Dog Health Care Issues | Common Ailments| Page 5 of 8

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

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

Bites, Wounds, and Cuts

How To Treat Dog Bite Wounds

Bite wounds are a common cause of trauma in dogs and typically result from altercations with other dogs, cats and wildlife. Bite wounds are puncture wounds and while they may appear small they can spell big trouble for your dog. Their deceptive nature lies in the fact that while the external wound can be small, the same wound can be deep, extending through the skin and into the subcutaneous tissues and muscles. There is a high risk of infection with bite wounds because of the numerous bacteria that are normally harbored in an animal’s mouth. Because the surface wound is

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

All About Dogs

Abrasions

When the top layers of skin have been abraded and tissue under the skin is not disturbed, we refer to this injury as a skin abrasion. Most superficial scrapes or wounds no longer than an inch or two can be treated with first aid. Larger or deeper abrasions require professional medical attention. To treat minor abrasions, be sure your hands are clean. Then gently clip the fur away from the wound. Fur in a healing wound can lead to contamination and delayed healing. Use warm water to flush the wound in order to remove dirt and debris from the area.

June 17, 2015 No Comments

All About Dogs

Tear Staining: Causes And Treatment

By Cesar Millan Question: I have a two year old Mal-shi-poo and he has terrible red staining from the inside corners of his eyes. It seems to bother (itch??) him as he rubs at it quite a bit. Do you have any suggestions for a “home remedy” or prescription solution? Thank You. – Beverly Peterson, Gilbert, MN Cesar’s answer: The condition that you are describing is called epiphora which occurs whenever there is an overflow of tears onto the face. It can be caused by either excessive tear production, insufficient tear drainage, or a combination of both. Epiphora can be

June 17, 2015 No Comments

All About Dogs

Motion Sickness

We adopted a rescue, Molly, around 8 months of age, which was in July 2007. She was emaciated, flea-bitten, and had a lampshade cord wrapped very tightly around her neck. She was so weak, she couldn’t stand and weighed around 14 lbs. She is now a very happy and healthy dog at about 26 lbs. I have been working with her to get her used to riding in our car. She shakes so badly and then throws up. I’ve given her Dramamine, and it doesn’t do anything. I took her today to get her nails trimmed (which I haven’t learned

June 17, 2015 No Comments