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As a dog owner, there’s nothing more concerning than a sickly pup. Typical symptoms are made even scarier because your pet can’t tell you what’s wrong or how they’re feeling. If you’re wondering whether all is well for man’s best friend, here are some common canine health conditions and ways to spot them.
1. Ear Infection
An ear infection is one of the most common health problems for dogs, and it can easily be caused by several different factors. Ear mites, allergies, viral infections, bacterial infections, ingrown hairs and yeast can all cause an ear infection to pop up unexpectedly.
The symptoms of an ear infection may be subtle or severe. Here’s what to look for:
- Redness or odor coming from the ear canal
- Head shaking or tilting to one side
- Excessive scratching
- Balance or coordination problems
- Ear swelling
- Ear discharge
If you notice any of these symptoms, please see a veterinarian immediately. Ear infections are usually relatively easy to treat, but you’ll need a vet’s diagnosis and a prescription medication.
2. Worms
Puppies are especially susceptible to worms, but dogs can have worms at any age. Common worms include tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms and whipworms. While most worms are simply uncomfortable, some can actually be fatal, so it’s important that you treat these parasites quickly. Signs include:
- Actually seeing worms (usually in feces)
- Diarrhea (especially bloody diarrhea)
- Weight loss
- Lack of appetite or excessive appetite
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- A lackluster coat of fur
- A dog who scoots across the floor on his bottom
You should also see your vet for this condition because it’s difficult to tell which worms your dog has. Each worm requires a different type of treatment, so your vet will need to make the call and issue the appropriate medication.
3. Vomiting
Vomiting may be more of a symptom than an actual health condition, but it’s worth noting here because dogs tend to vomit more than other animals. A dog may vomit for any number of reasons, including:
- Parasites (like worms)
- Heatstroke
- Food poisoning
- Dehydration
- Kidney failure
- Pancreatitis
- Bacterial or viral infection (stomach “bug”)
In most cases, one vomiting incidence likely isn’t anything serious, but you should always have your pet checked by a veterinarian, just in case. If your dog is dehydrated they can give fluids and let you know if something more severe is going on.
4. Fleas
Every responsible pet owner knows that flea prevention is extremely important for dogs and cats. (If you haven’t found a good treatment yet, Bravecto offers a chewable tablet that’s super convenient and easy.) Still, dogs sometimes catch fleas anyway. While pet owners are often first alerted when they actually see fleas in the home, sometimes the signs are more subtle. Dogs may:
- Scratch, lick, or bite themselves excessively
- Cause hair loss by excessively scratching flea-infested areas
- Develop allergic dermatitis, a skin condition caused by a flea allergy
- Catch tapeworms, which are transported by fleas
- Have tiny black dots on the skin (that look similar to pepper), also known as flea dirt
Once your vet diagnoses your pup with fleas, you’ll need to do all you can to remove and prevent the infestation. This may include home treatments, topical treatments, pills or any other flea medication your veterinarian recommends.
For most pet owners, sickness will be temporary and short-lived. If you stay on top of your dog’s medications and vaccines, seek proper medical treatment when necessary and maintain a healthy diet, your pup will likely lead a long, healthy life.
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