Ever tried showing one of those pain charts with smiley and frowny faces to your pup? Their reaction is probably something like: “What's this? Treat time?” Dogs are pleasers at heart. Your furry friend might not always show it when they're hurting or uncomfortable. But, waiting until things get worse isn't ideal. For one, it becomes more complicated and pricier to fix certain health concerns.
It's not like we can sit them down and ask, where does it hurt? So, for all the loving pet parents out there, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the usual health issues dogs face.
Signs Your Dog Might Need to Visit the Vet
- New lumps or bumps popping up
- Constant itching or scratching, whether it’s their body, rear, or ears
- A sudden drop or spike in their usual zest for life
- Odd limping or a change in their strut
- Unexpected indoor ‘accidents’
- Drinking more or less water than what's typical
- Trying to snack on things they really shouldn’t (check out our article on no-no foods for pets)
- Skin troubles or patches of hair going missing
- Throwing up or having diarrhea episodes
- Dragon breath (and we have an article on keeping those pet teeth sparkling)
- Breathing weirdly or making odd sounds
- Notable changes in their silhouette or weight
If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to dial up your vet. They’ll guide you on whether it’s a rush-hour emergency or if it can wait until your next scheduled visit."
10 Dog Health Issues Every Pet Parent Should Know About
We've all done it. Something feels off, and the first thing we do is Google it. It's the same when we notice our pets acting strangely. Websites like PetMD have become our quick reference. And while they're great for a brief overview, nothing beats the years of hands-on experience a veterinarian brings to the table.
You know your dog better than anyone, but diagnosing your furry friend based on online searches? That's a risky move. Many symptoms can point to multiple health issues. Only a qualified vet can truly pinpoint what's going on and guide you on the right treatment path.
Now, while every dog is unique, some health issues crop up more often than others. Here's a quick rundown:
Ear Infections: If Fido's constantly scratching his ears or shaking his head, it might be an ear infection. Watch out for redness, swelling, or any discharge.
Wormy Situations: Outdoors is a playground, but it also has unwanted guests like tapeworms and hookworms. If your dog's got digestive issues or changes in appearance, a vet visit might be in order.
Heartworms: Probably heard of them, right? These buggers are spread by mosquitoes and live in the dog's heart. It's heart-wrenching to think about, but there are preventatives to keep them at bay.
The Flea Fiasco: When Rover can't stop scratching, it might be fleas. And once they're in, they're hard to get rid of. The key? Prevention and vigilance.
Allergies and Hot Spots: Is your pooch always gnawing at their fur? Allergies could be the culprit. Reddish bare spots might indicate bacterial infections known as hot spots.
Upset Tummies: Dogs eat weird stuff. Sometimes they puke it up. But if it's frequent, there might be a bigger problem at hand like poisoning or kidney issues.
Joint Pains: If your young pup or old companion is limping or slowing down, it might not just be age. Arthritis, just like in humans, can be a concern.
Weighty Matters: Too many treats? Or is there something else at play? Just as with us, dogs can face weight issues for various reasons.
Dental Woes: Bad breath isn't just from that garbage snack. Many dogs face dental issues early on. Regular checkups can help catch them before they become serious.
Suspicious Lumps: Older dogs often get benign growths. But any new lump should be checked out. Better safe than sorry, right?
If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to dial up your vet. They’ll guide you on whether it’s a rush-hour emergency or if it can wait until your next scheduled visit. Meanwhile if you’re looking for high quality 60 seconds search on best tous good? Visit www.tomedogtoys.com