Section
Dogs
Explore expert articles on dogs with Vet Verified.
193 articles
Page 2
-
Peritonitis in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Peritonitis in dogs is a serious condition involving inflammation of the peritoneum, often due to infection or injury. It can lead to severe illness if untreated, causing symptoms like abdominal pain, lethargy, and vomiting. Early and appropriate veterinary care, which may involve emergency stabilisation, surgery, or medical management, can aid recovery. Preventing peritonitis involves monitoring dogs closely, avoiding harmful objects, and seeking quick treatment for injuries or infections. With timely intervention, many dogs can recover fully from peritonitis.
Dogs -
Spring Dangers to Dogs
Spring brings longer days and warmer weather, offering more outdoor fun with dogs. However, it also introduces risks to canine health like toxic plants, seasonal allergies, and active parasites. Watch out for harmful flowers like daffodils and lilies, as well as spring allergens. Fleas and ticks become more active, and grass seeds can cause infections. Adders may pose a threat in certain UK areas, while garden chemicals and barbecues present additional hazards. Rising temperatures can lead to overheating, and open windows increase escape risks. Practice safe measures like checking for ticks, securing gates, and avoiding chemicals to keep dogs healthy in spring.
Dogs -
How to Help a Dog That Is Scared of Fireworks
Fireworks can cause intense fear in dogs due to their sensitive hearing and sudden, unpredictable sounds. Common signs of fear include trembling, pacing, and hiding. To help your dog feel safer during fireworks, create a quiet retreat in your home, use background noise to mask firework sounds, and check your dog's ID tags and microchip details. On the night of fireworks, stay calm, allow your dog to choose where to settle, and offer gentle reassurance. Long-term solutions like desensitisation and confidence-building activities can reduce fear. For severe cases, consult a vet for calming aids or medication. Avoid forcing your dog to face fears or ignoring distress. Early intervention is crucial for preventing phobias.
Dogs -
Why Do Dogs Howl?
Dog howling is a unique behaviour linked to their wolf ancestry, serving as a form of long-distance communication. Dogs howl for various reasons including announcing their presence, responding to high-pitched noises like sirens, seeking attention, or expressing emotions such as loneliness, excitement, or anxiety. Breeds like Huskies and Beagles are more prone to howling. Howling is usually harmless, but sudden changes or excessive howling can signal issues like anxiety or medical problems. To address problem howling, consider increasing stimulation, ensuring a calm environment, and consulting a vet for any health concerns.
Dogs -
Anxiety in Dogs: Causes, Signs and How to Help
Anxiety in dogs involves ongoing fear that affects their behaviour and health. This condition can be caused by factors like separation, noise sensitivity, and medical issues. Signs include excessive barking and trembling. Treatment includes behaviour modification, environmental adjustments, and sometimes medication. Early recognition and support are crucial, and professional guidance should be sought for severe cases. With patience and the right approach, owners can help their dogs feel safer and more at ease.
Dogs -
Why Do Dogs Eat Their Poo?
Coprophagia is when dogs eat poo, either their own or another animal's. It's more common in puppies and isn't always a sign of illness. Reasons include instinctual behaviour from their wild ancestors, nutritional deficiencies, attention-seeking, stress, curiosity, and environmental cleanliness. Medical issues like digestive problems or infections may also cause it. While usually not a concern, sudden increases, weight loss, or obsessive behaviour warrant a vet visit. To stop it, improve your dog's diet, provide more activities to prevent boredom, reduce stress, clean up waste promptly, and consider dietary deterrents. Consult your vet if needed.
Dogs -
Why Do Dogs Eat Grass? Everything Dog Owners Need to Know
Dogs eating grass is common and usually normal. This behaviour may stem from natural instincts, enjoyment, digestible comfort, mild stomach upset, or diet. Grass is not harmful in itself, but risks like pesticides, parasites, or obstructions exist. Consult a vet if your dog shows signs of illness. Most cases are harmless, but consider a diet review if grass-eating is frequent. Avoid chemically treated areas and discourage obsessive grass-eating. Providing exercise, mental stimulation, and a balanced diet can help. Trust your instincts and consult your vet if concerned.
Dogs -
A Complete Guide to Raw Feeding for Dogs
Raw feeding for dogs is becoming popular in the UK as a natural alternative to commercial dog food. It involves feeding raw meat, bones, organs, and sometimes vegetables or fruits. While it may offer benefits like improved coat, better digestion, and dental health, raw feeding comes with risks like bacterial contamination, nutritional imbalance, and bone hazards. Owners must prepare meals safely, include the right ingredients, and avoid common mistakes like feeding cooked bones or overfeeding liver. A balanced raw diet should include muscle meat, organ meat, bones, moderate fat, and possibly supplements. Consider factors like cost, convenience, and your dog's specific needs before choosing raw feeding. Both raw and commercial diets can be healthy, but require proper planning and hygiene. Always consult a vet if unsure.
Dogs -
Can Dogs Eat Raw and Cooked Meat?
Dog owners often wonder if feeding raw or cooked meat is safe for their pets. Dogs can eat chicken, beef, lamb, and pork, either raw or cooked, with precautions. Raw meat mimics a natural diet but carries risks like bacterial contamination and parasites. Cooked meat kills bacteria and is safer for homes with children but must be plain and bone-free. A balanced diet for dogs requires more than just meat, including nutrients like calcium and vitamins. Always use high-quality human-grade meat, avoid seasonings, and watch for signs of digestive problems. Consult a vet for dietary advice.
Dogs -
Christmas Hazards in the Home for Dogs
Christmas is a time of celebration, but it also poses various risks for dogs. Common hazards include chocolate, dried fruits, alcohol, and fatty foods, which can cause serious health problems. Decorative items like trees, baubles, and lights can be dangerous if ingested or if they fall. Seasonal plants such as holly, mistletoe, and lilies can also harm dogs. Ensure to keep food, decorations, and plants out of reach, provide a quiet space for your dog amidst the excitement, and be cautious with candles and fireplaces. Secure doors to prevent dogs from escaping and always supervise them during gatherings. If your dog shows signs of eating something harmful, contact your vet immediately.
Dogs -
Osteoarthritis in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Osteoarthritis is a common condition in dogs, especially as they age. It occurs when joint cartilage breaks down, causing pain and stiffness. While it can't be cured, early diagnosis and management improve a dog's quality of life. Key measures include weight management, controlled exercise, pain relief medications, and joint supplements. Recognising symptoms like stiffness and limping helps in seeking treatment. With proper care, dogs with osteoarthritis can maintain active lives. Understanding causes, symptoms, and treatment options aids in better care for affected dogs.
Dogs -
Can Dogs Be Given Ibuprofen for Pain Relief?
Ibuprofen is highly dangerous for dogs and should never be given to them. Even a single tablet can cause serious harm, such as stomach ulcers or kidney failure. Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy. Vets never prescribe ibuprofen to dogs, and there are safer pain relief alternatives specifically for them. If your dog ingests ibuprofen, contact a vet immediately for guidance and treatment. Giving human medication to pets is not only unsafe but also illegal without veterinary permission.
Dogs
Other sections