No one likes to watch their dog suffer, or hear the sound of a puppy’s whimpering. Since dogs are beloved for their generally upbeat demeanor, it can be quite distressing to see a canine companion struggle with a painful disease. Here is a brief look at some of the most common ailments and illnesses which frequently plague pooches, and how they can be remedied or avoided.
Worms: These tend to be a common struggle for many dogs. The side effects include weight loss, unusual stool, or a dog scooting his bottom on the floor. If this occurs, the pet should see a veterinarian right away to receive the proper treatment. Worms most commonly occur in the stomach or intestines, but can be most harmful when growing in a dog’s arteries or heart. Heartworms are the most dangerous, since an infestation can lead to heart failure or death if not removed. Fortunately, preventative treatments can be given through injections and oral medication once a dog has been diagnosed.
Digestive Issues -Diarrhea and Vomiting: Whether because of stress, trauma, intestinal parasites, kidney failure, or the fact that your pup found the chocolate cake left on the counter; there are numerous reasons why he could be vomiting or having consistent diarrhea. Usually before actually vomiting the dog will heave, drool often, and seem uncomfortable and generally lethargic. If the symptoms persist, have your veterinarian advice on how to help your dog heal, and recovery from the distress or parasite that is affecting his digestive system.
“Kennel Cough”: When humans interact in small space during flu season, respiratory bugs are often passed around. The same occurs between dogs whenever they come into contact with other pets who may have been exposed to recent strains of diseases. Whether at a dog show, a groomer’s, or after boarding in a kennel, dogs can pick up little colds. They best way to treat a kennel cough, is to get prescribed suppressants and antibiotics from your local vet. For preventative measures, get the vaccination and keep air clean through disinfectant products like PetAirapy and similar options.
Infections (Eye and Ear): Whether your dog has long, floppy ears, or short ears that stand up, it is easy for this part of their body to get infected. If they are scratching or rubbing their ears, and shaking their heads frequently, it might be time to take them in for a check up when they can have the bacteria removed. Stop the infection before it develops by using antibacterial wipes to clean your dog’s ears at home, always making sure that the ears are well-dried so that moisture won’t allow bacteria to fester. Eye infections, which are evident through redness, swelling and mucous, ought to be treated with cleansing wipes as well. For other infectious diseases, refer to a veterinarian to find out which injections/treatments are best.
Skin Allergies / Pyoderma / Fleas: Does your dog have one place that he itches constantly? Is the fur slowly going bald in various“hot spots”? If you are seeing rashes, dry places, hair loss, scabby skin, and frequent licking and biting, it might mean your pup has allergies, an infection or is trying to ward off fleas. Try not to use drying shampoos on your dog; feed them a hypoallergenic diet ; give your dog oral supplements that will help alleviate the symptoms of inflamed allergies and dryness. If the problems are due to fleas, see your vet for a diagnosis and recommended treatments.
Sprains & Breaks: Active dogs often get themselves into trouble with their overzealous love for running and playing, which sometimes results in a sprained limb or broken bone. If you noticed your dog limping and whimpering, or he has gone through an accident and may have a broken or fractured bone, it will be necessary to immediately take him to a vet. There the sprain can be wrapped, put in splints, and treated with hot/cold compresses so the wound can heal. A broken or fractured bone can be treated with pain medication, having the bone reset, and wrapping it for recovery. Extreme cases like accidents should be dealt with by a professional veterinarian, not treated at home.
Hip dysplasia & Arthritis: This hereditary ailment often has the same symptoms as pet arthritis, where movements around the hip joints become strained and difficult. Though this most frequently occurs in larger dog breeds, it is still a common struggle for many dogs, and can arise from underdeveloped muscles in the pelvis, an early injury as a puppy, or from being overweight. Most dogs learn to live with the chronic pain of hip dysplasia, but pain and symptoms can be alleviated through weight management, medication, exercise, or in some cases, surgery.
Cancer: From lymphoma, to tumors, melanoma, and soft tissues sarcomas, many forms of cancer are tragically known to affect one third of all dogs. Unfortunately, a staggering 50% of dogs with cancer will eventually succumb to the disease. Dogs that have a cancerous growth often have several of the following symptoms: lumps, swelling in certain areas, difficulty with normal functions such as eating/breathing/walking, will show exhaustion or have abnormal stool, etc. Once you have taken your pet to the veterinarian, and had a confirmed diagnosis of cancer, there are a variety of treatments available. These may include the surgical removal of tumors, or through chemotherapy, and radiation. In cases where it is not possible to take these measures, a dog should be treated with pain medication to ease discomfort, and provided a healthy diet to strengthen his weakened body. Though the average dog’s lifespan is 11-13 years, the quality of his life should still be an important consideration while he is suffering through diseases.
