Dog Health Problems That Would Require a Visit to the Animal Hospital

The first thing to note about your dog's health is that some breeds are more susceptible to illnesses than others are. Moreover, other health issues affect most dogs, depending on the environment they grew up in or are living in. Knowing what to expect makes it easier for you to understand what symptoms not to ignore and when seek medical attention early. Read on for a few of the dog health problems that require a visit to the animal hospital.

Kennel cough

Kennel cough is a disease that is particularly common in dogs that have been rescued from a shelter. However, your dog may also develop kennel cough if you had booked them into a pet boarding facility while you went away. Kennel cough is highly contagious and can be compared to how humans catch a common cold. If it is not getting worse at home, then some rest and hydration can be enough to restore your pet to good health. Nevertheless, if you notice that it is not abating and is getting severe after a couple of days, you should take your pet to the animal hospital, where the vet can prescribe antibiotics.

Chronic diarrhea

Dogs will experience a spot of diarrhoea from time to time, just as humans do. Usually, diarrhoea will come about if the dog ingested something that does not agree with their digestive system or if the dog has an allergic reaction to a food substance. In these instances, the diarrhoea should be a one-off situation and disappear after a few bowel movements. If you notice that your dog suddenly has a constant runny tummy, then you should be wary of this being a symptom of an underlying health issue. Moreover, prolonged diarrhoea also poses the risk of dehydration and malnutrition in your dog, and this could have adverse effects on their overall well-being. It would be best to visit an animal hospital where samples of the faecal matter can be tested for signs of other health problems.

Tick infestation

Fleas are a common ailment that dogs can suffer from, and an infestation can easily be managed with medicated shampoos and other products that are readily available over the counter at your pet store. However, some homeowners will mistake a tick infestation for fleas, and this could be severely detrimental to your dog's health. Ticks, particularly the paralysis tick that is common to the coastal areas of Australia, can cause blood poisoning in your pet and lead to their subsequent death. To be on the safe side, it is always best to have a pest infestation looked at by a vet.


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