Tag Archives: dog care tips

Dog Care, General Health, Illness & Disease

Signs of Illness in Dogs

Our canine pals can be pretty expressive when they want to be. Fido doesn’t usually have too much trouble making his point when he needs a walk or wants you to play with him. However, it isn’t always as easy to know when our furry friends aren’t feeling well. In this article, a Georgetown, IN vet lists some signs of illness in dogs.

Bad Breath

Fido will probably never be known for having minty-fresh breath. However, if your pup’s breath could kill plants, he could be sick.

Skin/Coat Trouble

Skin issues, such as crusting, flaking, redness, and scabbing, are also a sign that something is wrong. Fur loss is another red flag.

Loss of Mobility

Noticeable changes in Fido’s mobility and/or range of motion can be signs of illness. This may manifest as limping, trouble climbing stairs, and/or stiffness.

Change In Appetite/Thirst

Man’s Best Friend is usually very, very enthusiastic about his dinner. If Fido has lost his appetite, he could be ill. Sudden increases in appetite can also be indicative of medical issues.

Respiratory Issues

Coughing, wheezing, and gasping are definitely warning signs in our furry buddies. Prolonged and/or unexplained panting is also a red flag, as is shortness of breath.

Sleeping Too Much

Dogs certainly love their naps. In fact, many pooches spend about half their time snoozing. However, if Fido is sleeping more than that, or if you’ve noticed a sudden increase in the amount of time your furry pal spends sleeping, he could be sick.

Change In Eye Appearance

Your four-legged friend’s eyes can tell you quite a bit how he’s feeling. Healthy dogs have clear, bright eyes. If Fido’s peepers look dry, dull, red, watery, or sunken, there may be something going on with him.

Tummy Upsets

While an occasional, isolated incident of vomiting or diarrhea isn’t necessarily uncommon, it’s always best to consult your vet when this happens. Frequent or excessive bouts of tummy troubles are definitely a red flag.

Behavioral Changes

Just like people, dogs don’t always feel very sociable when they are ill. Fido may seem grumpier than usual if he’s sick. He may withdraw, and isolate himself. Your canine buddy may also lose interest in playing, seem restless, and/or vocalize in a different way than usual.

As your local Georgetown, IN vet clinic, we are dedicated to offering great care. Please contact us anytime.

Dog Care, General Care, General Health

Winter Care for Dogs

Winter is approaching fast! As the weather changes, you may need to make a few adjustments to your dog’s care routine, in order to keep Fido happy and healthy. Winter can be very dangerous for our canine pals! Here, a Georgetown, IN vet discusses winter care for dogs.

Food

Some of our furry friends need to eat a little more in cold weather. If your canine companion is a working dog, puppy, nursing mama, or just spends a lot of time outdoors, he may need bigger portion sizes in winter. Follow your vet’s nutritional recommendations.

Clothing

Fido might need doggy clothes to help him stay warm on frigid days, especially if he has thin fur. When shopping for your pooch, always take his measurements with you. (Tip: text them to yourself, so you always have them.) Avoid anything itchy, tight, or constricting. Also, stay away from items with zippers and/or small pieces that your furry pal may try to eat, such as buttons.

Activity

While you may not relish the thought of going to the doggy park on a freezing-cold day, it is important to keep Fido active. You can play Fetch or Tug-o-War with your pet inside, though you’ll of course want to choose areas without a lot of breakable objects. Stair runs will also give your furry buddy a great workout. Ask your vet for specific advice.

Paw Care

Snow, salt, sand, ice, and chemical de-icing products can all hurt your dog’s sensitive paw pads. If your canine buddy doesn’t like wearing booties, use paw balm or wax to protect his feet. Also, remember to choose pet-friendly de-icing products. Last but not least, keep Fido’s claws trimmed: this will make it easier for him to gain traction on slippery surfaces.

Walking

Since the sun sets so early in winter, you’ll probably be walking your four-legged friend after dark quite a bit. Get Fido a reflective leash and collar, and wear a reflective jacket yourself. Wear shoes with good traction, and bring a phone and flashlight with you. Keep an eye on the ground, as the snow can hide dangerous objects, like broken glass. Also, don’t bring your pooch near frozen bodies of water, riverbanks, or other dangerous areas.

Please do not hesitate to contact us, your Georgetown, IN pet hospital, for all your pet’s veterinary care needs. We are dedicated to providing excellent care!

Behavior, Dog Care, General Care

Fido’s Pet Peeves

Fido’s cute face, adorable antics, love, and loyalty have earned him a special place in our hearts, and made him part of the family. While every dog is different, there are some things that our canine pals have in common, including some very specific pet peeves. Below, a Floyds Knob, IN vet lists some things your furry buddy doesn’t like.

Hugs

Fido may not mind hugs from his owners: in fact, many of our furry friends love to cuddle with their human friends. However, dogs often become uneasy when strangers hug them. This is because hugs translate into a sign of dominance in doggy body language.

Shouting

We really can’t blame Fido for this one: after all, no one likes getting yelled at. Never shout at your pet, even if you’re reprimanding him. Dogs don’t understand the concept of punishment, so your furry pal won’t understand why you’re angry. Use positive reinforcement instead, and focus on rewarding your pup for doing well. If your pooch has a specific behavioral problem, ask your vet or a professional dog behaviorist for advice.

Being Lonely

Dogs are pack animals by nature. In the wild, Fido would rarely be alone. Our canine buddies can feel sad, lonely, and depressed if they are left alone too much. Spend plenty of time with your four-legged friend: it will be good for both of you!

Staring

We know, Fido likes to look you right in the eye, especially when he’s hoping that you’ll share your cheeseburger. But you should never stare a strange pooch in the eye; dogs see this as a signal of aggression.

Baths

No surprises here: many of our canine friends run and hide when they hear the dreaded B-word. But even if Fido hates being bathed, proper grooming is important to his health and well-being!

Change

Dogs thrive in a stable environment, with a consistent schedule. While Fido may love going for adventures, an afternoon in the park is a far cry from a major life change. Getting a new roommate (human or furry); moving; changing owners; or losing a friend can be very traumatic for Man’s Best Friend! If you and your pup are experiencing a big change, pay extra attention to your four-legged pal.

Is your canine buddy due for a trip to the vet? Contact us! As your Floyds Knob, IN animal clinic, we’re here to help.