1. Vomiting and diarrhoea
Vomiting and diarrhoea are common in dogs and there are many causes including infections, diet or scavenging. Ingestion of toxins or poisons may also cause vomiting or diarrhoea.
Excitement and stress can also cause mild and transient vomiting or diarrhoea.
There may also be more serious causes of gastrointestinal upsets from certain endocrine diseases to ingestion of foreign bodies and this is very common in puppies.
If your dog or puppy is vomiting or has diarrhoea it is best to have them assessed by a vet in case of dehydration or more serious underlying disease.
2. Itchy Skin
Itchy skin or scratching are common in dogs and can have a wide number of underlying causes from flea bites, environmental allergies or food allergies. The severity of itching can also vary widely depending on the pet and the underlying cause of the itching.
If you are concerned that your dog may be scratching more than normal or have noticed other skin issues which are concerning you it is best to have you dog examined by a vet who will work with you to try and figure out the underlying cause. Sometimes certain causes need to be ruled out to reach a final diagnosis and laboratory tests and/or food trials may be used to reach a diagnosis.
Speak to one of our vets today if you are concerned about your pet’s scratching or other skin concerns.
3. Anal Gland Issues
The anal sacs are two small glands located either side of the anus. The walls of the sacs are lined with a large number of sabecous or sweat glands which produce a strong smelling fluid. This fluid contains chemicals which dogs use to mark their presence.
These sacs can become blocked when there is inflammation of the ducts which connect the anal glands to the outside. This can result in pain or discomfort for your dog. If you notice your dog dragging his or her rear end along the ground or licking and biting at the tail area this can be a sign you dog has a problem with his or her anal sacs and they should be examined by a vet.
If the fluid becomes trapped in the glands, it an ideal medium for bacteria to grow and can result in the formation of an abscess which can be very painful and requires immediate treatment.
4. Lameness
If your dog is lame it may indicate a musculoskeletal disorder or an neurological issue. Arthritis is also very common especially in older dogs.
If you notice your dog is lame, a check up with your vet is essential. Your vet will examine your dog and review their previous medical history. An orthopaedic exam will then be performed. If further information about the bones or joints is required it may be necessary to perform x-rays.
Depending on the underlying cause of the lameness various medications or other therapies will be advised.
5. Dental Disease
Dental disease is very common in dogs. It begins in early life and by 2-3 years of age, most dogs have some degree of dental disease. The first signs of dental disease you may notice are bad breath, a build up of yellow tartar on the teeth or gingivitis where the gum can appear red.
Early detection of dental disease is vital to prevent the process from progressing further. As dental disease becomes worse, it may start to involve the tissues which hold the teeth in place resulting in tooth loss.
Regular checks of your dog’s teeth and mouth with a vet are recommended. We can provide you with information on how to slow the progression of dental disease by using brushing, dental diets and water or food additives.
Regular teeth cleaning using an ultrasonic cleaner may be needed to remove a build up of plaque and tartar. If dental disease has affected the teeth tooth extraction may be needed.