Dog owners like to think of their fur babies as being healthy and happy at all times. And with any luck, that will be the case the majority of the time. It doesn’t matter if you have a puppy or a senior dog; health and behavioral issues can pop up any time and it’s up to owners to be mindful and watch for important signs and red flags. From minor inconveniences to things that are worthy of a vet visit, here are four common issues dog owners may encounter and the basics of how to deal with them.
Your Dog Isn't as Mobile as They Once Were
This is an issue that can present slowly over time and can go hand-in-hand with aging. Arthritis is a common condition that can often affect senior dogs and results in stiffness and pain in the joints. This makes it more difficult for your dog to be mobile and active.
Just as there are treatments for humans that have arthritis, the same can be said for dogs. It's important to get them into the vet as soon as possible so a treatment plan can be discussed. Some of the common ways to cope with arthritis are medication to alleviate pain and inflammation, homeopathic solutions, physical therapy, maintaining a healthy weight and glucosamine. There’s no reason your dog has to continue to suffer.
Your Dog Throws Up
The first time your dog throws up, it can be quite alarming, especially if you've never experienced this with any dog before. Not only do you have a clean-up to deal with, but you are also likely concerned about what they threw up in the first place. Are they sick? Was there something wrong with their food? Do they need to see the vet?
A dog throwing up undigested food is more common than many pet owners realize. Sure, there can be several different reasons, but if it's just once or it is occasional, it's typically not something to get worried about. Only once the vomiting starts happening regularly or daily should you worry and give the vet a call.
Native Pet, which specializes in many organic and all-natural edible products for dogs, discusses what the most common reasons are for a dog regurgitating their food. As Native Pet explains, it can be due to anxiety, eating too fast or eating too much. You can find more information on the topic including how Native Pet’s products can address several issues such as constipation, acute diarrhea, skin conditions and more by visiting their website.
Itching Scaly Skin – Does Your Dog Have Allergies?
Skin allergies in dogs aren't something that was on the radar just a couple of decades ago, but today most dog owners are well versed in what it means and what to do about it. Skin allergies are very common, and the good news is that they can typically be managed quite well. The most obvious sign that your dog has skin allergies is that they scratch a lot, their skin looks scaly and red and may even be a bit inflamed. You can visit the vet for confirmation on this skin condition.
Another thing to be aware of is that skin allergies may not persist year-round; they tend to be at their worst in the spring and summer months. It may be these are the only months your dog needs any sort of treatment or help. The easiest solution is to give your dog allergy medication. Your vet will be able to offer advice on what to use and how much to give your dog.
Your Dog Has Diarrhea
Then we have the other kind of tummy issue, and that is diarrhea. Again, this can happen occasionally, and it could just be a one-off, or it may be more common. Just as with vomiting, it is the frequency that you should be concerned about. Some of the most common reasons your dog may have diarrhea include:
- A reaction to a medication
- Bacterial or viral infection
- Parasites
- Pancreatitis
- Stress
- Reaction to a new food
You want to be sure you are watching for more serious signs such as pain, weight loss and vomiting. If any of these occur, contact the vet right away. If the diarrhea is just a one-off, then it's best to give their stomach a break and not force food on them right away. When they are ready to eat, choose something that has very little fat and ingredients so that it is gentle on their stomach.
Dog owners want what’s best for their pets, and that means knowing when and how to react to various health issues that can pop up. Watching for clues and signals from your dog can help you to react promptly, and if you have any questions at all – it’s best to contact the vet.
