of Oh My Dog Supplies – for the top small dog carriers source, visit http://www.ohmydogsupplies.com/dog-supplies/dog-carriers/
The Most Difficult Decision A Dog Lover Must Make
When you adopt a puppy, you are inviting him to share your life and you get the privilege of sharing his. As his owner, you are responsible for making sure he behaves, providing him plenty of healthy food, and giving him plenty of love and attention. He repays you with unconditional love and anyone who’s had a happy doggy face to meet them after a long hard day at work knows that what he asks for is little enough for the joy that he so happily offers. Part of being a responsible and loving dog owner, however, is knowing when you need to say good bye.
There are unfortunately several situations in which you may be called upon to make one of the most heart breaking decisions of a dog owner’s life. Your dog might have been in accident, or he might have developed a life-threatening illness. In the middle of his situation, you might be called upon by your vet to decide whether it would be more merciful to continue treatment or to simply let your beloved pet go. Times like this are extraordinarily difficult, but as the person who has always been responsible for your dog, you need to make the right decision for both his sake and yours.
When placed in this position, you need to evaluate all the facts as logically as you can. What is the vet proposing? What are the chances of success? Even if the operation or treatment does succeed, what is your precious pup’s quality of life going to be like? These are all questions that your vet can help answer for you, but you are the one that knows your dog the best. You know better than anyone else what will make him happy and content, and you know what situations will make him miserable.
If you ever have to make this difficult decision, it will be difficult to avoid being swayed by sentiment. You should never think of euthanasia as having your beloved dog killed; in many cases it is a mercy, though a heartbreaking one for the ones left behind. Your dog doesn’t have your powerful reasoning abilities; he will never understand why he is in pain from continual treatment or diseases. All he will know is that every day is difficult and he cannot do the things that used to make him happy. You are the one who is responsible for your dog’s continued happiness and contentment, so seriously think about how your dog will live out his life. If you feel that he can come out of treatment as a healthier dog who can enjoy his life, that’s one thing, but if all it means is continued survival by scraping by, you need to consider your dog’s happiness.
The big question to ask yourself is whether your beloved canine companion is still enjoying his life. Think about all the things that he loves to do. Is he still able to do them? If your dog can’t muster up the energy to even enjoy the snacks you bring, or even gentle petting can make him uncomfortable, it might be time to say goodbye.
Joann Henry operates “Doggie Health Care” http://www.DoggieHealthCare.com a blog all about our pooches health. Sign up to receive her newsletter, & not only will you get some free tips to keep your dog healthier, but FOR A LIMITED TIME, she’ll give you a FREE ebook. http://www.DoggieHealthCare.com
Canine Viral Hepatitis – Diagnosis Of Dog Diseases
In the world of canines, many diseases and infections exist everywhere, even in the most sophisticated homes and yards. Diagnosing a dog disease comes from seeing the symptoms your dog may show and then having the necessary tests done to find the exact cause of the disease. The top canine diseases are canine viral hepatitis, bloating, aortic steonosis, distemper and the parvovirus. With proper health care and diet, dogs can live a healthy life as your faithful companion for many years.
Diagnosis of Dog Diseases- Canine Viral Hepatitis
This viral disease affects younger dogs and puppies. Affecting the liver and inner lining of the blood vessels, this disease is transmitted from dog to dog by way of a discharge from the infected dog. Some symptoms of the disease stomach bleeding, increased thirst, lack of appetite, vomiting and a tender stomach when touched. Dogs do show discomfort when experiencing canine viral hepatitis.
Diagnosis of Dog Diseases- Bloating
A life threatening and serious problem in dogs, also called gastric dilation volvulus, comes from over eating as well as other health problems. Some breeds are prone to this because of their breed, but others just plain over eat. The symptoms of bloating are a restless dog and a fat looking stomach that happens quickly. Dry heaves follow such a condition and proper diagnosis is required by tests. Sometimes taking food away for twenty-four hours will help reduce the bloating problem in your dog.
Diagnosis of Dog Diseases- Canine Distemper
Canine distemper is a viral infection that affects the immune system and can lead to serious complications if not death. This disease is contracted from contact with the excretions of an infected dog. Airborne particles can also contribute to infecting other dogs. Dogs rarely survive, but when they do, they suffer from muscle spasms and convulsions. The symptoms of a fever over 104 degrees, depression, pus in the eyes, convulsions, diarrhea and vomiting, if you see these signs, you need to contact your vet immediately. Proper vaccination of your dog prevents this viral disease from taking the life or livelihood of your companion.
Diagnosis of Dog Diseases- Aortic Steonosis
Aortic steonosis is an obstruction of the blood vessel that carries blood from the left ventricle and is an inherited health problem. No symptoms are visible for mild cases, but severe cases prevent the dog from any type of exercise. Dogs tend to faint when performing any kind of exercise due to the severity of the blockage. If your dog shows symptoms of fainting, tests will determine the exact cause and the vet will describe treatment objectives.
Diagnosis of Dog Diseases- Canine Parvovirus
Puppies under six months of age succumb to this particular disease. The intestinal tract, lymphoid tissue, immune system and the bone marrow are affected. Symptoms may be vomiting, convulsion weight loss and dehydration with coughing. For some puppies, death is immediate. Puppies need proper medical attention and proper vaccinations to prevent such an untimely demise.
You can also find more info on dog illness symptoms and diagnose dog sickness symptoms.