Dogs are washed to treat demodetic mange.
You can diagnose your dog’s symptoms by becoming familiar with the warning signs of the disease. If you’ve noticed that your dog’s behavior seems a bit odd, it’s important to notice what’s changed and look for other physical signs of illness. While some symptoms are obvious, like vomiting, others are more difficult to discern. Once you discover the possible causes of your dog’s symptoms, taking him to the vet will provide a more accurate diagnosis. You should also be aware of conditions that require immediate help so you can take your dog to the emergency clinic for treatment.
A dog chasing its tail.
If your dog’s symptoms consist of a lot of scratching or biting at his fur or paws, he may have allergies or external parasites such as mange mites. Your veterinarian can help you determine the cause of an allergic reaction and recommend effective treatment. External parasites can range from minor nuisances like fleas to serious illnesses like demodectic mange that require extensive treatment.
A sick dog may experience lethargy.
Sick dogs often show changes in appetite. They may refuse food altogether or eat much less than normal. An occasional bout of vomiting is usually nothing to worry about, but frequent vomiting or unproductive nausea may indicate more serious problems. A condition known as bloat can be fatal within hours without medical treatment. Watch out for other signs of bloating, such as drinking too much water and having a distended belly.
A dog that scratches constantly may have skin parasites or allergies.
Lethargy is another symptom that should be taken seriously if it lasts more than 24 hours. It is characterized by extreme sleepiness and longer response times to noise, sight, or touch. Various diseases and disorders, including heart and immune problems, are associated with lethargic conditions in dogs.
If your dog’s symptoms include changes in the stool or urine, this could be due to a number of possible causes. Difficulty urinating or defecating may indicate problems such as urinary tract infections or intestinal obstructions, which require veterinary attention. Diarrhea can be the result of a mild illness, although prolonged cases can lead to dehydration. Darker-colored urine or stool also requires a visit to the vet.
Dogs that shake their heads and scratch their ears often have an ear infection. Other signs include redness and an unpleasant odor in the ear. This condition must be treated by a veterinarian to avoid serious complications.
Drinking an excessive amount of water can be a sign of bloat in a dog.
Rapid breathing or labored breathing is often seen in dogs with conditions like congestive heart failure, although there are other reasons for breathing difficulties. This includes blockages in the nasal passages and broken ribs. Most conditions associated with labored breathing require veterinary attention.