Dog Health and Dog Breeding Information
Immediately after buying a dog it is wise for it to have a veterinary health check so that no problems go undetected from the outset. However, even healthy dogs can be affected by illness and, although it is not possible to detail all the things which may befall your dog, here are a few common ailments.
Dog abscess: An abscess is very painful and in long-coated breeds may go undetected until it has reached an advanced stage. The abscess should be gently bathed in a solution of hot salt water. This will bring it to a head so that it bursts and the pus content is released and drained. Bathing must continue after the abscess has burst because it must drain completely before the skin heals over. If the abscess does not burst or if more than one abscess appears a vet must be consulted and a course of antibiotics may be prescribed.
Dog anal glands: Situated on either side of the anus, these cause discomfort when full, as often observed when the dog scrapes its bottom along the ground. These glands can easily be emptied by your vet, who can show you how to do this yourself for future occasions.
Dog constipation: Usually caused by diet, constipation can frequently be rectified by altering the feeding program. Offer soaked biscuits rather than totally dry food, and also lightly cooked green vegetables. A teaspoonful of oil can also help to clear out any blockage.
Dog dandruff: This may indicate that more fat is needed in the diet. Try adding a little vegetable oil to each meal or give canine oil capsules.
Dog diarrhoea: Often caused by a change of diet or a slight chill, diarrhoea can usually be rectified by starving a dog for 24 hours, allowing the stomach to empty and settle. Fresh drinking water must always be available. Feed a light diet for the next few days. If there is blood in the diarrhoea, or it is coupled with vomiting or other symptoms, veterinary advice must be sought at once.
Dog ear infections: Build-up of wax and ear mites can give rise to canker. A dog may scratch at the ear, shake the head or hold it on one side, and often there is foul-smelling discharge. Special ear drops will usually rectify the problem but hot, red ears need immediate veterinary attention.
Dog eye problems: These are many and varied and some breeds have hereditary problems so must be tested accordingly. At any sign of ulceration or bluish color in the eye seek veterinary advice without delay to avoid irreparable damage.
Dog heart problems: Although it is fairly rare to find a dog dying from a heart attack as we know it in humans, dogs can suffer from heart disease, especially when there is a either a gradual or sudden obstruction to the flow of blood to the brain causing them to collapse, becoming limp and unconscious. Frequently they recover within a matter of seconds, at which point they should be given fresh air. In coronary cases, which are caused by a poor blood supply to the heart muscle, the type of collapse is different — the limbs usually remain stiff and the dog does not lose consciousness. In either case veterinary attention for the dog must be sought without delay.
Dog hay fever: Dogs can have an allergy to pollens just as humans do and this is displayed by excessive watering of the eyes and sneezing due to inflammation of the mucous membranes within the nose. Finding the best form of relief is rarely easy but a vet or homeopath, often by trial and error, can discover some way of easing the problem.
Dog heat-stroke: A dog should always have access to shade and must never be left in a car, especially in warm or hot weather, even with the windows open. Heat builds up exceptionally quickly and death soon results as body temperature rises. Symptoms of heat stroke include vomiting, diarrhoea and collapse. To reduce body temperature, submerge the dog up to the neck in cool water, even a stream. If water is restricted, pour over whatever is available. Emergency veterinary help must be sought.
Dog inguinal hernia: Inguinal hernias, though not common, can be found in dogs or bitches and can be in one groin or in both. Sometimes they do not become apparent until a dog is well into adulthood. Veterinary advice should be sought upon first noticing such swelling in order to determine whether or not surgical intervention is necessary.
Dog intolerance to dairy products: A few-breeds seem to have a particular intolerance to a surfeit of dairy products which can cause a rash on the tummy or under the legs, either in patches or spots. If dairy products are fed, it is best to reduce or eliminate these to ascertain whether this is the cause of the rash.
Dog kennel cough: Vaccinations are available to prevent kennel cough, which is highly contagious. In the early stages a dog attempts to clear the throat, later developing a hoarse cough. If this happens, your dog must be isolated and veterinary attention sought. Usually the problem is rectified with medication but young puppies and elderly or infirm dogs risk long term damage and even death.
Dog kidney failure: Frequent passing of water may indicate a kidney problem, especially if this is coupled with accelerated breathing and premature ageing. Veterinary advice is needed.
Dog liver diseases: All liver problems are serious so a vet must be contacted at the very first sign of any disorder. A noticeable symptom is jaundiced yellowing of the white of the eye, and of the membranes lining the eye and mouth. You may also notice a yellowing on the underside of the ear flap, less easy to detect in artificial light than in daylight. Other symptoms include sickness, loss of appetite, constipation and infrequent passing of highly colored urine.
Dog pyometra: This is a serious problem caused by a bitch's uterus filling with pus, often initially noticed by high temperature and increased thirst. There are two forms of pyometra, one with vaginal discharge and one without, but both are life threatening and your vet must be consulted at once.
Dog spinal disorders: Especially in the low-legged, long-backed breeds one must be on the alert for back problems. Certain care should be taken, particularly with older dogs, when they are jumping on and off furniture. At any sign of spinal injury, a vet must be consulted at once. Sometimes a dog can recover, seemingly completely, but in other cases at least partial paralysis is a result. On veterinary advice only, swimming can be a useful means of exercise following injury. Some people have also used chiropractors on their dogs to good effect.
Dog travel sickness: Some dogs never suffer from travel sickness at all, others do so as puppies but outgrow this upon reaching adulthood. Take your vet's advice as to which travel sickness tablets to use if those easily available at pet shop counters do not have the desired effect. Always read the instructions very carefully.
Dog umbilical hernias: Breeding lines within some breeds of dog seem prone to umbilical hernias, appearing as a lump on the umbilicus. If present, this will be evident when a puppy is purchased. Such hernias vary in size and are usually soft. Veterinary examination is important for if they become hard they can strangulate, requiring urgent surgery.
Dog undescended testicles: Male dogs should have both testicles fully descended into the scrotum, usually clearly evident before the age of four or five months. If neither or only one appears, veterinary consultation is important because if testicles are present but have been retained there is risk of a tumor forming.
Dog parasites
Dog internal parasites: In Britain, the two main internal parasites to infest dogs are roundworm and tapeworm. It is vitally important that a thorough worming program is commenced while puppies are still with the breeder and that this is continued afterwards. In adulthood, dogs are usually wormed about once every six months. Always purchase your worming agent from a vet rather than a retail outlet and weigh your dog carefully so that you can administer the correct dosage. Because the flea is an intermediate host to the tapeworm, be sure that the worming program is up-to-date if your dog has fleas.
Dog external parasites: If your dog begins to scratch the reason must be investigated immediately. A light rash on the stomach may be caused by an allergic reaction to something but it is likely that the scratching is caused by irritation from a parasite, indeed a dog can even have an allergic reaction to fleas.
Fleas are small reddish-brown insects which thrive on blood and are not easy to see. They move quickly through the coat and can jump great distances. The presence of flea dirt which looks like small black grains of sand is a sure sign that your dog has fleas. A wide variety of insecticidal agents is available but they should not be mixed, so take your vet's advice in this regard.
Lice are also biting insects but they move more slowly and do not jump, so are easier to discover and eradicate. They tend to accumulate on the animal's ears and neck.
Harvest mites, which can be cleared by using an appropriate shampoo bought from the vet, look like tiny grains of orange sand which form clusters between the dog's toes and sometimes also collect above the eyes.
Lastly there are ticks, blood-sucking insects which attach themselves to the skin, usually found in sheep and deer country. Careful removal of these is necessary, making sure that the head, too, is removed. Smothering in oil to prevent the tick breathing is one of several methods of removal. |
