Aches & sicknesses of a general nature that dogs often suffer.
by Dennis Fisher
This article is one of a great many articles written by Dennis Fisher about a very wide variety of subjects concerning different dogs, such as obedience training, breeding, showing, health matters, training problems and other subjects. All these articles appear on Dennis Fisher's websites. Visit http://www.allaboutgermanshepherddogs.com the site that has been set up specifically for German Shepherd Dog enthusiasts, or http://www.freedogadvice.com if you interested in a breed other than German Shepherd Dogs.
It's very difficult for dog
owners, especially those who have not had a great deal of experience with dogs,
to know when it is necessary to take a dog immediately to the nearest
Veterinarian for treatment.
There are a many minor conditions that will probably clear up in their own
without medical treatment.
It is fairly common for a dog to go off its food for a day.
If the dog shows no other symptoms of distress then the condition will
probably disappear the following day and there is no need to rush off to the
Veterinarian. If the condition
persist however, for more than day and
the dog still does not eat – especially if it is a young pup, it would be wise
to take the dog to your Veterinarian for
a check-up.
Lameness is a condition that can
suddenly appear one day and disappear the next day.
If the lameness is not acute and the animal shows no obvious sign of
severe pain, it is probably safe to lwatch the dog carefully for a day and then
re-assess the situation.
Vomiting, from eating grass, is another condition that usually does not require
immediate attention. It is a fairly
common practice with dogs. Very
often the dog has vomited the grass
it has eaten it will be quite prepared to eat a meal.
Here again you will have to use your discretion.
If the attempts to vomit persist, with no result, the vomiting may be due
to some obstruction in the throat.
Obviously, in a case like this, unless you are able to
see the obstruction yourself – it may be a splinter of bone – and are
able to remove it by thrusting your hand down the dog’s throat, then medical
attention is certainly necessary.
The obstruction may be more serious. It may be a blockage in the intestine, in
which case medical attention is certainly necessary.
You are very fortunate if your dog happens to be a greedy animal.
If the dog shows no interest in food whatsoever, this is clearly a sign
that something serious may be developing.
The same applies to cases of slight diarrhea.
This is also fairly common and usually an anti-diarrhea medicine,
obtainable from any pharmacy without prescription, will do the trick.
It is important to observe the dog closely. If the dog shows no sign of distress
and is still playful, it is safe to leave the dog for a day or two.
Obviously, if the diarrhea persists a few hours after the medication has been
given, and it is a young pup, then
Veterinary advice is necessary.