Five frequently asked dog health questions

Nothing worries a dog owner more than when their pet is not healthy.

Several questions relating to dog health are heard in veterinary clinics daily. These five questions are a few of those that Lorie Huston, DVM hears frequently.

My dog has diarrhea. What's going on?

Diarrhea can be caused by numerous things and can range from simple and uncomplicated to severe and life-threatening. If the dog seems normal otherwise, often a short fast followed by a bland diet can solve the problem. However, if there are other symptoms, such as repeated vomiting, lack of appetite, or severe lethargy or depression, the dog owner should seek counsel from a veterinarian.

My dog is scratching continuously. Why would he do that? Is it anything to worry about?

Scratching can be caused by many different things, but the most common causes are flea allergies, atopy (inhalant allergies), and food allergies. Other diseases such as mange must be considered as well.

Excessive scratching can cause hair loss, inflamed skin, "hot spots" and skin infections. If your dog is scratching excessively, a visit to your veterinarian may be in order. A good flea control product is likely indicated if flea control has not previously been a priority. However, in some cases, additional treatments may be required.

My dog is shaking his head and scratching at his ears. What should I do?

If your dog is shaking his head and scratching at his ears, it is possible that he has an ear infection. However, the dog should be examined by a veterinarian to confirm the diagnosis and determine the cause of the infection. Ear infections are frequently secondary to other diseases, such as allergies. Foreign bodies, polyps in the ear canal or growths in the ear can also cause similar types of symptoms and your veterinarian will be able to determine if this is the case for your pet.

In addition to scratching at the ears and shaking the head, ear infections can also be accompanied by a discharge from the ear as well as inflammation and irritation within the ear canal. In severe cases, the ear canal may even become narrowed due to swelling and reaction of the tissues in the ear canal.

My dog is scooting on his rump. What does that mean?

If your dog sits on the ground and scoots across the floor, it is likely that his anal glands are bothering him. The glands may be full and need to be emptied, or they may even be infected or abscessed. Consult your veterinarian if you are unable to express the glands yourself or if the material expressed from the glands or the skin around the anal region appears abnormal.

My dog is peeing a lot. What is wrong with him?

There are many things that can cause a dog to eliminate in an abnormal manner. Potential causes include urinary tract infections, bladder stones, diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, pyometra and many more.

You will need to consult your veterinarian to find out why your dog is urinating abnormally. Some of the questions your veterinarian may ask are:

Is your dog urinating more frequently than normal?
Is the volume of urine increased or decreased when your dog urinates?
Is your dog straining to urinate or does he seem uncomfortable when he urinates?
Are there other symptoms, such as vomiting, lack of appetite, increased water consumption, etc?
Does your dog's urine appear discolored?
Do you see any blood in your dog's urine?
Does your dog have accidents in the house? If so, were these accidents happening previously?
Is your dog "dribbling" urine or leaving wet spots after sleeping?

If you have any doubts about your dog's health, it is advisable to consult your veterinarian and seek his/her advice.

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