Dog Health Care Issues | Common Ailments| Page 4 of 8

Hot Spots On Dogs: Causes And Treatment

Hot spots are an irritating skin condition that affects countless dogs every year. Here, Dr. Henry Cerny, DVM, MS of Yankee Hill Veterinary Hospital, answers some common questions about hot spots. What are hot spots on dogs and how can we detect them? A hotspot (also known as pyotramatic or moist dermatitis) is a condition which involves an area of skin which has become inflamed and infected. The affected skin often appears as a moist, oozing, reddened area that is painful and very itchy to the dog. Hair loss may also be seen. Continued licking and chewing at the area

June 18, 2015 No Comments

Dog Care

Can Your Dog Catch The Flu?

By Nicole Pajer UPDATE, January 30, 2018: Time.com recently reported on a breakout of dog flu in several states, including California. The strain affecting dogs is canine H3N2, a different strain than the similarly named human H3N2. Flu season has arrived—for humans and for dogs. As people march into medical centers to nab their annual vaccination, veterinarians across the country are recommending that dog owners consider a similar immunization for their four-legged companions. The canine flu (H3N8) aka “the dog flu” is a contagious respiratory infection that was first discovered in 2004 when the virus jumped from horses and began

June 18, 2015 No Comments

Treating Bite Wounds In Dogs

This First Aid Guide was developed by the veterinary staff at Dr. Sherry Weaver’s Animal Hospital of Towne Lake in Woodstock, GA. Always use caution when approaching or handling an animal that is injured by bite wounds or another serious trauma. Dogs that are not normally aggressive may bite out of self-protective instincts if they are in pain. Use a muzzle if needed. Flush the wound well with warm water, and try to clip fur from any wounds. It is important to note that bite wounds are a combination of penetrating and crushing damage. A small hole can mask severe

June 18, 2015 No Comments

Dog Breeds

Hot Spots, Bald Spots And Red Spots On Dogs

Question for the Vet: Three years ago I took my 18 month old female Pomeranian to the vet after a dime sized scab came off her shoulder area. The vet said it was a “hot” spot, however, the hair has not only never grown back in that area but the spot has gotten larger. I can see tiny red spots around the perimeter of the hairless area. Any ideas or treatment options would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. The vet’s answer: The condition you are describing is focal alopecia which is a localized area of hair loss on a dog. Pyotraumatic dermatitis, also

June 18, 2015 No Comments

All About Dogs

How To Treat Cuts On Dogs

Lacerations in dogs can range from small to large and superficial to deep. They can be anywhere on your dog’s body and the first warning sign may be bleeding. If the wound is small and superficial (like a scrape) then you may be able to treat it by carefully cleaning the wound with a product like gentle iodine or chlorhexine. A topical ointment such as Neosporin can be applied two or three times daily until healed. If the laceration is deep, place a bandage or cloth over the wound to control bleeding and keep the area clean. Seek veterinary care

June 18, 2015 No Comments

Cali’s Tale: Once Bitten…

Like the majority of our dogs, Cali, the lovable chocolate Labrador owned by Connie and Mike Schmitt, loves playing outside in the backyard. This just happened to be the Schmitt family pup’s favorite pastime, until recently that is. In July of last year, a typical trip to the backyard brought Cali face-to-face with a venomous snake. It was an experience that would change both her life and the lives of her owners forever. “Cali loves to frolic around our property and chase lizards and squirrels,” says her owner, Connie Schmitt, who spoke to Cesar’s Way about the day of her

June 18, 2015 No Comments

Vomiting

By Dr. Sherry Weaver Any pet that eats grass will probably vomit the grass and stomach contents.Grass has no food or medicinal value whatsoever to a dog or cat and can cause gastrointestinal tract irritation or bleeding. First aid remedies for vomiting can be helpful or can be your pet’s worst enemy depending upon the cause of the vomiting. Using kaopectate, pepto bismol or herbal remedies for vomiting due to a foreign object penetration of the stomach or intestine can be disastrous! Your judgment regarding the seriousness of the vomiting is critical. If the vomit contains any blood at all,

June 18, 2015 No Comments

What To Do If Your Dog Eats Something It Shouldn’t

Have you ever heard the expression “eat like a dog” or “dogs eat anything?” Ever wonder where those stem from? If you own a dog, you know firsthand that from time to time they get curious and occasionally try to ingest something that they shouldn’t. We’ve all heard horror stories of a dog having to be rushed to the ER to have his stomach pumped, or know of a person whose pup has passed a foreign object and was back to normal immediately after. What should you do if your dog eats something that he shouldn’t? Should you take

June 18, 2015 No Comments

Diarrhea

By Dr. Sherry Weaver Diarrhea is the frequent and repetitive passage of loose, watery stool. Your judgment regarding the health status of a pet with diarrhea is critical. Bloody diarrhea with severe straining may be an emergency especially for small dogs. Diarrhea along with vomiting can be signs of serious intestinal obstruction that may even need surgery. Weakness, pain, vomiting, or agitation are serious signs that the pet needs medical attention-not simply a little first aid! A pet with diarrhea but with few other signs of distress may sometimes be treated at home, but the variables are so numerous that

June 18, 2015 No Comments

How To Care For Burn Wounds On Dogs

The majority of burn wounds in dogs occur in the home and are categorized as thermal (heat), chemical and electrical. Superficial thermal burns can be treated by immersion of the affected skin in cold water or by applying an ice pack. Then remove any hair or debris from the burn wound and gently pat dry. Do not use oil-based medications on a burn wound. A non-stick telfa pad can then be applied followed by a light bandage to hold it in place. If the burn wound becomes infected or is not healing, veterinary care is needed. Deep thermal burns extend

June 18, 2015 No Comments