1
What are the signs that your dog is in pain? I know that are several ways to tell but I am unsure of the specifics.
2
My dog has a dry nose. What does that mean?
3
How and when does hip dysplasia set in? Additionally are there any warning signs or preventative measures?
4
If my dog is rubbing his hind end against the floor, but there is nothing on it, should we still take him to the veterinarian?
5
My German Shepherd tore his tendon in his knee. Will this mend on its own or is surgery the only option?
6
What are the signs of dehydration?
7
My 4 month old golden retriever puppy has eye drainage which he did not have before. It is especially thick in the morning and decreases throughout the day.
8
I have an eight-year-old rottweiler who is about 110lbs. Up until about one week ago he still acted very much like a puppy. People could not believe how old he was. He has since started to constantly lick at one of his front paws, limping once in a while when he stands up and tries to walk, and lags far behind me when we take walks. I do not try to push him on long walks, (maybe four blocks) and have checked him to see if he has fleas. Should I immediately take him to the vet?
9
My 9 week old golden retriever was recently diagnosed with Coccidia. After treatment with Albon, will he be able to mate in the future without passing this onto his offspring?
10
I found a lump under my dog, between both sets of legs. It is soft, not hard and almost like jelly.
11
My dog stays outside year-round. In the winter, what should I put in his doghouse for comfort and warmth? He has hay but it ends up outside his house.
12
Can you give a dog aspirin for pain?
1
What are the signs that your dog is in pain? I know that are several ways to tell but I am unsure of the specifics.
Dogs may show pain several different ways depending to some degree where the pain is. If the pain is in a leg the dog may limp and/or hold up the limb. If the pain is in the ears, the dog may shake their head and paw at the ear. When a dog is painful in other areas you may see panting, decreased activity, decreased appetite, and if the pain is severe whining and crying. If you suspect that your dog is in pain, please visit your veterinarian for an examination.
back to top
2
My dog has a dry nose. What does that mean?
Usually a dry nose in a dog is actually normal. However, if it is dry and scaly this could signify a health problem. If your dog is light colored and the nose is not pigmented it also could get sunburned and should be checked by your veterinarian.
back to top
3
How and when does hip dysplasia set in? Additionally are there any warning signs or preventative measures?
Hip dysplasia is a common orthopedic condition seen primarily in large breed dogs such as the Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Rottweiler and others. The tendency to have hip dysplasia is genetic, in other words an inherited condition. So, puppies from parents that show the disease are at risk for also having hip dysplasia. However, the severity of the disease can vary.Some individuals show very few signs and perhaps not until later in life two years or older, while others show lameness and decrease activity at a very young age. The early warning signs tend to be lameness especially after vigorous activity. The diagnosis then can be confirmed with radiographs. The best preventive measure is through good breeding programs that screen potential breeding animals for hip dysplasia and only breed those individuals that are free of the disease.
back to top
4
If my dog is rubbing his hind end against the floor, but there is nothing on it, should we still take him to the veterinarian?
Dogs will often rub their hind end on the ground due to irritation or full anal sacs. The anal sacs are small scent glands on either side of the rectal opening which can become full and blocked. If the rubbing behavior continues, your dog needs to be examined by a veterinarian to determine the cause of the rubbing.
back to top
5
My German Shepherd tore his tendon in his knee. Will this mend on its own or is surgery the only option?
A torn tendon can be a serious problem especially in a large dog such as a German Shepherd. While over time he will probably regain use of the leg, arthritis and inflammation are more likely without a surgical repair. I would strongly urge you to take your dog to the veterinarian for surgery to optimize the recovery and full usage of his leg.
back to top
6
What are the signs of dehydration?
Signs of dehydration will vary with the degree of fluid loss and usually cannot be clincially detected until 4-5% of the body fluid has been lost. In the early stages the skin may lose its elasticity. As dehydration progresses, the skin will take longer to return to normal position, the eyes may appear sunken and the mucous membranes may be dry. As dehydration progresses, abnormal heart rate, weak pulse and even shock and collapse are possible. If you suspect your pet is suffering from dehydration, please contact your veterinarian immediately.
back to top
7
My 4 month old golden retriever puppy has eye drainage which he did not have before. It is especially thick in the morning and decreases throughout the day.
Discharge from the eyes is usually indicative of an infection. If the discharge is appearing daily, has a greenish hue or is very thick and preventing the eye from opening or the eye is reddened a veterinary visit is in order. Because the eye is a delicate and vital organ, early intervention is extremely important.
back to top
8
I have an eight-year-old rottweiler who is about 110lbs. Up until about one week ago he still acted very much like a puppy. People could not believe how old he was. He has since started to constantly lick at one of his front paws, limping once in a while when he stands up and tries to walk, and lags far behind me when we take walks. I do not try to push him on long walks, (maybe four blocks) and have checked him to see if he has fleas. Should I immediately take him to the vet?
Generally limping is a sign of pain in some area. I would be concerned that he is experiencing pain in any of his joints on the front leg from the shoulder on down or in his neck. A visit to the veterinarian should help pinpoint the problem and determine appropriate therapy.
back to top
9
My 9 week old golden retriever was recently diagnosed with Coccidia. After treatment with Albon, will he be able to mate in the future without passing this onto his offspring?
Coccidia is a parasite of the intestinal tract. Therefore, if he has been treated and a repeat fecal sample shows no more parasites then he will not pass this onto his offspring.
back to top
10
I found a lump under my dog, between both sets of legs. It is soft, not hard and almost like jelly.
The lump could be many things depending on location and age of your dog. It could be a growth either benign or cancerous. It also could be an umbilical hernia, which are fairly common in young dogs. In either case, it would be prudent to have your veterinarian check the lump to determine if it should be removed.
back to top
11
My dog stays outside year-round. In the winter, what should I put in his doghouse for comfort and warmth? He has hay but it ends up outside his house.
A dog that lives outdoors needs a shelter that is protected from the wind, shaded, and waterproof but adequately vented to allow fresh air to circulate. Some dogs may find hay too uncomfortable and may prefer cedar chips or another material for sleeping. Keep in mind that when the temperature falls into the single digits, regardless of the type of house provided, it is likely to be too cold for your dog outside. The same is true when it becomes very hot. At all times your dog should have adequate water and it should be checked twice daily. Finally, make sure that you dog is protected against heartworm, intestinal parasites and fleas to help keep him healthier.
back to top
12
Can you give a dog aspirin for pain?
Dogs do not digest and metabolize medications that same way as humans. Giving your dog an over the counter medication without first consulting your veterinarian is never a good idea. Your own veterinarian can help with appropriate pain control and prescribe the medication that would be best for your pet. Therefore, if your pet is experiencing pain, a veterinary visit is the best place to start to seek help.
back to top