It happens to every dog owner: your dog is acting strangely or has a physical condition that’s probably benign, but seems alarming nonetheless. Change in behavior is often a source of worry for dog owners, yet it’s sometimes difficult to know whether it necessitates a visit to the vet or just some tender love, care and treats. There are common dog health questions, and this article tries to demystify the ones that vets answer on a daily basis.
10 Dog Health Questions that Vets hear often
1. My dog has a small wound. Can I handle that without a visit to the vet?
Wounds are common in active dogs and can be the result of a number of things – anything from stepping on a sharp object to feuding with a wild animal or neighbor’s dog. As far as dog health questions, this is the most common one. Here’s the answer. Small, superficial wounds can be treated at home as long as no sign of infection is present. Clean the wound thoroughly twice a day and keep it dry. More substantial wounds that are deep and bleed heavily may need surgical attention. Infected wounds (look for seepage and swelling) may require antibiotics to heal fully. Consult your vet whenever in doubt and if the symptoms seem to get worse.
2. Do indoor dogs need treatment for ticks and fleas?
The short answer is yes. Ticks and fleas can be carried into your home by visitors and other pets. If you’re a good dog owner you also take your dog to the vet for his or her regular check-ups, and chances are other pets visiting the clinic have fleas. Giving your dog a preventive monthly dose of flea and tick medication is the way to go even if your dog is an indoor pet. Flees are extremely painful and disturbing to dogs that aren’t used to them, and they should be avoided at all costs.
3. What are likely causes of diarrhea in my dog and when should I be concerned?
Diarrhea can be linked to many different causes; sometimes it’s benign, and sometimes it can be a sign of a very serious illness or infection. This is a common dog health question that vets answer and the answer varies based on the dog’s situation. First of all, food changes can cause diarrhea, as can allergies and other non-life-threatening situations. If you’ve recently changed the dog’s food and it’s experiencing diarrhea it’s probably nothing to be worried about. On the other hand, prolonged diarrhea (more than 3 or 4 weeks) can be caused by parasites or intestine and liver problems. Diarrhea in itself isn’t necessarily a cause for worry, but consult your vet if it’s ongoing and causing your dog distress.
4. Why is my dog coughing?
There are a lot of reasons why your dog may be coughing, including a foreign body caught in his throat, a common cold, or lung or heart issues. Don’t be alarmed right away, but do monitor your dog’s cough and look for any swelling around the throat or chest areas. If your dog will allow you to do so, gently probe his mouth and throat for any object stuck there. If the coughing persists, consult with your vet. It is a very common dog health question and probably isn’t a source of concern if your beloved creature is otherwise healthy.
5. Why is my dog scratching?
Scratching is a very common dog health question vets answer – it can be caused by a number of things, including parasites (fleas and ticks), allergies, dry skin and skin infections. The first thing to do is look for fleas and ticks, then give your dog a bath using soft, scent free shampoo to see if you can get rid of any allergens your dog may have brushed against. If that doesn’t help, look for signs of rashes on the skin. They could be linked to food allergies or allergies to something it grazed through in the wild. If your dog is still scratching after a prolonged time, take him to the vet so more options can be explored.
6. Why is my dog licking his feet incessantly?
Dogs clean their feet and fur by licking, but if you notice excessive licking of the feet you may be dealing with allergies, stress, or a yeast infection that settles between your dog’s toes. When asked about this dog health question, vets caution to try to keep your dog’s toes and feet clean using a wet, soft cloth or even a baby wipe making sure to properly dry the paws after. Invest in dog booties or even a collar to stop them from licking their paws. If the licking persists, or if you notice swelling or redness, consult your vet for a more in-depth diagnosis.
7. My dog is vomiting. What can I do?
Vomiting is always a serious issue, but it can often be taken care of at home. You shouldn’t give any oral medication to a vomiting dog. Instead, don’t feed your dog for 12 hours and gradually reintroduce food. If you know that your dog has ingested poison or other harmful substances, contact your vet immediately. Vomiting is one of the most asked about dog health questions, and it often subsides given the right home treatment.
8. My dog has allergies, or he has insomnia. Can I give him Benadryl?
Benadryl is usually safe for dogs who suffer from allergies, insomnia or that are just feeling sick. You shouldn’t give him more than 1 milligram per pound by mouth every 8 hours. If symptoms persist for more than a few days, take your dog health questions to your vet for a more appropriate course of treatment. NEVER under any circumstances give your dog aspirin or Ibuprofen. It could kill them. ALWAYS consult a vet before giving a dog medication.
9. My dog ate chocolate. Should I be worried?
The short answer is yes. Chocolate (especially chocolate high in cocoa contents, like dark chocolate) is toxic to dogs and can even lead to death. If your dog is vomiting, that’s a good sign that he or she is getting rid of the toxic contents. Less than once ounce of milk chocolate per dog pound can be lethal, so you should always contact your vet or an emergency vet clinic if you’re unsure just how much chocolate your canine companion has ingested. This is a very common dog health question to vets, and one that needs to be addressed urgently.
10. I cut my dog’s nail too short and now it’s bleeding. What can I do?
Cornstarch usually does a good job of getting the bleeding to stop if you cut your dog’s nail too close to the vein. Keep in mind that your dog’s nail will keep hurting until it is healed, so you might want to keep long walks to a minimum until the bleeding has stopped and the nail is healed. In extreme cases, your veterinarian can help with this dog health question, and can help keep inflammation to a minimum.
Summary
Your vet can help with a lot of dog health questions, but a lot of your dog’s ailments can be treated in the comfort of your own home. Just make sure that you truly understand your dog’s ailment, and consult your veterinarian whenever in doubt, as they are used to deal with both dogs and owners alike. Most vets are happy to answer your dog health questions, so do not hesitate to contact one if you are worried about your dog’s behavior or symptoms. Check out our article about tips for first time dog owners here.
