General Health

Do dogs sweat? Answer Dogs have the ability to sweat, but in places that are a little different from humans. Dogs sweat through their pads and feet. Their skin and armpit areas don't contain sweat glands like ours do. Their main method of ridding themselves from heat, however, is by panting, which is a very different mechanism than what we generally use. For these reasons, we must take great care to protect our dogs from heat stroke. Dogs with compromised respiration, like bulldogs and pugs, are at a very high risk of easily overheating just because they can't pant very efficiently. Can dogs and cats see colors? Answer Dogs and cats have rods and cones in their retinas but in a different proportion than in the human retina. Although they can differentiate colors, what they see is likely a more muted version of what we see. Dogs, especially, probably see more shades of gray than they do all of the individual colors. Cats, by the way, can concentrate small amounts of light in their eyes, which allows them to see at night when the rest of us have difficulty. This special talent gives them their extraordinary night hunting vision. How can I remove the discoloration around my white dog's eyes and mouth? Answer Reddish or brownish discoloration around a white dog's eyes and nose is quite common and normal. It's caused by porphyrinsdpigments found naturally in dogs' tears and saliva, as well as in other body fluids. Unfortunately, these stains are hard to remove. There are several grooming products available to whiten pet fur; they may help somewhat. You also can ask your pup's groomer what he uses to keep fur white. Bathing your dog's face regularly may help as well. Most likely none of these options will remove the stains completely; they're simply part of having a beautiful white dog. Part of my dog's toenail broke off. What should I do? Answer Broken nails aren't uncommon in dogs, and they generally aren't any more dangerous than a broken toenail is to you. In some cases they can bleed a lot, because the quick - the live tissue inside the base of the nail - can be exposed. If the nail's bleeding, you can put pressure on it with a clean cloth (if your pup will sit still for that). If that doesn't work, you may need to take your dog to the veterinarian to get the bleeding stopped. Your dog's nail should grow out again in a couple of days, but it might cause her some pain until then. You can help her by keeping the nail area clean, so it won't get infected. Wipe her feet when she comes in from outside; you can even clean her foot with hydrogen peroxide if she gets into anything particularly messy. If the nail wasn't completely broken off and there's still a piece of broken nail hanging on, it will probably have to be removed so the nail can heal. If you're not comfortable cutting it off yourself, your veterinarian can do it. The most important thing to watch will be the skin at the base of her nail. If that skin turns red or swells in the next couple of weeks, or if your dog's foot stays sore for more than a few days, take your pup to your veterinarian. Puppy sleep requirements Question How much sleep does my puppy need? Answer Puppies are a lot like human babies - they play hard, and they need to sleep hard too. Though veterinarians still don't know exactly how puppy brains develop, they know that sleeping (as well as playing) is important to the development process. While your pup is conked out on the carpet, his brain is busy maturing and building new neural connections. So the answer to your question is, a puppy generally needs as much sleep as he can get. As long as he's eating and drinking like he usually does, and he's active and playful when he's awake, his sleep shouldn't be a problem. Over time he'll adjust to your schedule, and he'll probably learn to sleep when you sleep at night, and nap whenever he feels like it during the day (one of the advantages of a dog's life!). His body will do a pretty good job of getting him the sleep he needs, as long as it isn't interfered with. So if you see your puppy napping, don't wake him up to play. Let him sleep, unless you need to wake him to keep him on his feeding or elimination schedule. If you're worried that your puppy's sleeping - or any aspect of his behavior - isn't normal, or if his behavior changes suddenly or dramatically, make an appointment with your veterinarian to have your pup checked out. Smelly Ears Question What can I do for a dog with smelly ears? Answer Smelly ears are a clear sign of an ongoing ear infection problem. Dogs with floppy ears are notorious for getting very chronic ear infections. Regular cleaning with veterinary approved cleaners can help, but often antibiotics are also needed. When pets continually get bad ear infections despite good at-home care and veterinary medications, a special surgery to open up the ear canals and allow more air flow is an option. It's best to first get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate medications and cleaning supplies before considering any other alternatives. Body Odor Question My three-year-old cocker spaniel has terrible body odor. I've tried body spray deodorizers, food additives, special shampoos, and nothing works. My family wants me to get rid of her, but I love her very much. Help, how do I get rid of my dog's bad body odor? Answer Many blond cockers are afflicted with seborrhea, which is a skin condition producing excessive oil and odor. The ears can also be affected, adding to the smell. Seborrhea can be primary, or secondary to such conditions as hypothyroidism. A complete physical examination will be helpful in your diagnosis and management plan that may include tar shampoos on a regular basis, as well as other medications. Please consult with your veterinarian as soon as you can. There are effective therapies available, which will make her a more appreciated member of the family. How can I help heal my dog's cracked paw pads? Answer Pad wounds are slow healers. The healing process is hampered every time the dog walks on the foot (the walking constantly pulls on the healing edges, and this delays healing). The pads can easily get infected, as there is contact between blood and the surface where your pet walks. These wounds are best treated by a veterinarian. Your veterinarian can clean the wound, bandage it with antibiotic ointment, give oral antibiotics, and rebandage the wound every three or four days until it is healed. Bad Breath Question Why does my dog's breath smell so bad? Answer Most often, bad breath is caused by dental or periodontal disease. Some dogs do not adequately chew their food; thus they don't clean their teeth naturally by the chewing process. Also, some dogs and cats are just prone to dental plaque, tartar and disease. These pets may need more frequent dental cleanings and treatments. Internal diseases such as kidney disease can also cause bad breath. A trip to your veterinarian is recommended in order to pinpoint the cause of your dog's bad breath and to ensure he is in good health. Seizures Question What causes a dog to have seizures? Answer A seizure is the result of excessive stimulation to parts of the brain that control muscle activity. All people and animals have the potential to seizure. We all have a threshold of stimulation over which we would experience a seizure. For healthy people and animals, it might take trauma to the head to induce this activity. For others, like epileptics (who have lower "thresholds"), it may be sudden noises, the stress of company, or other mild stimulations. Pressures from brain tumors, hemorrhage or infection can also contribute to a jump over the normal threshold, resulting in seizure activity. So can being deprived of oxygen, as can happen with heart conditions where there is sudden interruption of blood flow to the brain. Exposure to toxic chemicals can also result in seizures. Any dog that has a seizure should have a complete examination. Your veterinarian will evaluate heart function and general body condition. A complete history is also taken to rule out trauma and toxic exposure. If the physical examination is normal, blood profiles are generally administered to rule out diseases of the kidneys and liver. If the profile and exam are normal and the dog is under four years of age, epilepsy is generally the diagnosis. Epilepsy is the most common cause of seizures in dogs. Medications may be prescribed for these cases. Older dogs that have normal lab and exam findings may be referred to a neurologist for a second opinion, as these dogs can have brain tumors and other conditions. If your dog has a seizure, make sure to schedule an examination with your veterinarian to keep your pet in good health. Why is my dog sneezing? Question My dog started sneezing after spending three days with a dog who just spent a week in a kennel. Did she catch a cold? Answer There are many upper respiratory viruses and bacteria that can cause sneezing in dogs. These dangers are in much higher concentrations at boarding kennels. Therefore, it is possible that your dog caught the cold from her friend. The good news is that these upper respiratory infections are usually self-limiting in otherwise healthy adult dogs. In other words, the symptoms should be mild and pass quickly. There are, however, many things that may cause sneezing in dogs. Among them would be foreign bodies and allergies. If your dog's signs get worse (lethargy, not eating) or you see mucus or yellow-green discharge, contact your veterinarian. A more common malady after a trip to the kennel is kennel cough. Kennel cough also results from any of a multitude of viruses and bacteria. Dogs exhibit various coughing symptoms, from a mild hack to a very strong cough (which may sound like choking). If you suspect kennel cough in your dog, make sure to visit the veterinarian for treatment. Why are my dog's eyes cloudy? Question My dog's eyes are becoming cloudy. Is there anything I can do? Is this a cataract? If so, how is my dog treated? Answer Your dog's cloudy eyes could be cataracts or it could be a normal aging process of the lens of the eye known as nuclear sclerosis. Nuclear sclerosis causes the lens to refract light. It's like looking into a dirty fish tank - you can see, but not clearly. It is best to schedule a veterinary exam to determine the problem. Anal Gland Problems Question Our dog often has problems with her anal glands. She keeps rubbing her backside on the floor. Is she in pain? Can we help her ourselves without going to the veterinarian each time this happens? Answer Anal glands are two paired glands located within and below the external anal sphincter muscle and can often be a problem in dogs. They produce a thick substance that may have at one time been used to mark territory when dogs were wild. They serve very little purpose in the modern domestic dog. When the anal glands become full or impacted, the dog may experience some discomfort. The glands become VERY itchy and irritated. Actual pain is difficult to assess, but some believe that they can be painful in some cases. When the dog licks, chews or scoots on its bottom, it is attempting to express the glands on its own. To express anal glands does not require a veterinarian. Many groomers will do this as part of their service, and some pet owners will do it themselves. However, expressing anal glands is not a very pleasant task to perform, and many pet owners will give up after one try. Before trying this on your own, ask your veterinarian for a demonstration. If anal glands become a common problem, they can be surgically removed. The glands serve no real purpose and, like a human appendix, the dog may do much better without them. Many veterinarians are uncomfortable performing this surgery; however, many others do the procedure with a great deal of success and minimal complications. Car Sickness Question My dog always throws up when we go for car rides. How can I help him? Answer It sounds like your dog is experiencing typical motion sickness, just like some people do. Motion sickness usually begins very shortly after starting the car ride. The dog will begin to drool and then vomit. It's not serious, but certainly not something that we like to clean up! To solve the problem, first try acclimating the dog to car rides. Do this by simply putting him in the car for a few minutes each day without going anywhere. Then try just going down the driveway and back, and the next day going around the block. Gradually build up the distance and time the dog rides in the car. Sometimes this will help to decrease the dog's anxiety over riding in the car and may help to decrease vomiting. If that doesn't work, there are some over-the-counter medications you can try. The medication will need to be given about an hour before the car ride. Ask your veterinarian for a recommendation as to what drug to try and the dosage for your pet. (Never give any medications to your pet without your veterinarian's advice!) These drugs are very safe, with drowsiness usually the only major side effect. But since your dog isn't driving the car, that shouldn't be a problem! If over-the-counter drugs don't work, then your veterinarian may be able to prescribe something a bit stronger. Excessive drinking and urination Question My dog drinks an excessive amount of water and urinates a lot. What's going on? Answer It is important that you take your dog to the veterinarian for a complete physical examination as soon as possible. The symptoms you describe could indicate one of a number of problems, from something very treatable, such as a bacterial infection of the urinary tract, to something more serious like diabetes or kidney failure. Some of these conditions can be life-threatening if not treated in a timely fashion. Your veterinarian can run routine laboratory tests to determine your dog's condition and the best way to treat him. Secondhand Smoke Question Can secondhand smoke harm my pets? Answer Not surprisingly, the answer is yes. Tobacco smoke contains more than 4,000 chemical compounds, 43 of which are known to be carcinogens. While many studies have shown that exposure to these chemicals can increase people's chances of heart disease, lung cancer, and other cancers, some recent studies have shown that these chemicals also increase the risk of these diseases to pets. Research performed at Colorado State University has documented that environmental tobacco smoke has a clear effect on dogs and their chance of falling victim to disease. Studies have shown that the more people smoke in a household, the higher their dogs' risk of developing certain kinds of cancer. Dogs with long noses are at an even greater risk of developing certain nasal and sinus cancer, as they expose more tissue to the carcinogens when they inhale. CSU's research has also shown that the effects of exposure to secondhand smoke are lasting. Chemicals from cigarette smoke can be found in animals' bodies for a long period of time. In fact, measurable levels of carcinogens can be found in dogs' hair and urine for months after exposure. Another study by Tufts University showed that cats exposed to secondhand smoke have an increased chance of developing a type of oral cancer commonly found in smokers--called squamous cell carcinoma--possibly because the carcinogens in smoke can settle on cats' fur and cats can pick them up as they groom themselves. Even if they don't develop cancer, pets can have strong reactions to smoke particles in the air. Just like their human families, pets can develop respiratory infections, lung inflammation, and asthma when exposed to secondhand smoke. Fatty Deposits Question My veterinarian told me that the lumps under my dog's skin are fatty deposits. What should I do? Answer Actually, you don't need to do much of anything. These fatty lumps, called lipomas, are very common, painless, and nearly always benign (that is, not cancerous and not life-or health-threatening). They are simply a clump of fat cells that have become concentrated in one location and formed a bump under the skin. They are most common in older dogs, though they can appear on young dogs or even puppies on occasion. There is no need to treat lipomas, though they can be surgically removed if they interfere with your dog's ability to move, sit, or lie comfortable. If your dog has already been diagnosed with fatty tumors, it's very possible that she will develop more over time. If new lumps develop, you should schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to ensure that they are also lipomas. This can be done through a relatively simple process called a fine-needle aspirate. Your veterinarian will insert a very thin needle into the lump and withdraw a small amount of materialdmuch like giving an injection in reverse. The material can then be checked to make sure it is benign fatty tissue. My dog got cut on her leg last month and she's still limping. What's wrong? Answer There are a few things that could make a wound to cause pain and lameness in a dog for weeks or months. First, the injury could have damaged soft tissue, such as ligaments or tendons, which would lead to chronic pain. Second, the cut may have become infected. Third, a joint may be damaged, either by the initial injury or by infection. Finally, there could be some damage to the bonedcalled a microfracturedthat may not have shown up on an X ray. It could also be that your dog is limping due to a condition unrelated to the cut, such as arthritis or a sprain or other injury. The limp may just have happened to occur soon after the cut.All of these problems need veterinary attention, as they can all become chronic, painful conditions. Your veterinarian can perform a physical exam, take X rays, and perform other diagnostic procedures to find out what's causing your dog's pain. He may also prescribe pain medication to help your dog walk. My dog has a temperature of 101.5 degrees. Should I call the veterinarian? Answer Lucky for you. Your dog has an absolutely normal temperature. As long as he is happy and eating OK. I would forget the call to your veterinarian. Cold, wet noses are good, right? Answer A cold, wet nose is one sign of good health in dogs and cats. However, even a healthy pet can have a warm, dry nose on occasion. On the other hand, really sick pets can also have cold, wet noses. What does all this mean? Simply that any one indicator of health is not 100 percent accurate all the time. Sick pets with cold noses should be seen by your veterinarian. And by the same token, pets with warm, dry noses that are showing other symptoms such as lethargy or not eating should also be seen by a doctor. What is the normal blood pressure range for dogs? Answer Mean arterial blood pressure in the dog is 90-110. Heartworm Prevention Question My veterinarian has recently started promoting monthly heartworm preventive tablets for my cat. I've also heard that the heartworm medicine used long term may be a greater risk to my cat's health. What should I do? Answer Heartworm disease is a serious but preventable condition. Whether or not your cat belongs on preventive medication depends a lot on the incidence in your area. We're not presently aware of any literature that notes serious risks or side effects of the preventive medicine. However, your veterinarian will take into account any other problems your cat has before prescribing the drug for your cat. Healthy kidneys and normal liver functions are essential in metabolizing most medications. For both dogs and cats, a heartworm blood test must be done before any preventive medications are given. My dog's internal organs are on the wrong side - why? Question My dog keeps getting pneumonia, and we just found out her internal organs are on the wrong side. Help! Answer The condition is called Ciliary Dyskinesia or Immotile Cilia Syndrome. There are many forms of the disease and one in which the organs of the chest and abdomen are on the wrong side. In people it is called Kartagener's Syndrome. The disease cannot be directly treated. Most cases develop multiple bouts of bacterial pneumonia, which are treated with appropriate antibiotics when they develop. The long-term prognosis for pets with this condition is guarded. Some animals have been maintained for more than five years, with intermittent therapy. Most of these dogs are infertile, but breeders should strongly consider not breeding relatives of affected dogs. Vaccinating Your Pet Question I have four cats and two dogs. Until recently, I have had them vaccinated regularly. Please let me know what you would recommend to someone who has cats and dogs and wants to keep them safe but does not want to either endanger them or spend money unnecessarily. Answer The veterinary profession has spent the past six to seven years reexamining and discussing vaccine duration of immunity and revising vaccination protocols accordingly to make sure that companion animals get care that is tailored to their lifestyles. The goal is to make sure that an individual’s vaccine protocol is protecting them from risks they face, without vaccinating unnecessarily. For example, in our practice we ask cat owners to describe whether their cats ever go outdoors or whether they are exclusively indoors and what other animals they might come in contact with. If a cat is exclusively indoors, we design a different vaccine protocol than if it goes out regularly or “escapes” with any frequency. Dogs that go to boarding facilities, grooming parlors or doggie daycares will have different recommendations than dogs that do not. The days of designing a single vaccine protocol for an entire species are over. Good communication is the best tool in designing protocols that are proper for your pets. I suggest having a discussion with a veterinarian in your area, giving all of the information you know about your pets’ lifestyles. With that information, your veterinarian can explain what vaccinations he or she would recommend, at what frequency and why. At that point you can make an informed decision on a vaccination protocol designed specifically for your pet. For more information, visit the Pet Care Library Vaccinations article. This question was answered by AAHA member Dr. Merry Crimi of Gladstone Veterinary Clinic in Milwaukie, Oregon Why does my dog have fainting spells? Question My 10-year-old female Labrador Retriever has been healthy her entire life, but she recently starting having fainting spells when she encounters other dogs. She also has an occasional dry cough. I can’t determine if she is blacking out, having a panic attack or seizing, and each “episode” only lasts a few seconds. Are these signs symptomatic of a particular disease? Answer I am very sorry to hear that your Labrador is having difficulties. There are a few diseases that might explain her condition. Among the most likely would be either a heart condition or neurological condition. The episodes you are describing could be a “syncopal collapse,” which is fainting due to the heart not being able to keep up with the body's needs. This would explain the occasional cough as well as the difficulties that are occurring during times of excitement (such as when your dog encounters other dogs). A syncopal collapse may be caused by one of two diseases that I would be suspicious of in an older patient such as your Lab: Dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition where the heart muscle becomes weak and "flabby" over time. This condition makes it harder for the heart to keep up with the rest of the body. Pericardial effusion, a condition where fluid invades and accumulates in the membrane surrounding the heart. Your veterinarian can perform a cardiac ultrasound to diagnose these diseases. The episodes could also be neurological in nature, such as a seizure-like episode brought about by excitement. By nature, neurological diseases are more difficult to diagnose than heart conditions. In an older dog, seizures could be related to infection, immune system malfunction or in some cases cancer. Your veterinarian may wish to perform a MRI or CT scan to help diagnose a neurological condition. Based on your description of your dog’s seizures and her cough, I suspect that she most likely has a heart condition. There are medications that can certainly help her and although you do not want to put her through a battery of testing, I would encourage you to consider a cardiac ultrasound and chest radiographs. Depending on what your veterinarian finds, treatment may be available to help improve her quality of life as well as extend the length of her life. This question was answered by Dr. Robert J. Krapfl, director of Gentle Doctor Animal Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska. Bloat Problems Question My 12-year old beloved golden retriever mix has been having bloat problems for about a year. His veterinarian has put him on a new diet of chicken and rice, but he hasn’t had a bowel movement in several days — is something wrong? Answer Chronic bloating can be a very critical problem. During one of the bloating incidents, your dog’s stomach can actually twist or rotate. This can become an emergency situation very quickly. If it is "simple" bloat or gastric dilation without the twist, it is problematic, but not always as critical. It may be solved by the new diet that your dog is on. It can seem very unusual when dogs do not defecate for some time. However, if your dog’s new diet is more digestible, there is less waste and less residue. Therefore, there will be fewer bowel movements. As for when to worry, as long as there is no straining and as long as your dog continues to eat, there is unlikely to be a problem. However, if your dog is vomiting, has a loss of appetite or straining to defecate then these are signs you would need to be concerned about. I hope that this is helpful. If there is any question or concern, however, I would encourage you to see your veterinarian. He or she may be able to assess if there is a problem or if there is any question, a radiograph (x-ray) could be taken. This question was answered by Dr. Robert J. Krapfl, director of Gentle Doctor Animal Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska.

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