LoveToKnow Dogs:Custom General Sick Dog Questions

I'm sorry to hear this pup isn't doing well. I'm assuming she is part of a litter because a four-week-old pup should still be with its mother and nursing. Extremely young pups like this do not yet have strong immune systems, but they receive protective antibodies from their mother's milk.

To be honest, I'm not a vet so you should call your own vet immediately. That said, this could possibly be a case of aspiration pneumonia, and I've been through it with one of my own pups in the past. If for some reason some of the milk winds up in the lungs, it can lead to pneumonia, and it requires an antibiotic to clear it up before it becomes life threatening. If those nasal secretions look cloudy, thick or yellowish, there is a higher chance that this is indeed pneumonia.

Such a young pup is very fragile, so the sooner you can take her to the vet, the better. Whatever is making her sick, I hope the vet can help her recover. Best wishes. - posted by:Kelly

Unfortunately, I don't believe this sounds normal for a middle-aged dog. Some senior dogs experience a loss of bladder control, but it's a bit unusual for a dog that is only eight to be going through this. I'm not a vet, so I encourage you to bring these symptoms to your vets attention. It's possible your dog has an advanced urinary tract infection, but the problem could be more serious than that. For example, a dog with an advanced case of diabetes could lose the sensation of having to urinate and do it without even realizing it. There are likely other causes, but those are two that immediately come to mind. Your vet will examine your dog and probably also run a blood panel in order to reach an accurate diagnosis. Once that's accomplished, he/she will decide on the best course of treatment.

I'm glad you decided to share your situation, and I hope this info helps at least a little. Please let us know what your vet has to say, and best wishes for your pet's health. - posted by:Kelly

I'm sorry to hear your dog isn't feeling well. A lot depends on what your dog's actual symptoms are. Is he vomiting? Does he have diarrhea and is he acting lethargic? If so, he could have a digestive disturbance of some sort. He might have ingested something in that bag or even part of the bag itself. Additionally, sardines aren't particularly good for dogs because they are so high in sodium, so that might have aggravated whatever else is going on.

Right now, the best thing you can do is have your vet examine your pet. Relay the info about the bag your dog dug up. Do you still have that bag? If so, take it with you. Any clues you can provide might lead your vet to the correct diagnosis.

In the meantime, try to make sure your dog is still drinking water so he doesn't become dehydrated. Dehydration only complicates and illness, and it can be deadly.

Thanks for sharing your situation, and best wishes for your dog's recovery. - posted by:Kelly

How much hair is your Dachshund losing? Is it getting thin enough to see his scalp? Although parasites can cause hairloss, nutrition can also play a large role in the condition of a dog's coat. I don't know what you're feeding now, but switching to a high quality brand with real meat listed in the first couple of ingredients (instead of meat by-products or corn) would provide better protein. Protein is absolutely necessary for good coat.

An underlying medical condition can also cause excessive shedding. Thyroid conditions in particular often first become apparent through hair loss.

Has your vet done a blood panel on your dog? If not, it might be a good idea. The vet will be able to see any abnormalities and this could point to a possible diagnosis. You should also ask if the medication your dog is on produces hair loss as a side effect.

Thanks for sharing your situation, and I hope these thought help in some way. Please let us know what you find out. Sharing the info might help someone else.

Good luck. - posted by:Kelly

I'm sorry to hear your dog doesn't feel well. It's really frustrating not knowing how to help our pets when these situations arise.

It's really difficult to say what might be causing this sudden change in your pet's behavior. My first thought is that maybe she injured herself yesterday when she was running around and playing fetch. Sometimes an injury feels worse after having slept on it. The muscles can stiffen.

Has your dog had a stool in the last 24 hours? Dogs go at least once a day, often more. So if she hasn't had a stool in over 24 hours but she has been eating, constipation is a possibility.

If your dog really seems to be in pain, the best thing to do is call your vet right away. This would be the quickest way to get the situation correctly diagnosed and find the fastest treatment to bring relief.

Thanks for sharing your situation, and I do hope your dog feels better soon. - posted by:Kelly

It's a little difficult to say what might be happening here. If the stool really does have a reddish tint because it contains blood, this means the problem is with the lower bowels because blood from the upper GI tract would look black after passing through the digestive system. This might mean you dog has a hookworm or even some kind of fissure. Those are just a couple of examples.

Have you recently changed the brand of food you serve your dog? Some grocery store brands still contain a lot of dye to make the food look more attractive, and the coloring does tend to come through in the stool. Additionally, the stool will be bulkier with some brands if it has a lower protein source that is less digestible. That said, your dog might have also eaten something red colored in the yard that day, and if this is the case, the stool should return to normal in a few days. It might be a good idea to take a look around to see if you can find anything.

The best advice I can offer you right now is to take a stool sample to your vet for analysis. This will reveal if there is actually blood in the stool, as well as the presence of worms if there is any evidence of them. From that point, your vet can make a diagnosis and provide treatment if necessary.

Thanks for sharing your situation, and I hope this advice proves helpful. :) - posted by:Kelly

I'm sorry to hear about the difficulties your dog has had recently. I honestly think the wisest thing to do is follow up with your vet about the breathing problems that have developed since the surgery. There's a possibility the steroids or other medications your dog is on could be having an adverse affect on her pulmonary symptom, and your vet should be able to tell you about the side effects of the specific meds your dog is taking. Since she recently had surgery, there's also a slight chance this could be related to a clotting issue. I would call the vet right away to set up an appointment, and be sure to write down your observations to help the vet understand what's really going on.

I hope this leads to a resolution of your dog's breathing problems. Best wishes for her full recovery. - posted by:Kelly

I'm sorry to hear about your dog's foot. You'll need your vet to perform a blood test to see if this is the case, but I think there's a chance your dog has diabetes. This may seem a little far-fetched, but let me tell you why. Diabetes is a condition that interferes with the pancreas' insulin production. If there is too little insulin, there is a higher level of sugar in the blood. Sugar feeds bacteria, so many diabetics find they have difficulty with wounds that refuse to heal. This could be the true reason why your dog's foot sore won't heal, and since the blood test is so simple, I think it's worth having one done to find out exactly what's going on. If this does turn out to be diabetes, your vet can work out a plan to control your dog's sugar level, and this in turn should help the wound heal, although you'll likely have to continue treating it with medication until it closes.

By the way, panalog is my favorite medication for treating toe cysts, which might be what your dog originally had. Cleaning out the pus and filling the cavity with panalog has always worked wonders for my dogs. Without it, the cysts tended to heal over trapping some of the bacteria within and then the process started all over again.

Thanks for sharing your situation, and I hope these thoughts help in some way. :) - posted by:Kelly

This situation sounds very serious. Is there any chance your dog suffered a trauma? Was she missing from your yard for any length of time leading up to this dramatic physical change? If so, she could have been hit by a vehicle and may have suffered an internal injury that wasn't apparent right away. There's also a possibility she might have eaten something toxic. She may have even suffered a stroke. I could go on speculating, but the most important thing is that you take your dog to the vet right away. If your own vet isn't available, you should go to the emergency vet. The situation truly sounds serious enough to warrant it.

Thanks for sharing what's going on, and please let us know what you find out. Best wishes for your dog's recovery. - posted by:Kelly

I'm sorry to hear about the difficulty you're having with your dog's wound. Unfortunately, senior dogs are often slower to heal than dogs in the prime of life. Still, this sounds like more than the usual senior scenario.

Wounds that refuse to heal completely can sometimes be an indicator of diabetes, and this may be an avenue worth asking your vet to investigate. In the meantime, make sure your dog's nails on his rear feet are filed smooth on the tips, because he may be accidentally be reopening the cut if he scratches at his face.

Thanks for sharing your situation, and I hope these suggestions prove helpful. - posted by:Kelly

I'm sorry to hear about your dog's nose condition. Your situation sounds similar to another visitor's dog, so please see my advice to Rosanna on this page because I think you'll also find it helpful. :) - posted by:Kelly

Any crusty nose issue is well worth asking your vet to investigate. Yes, dehydration my cause the nose to feel especially warm and dry, so offering more fluids and checking your dog's temperature to make sure it isn't above 101 F might both be good things to do. This is especially so if the dry nose was a recent and sudden onset.

That said, if this has been more of a long term development and the nose is becoming very crusty, this would be cause for more concern. This kind of condition can be difficult to diagnose, and I don't want to scare you unecessarily, but it could involve an autoimmune condition or possible cancer. Those are just two possibilities, but your vet is the expert you need right now.

Until you can take your dog to the vet, it may be helpful to apply a thin layer of bag balm to your dog's nose to help moisturize and protect the damaged skin. You can find this product at most feed stores and the occasional drug store.

Thanks for sharing your situation, and please let us know what your vet says. We get a lot of questions on this topic, and it would be good to pass that info on to others.

Best wishes for your dog's health. - posted by:Kelly

Not being a vet, I can only offer my thoughts about what might be going on. However, this does sound like a serious situation that is growing worse, and I really think the best thing you can do is see your vet as soon as possible.

There are many things that can cause abdominal pain. Kidney stones could cause pain and a bloated appearance. Even a bad urinary tract infection could result in some of the signs you're seeing. Try to observe your dog's urine. Is she releasing a normal stream, or does she only seem to force out small amounts at a time. Is there any blood in the urine? Any of this could indicate some sort of problem with her urinary tract.

Tumors can also result in pain and a bloated appearance. As tumors grow, they can press on vital organs and reduce their ability to function. This is another possibility, so it's worth investigating.

Most likely your vet would feel your dog's abdomen for any obvious abnormalities, and then do a blood panel. He/She may also want to perform an ultrasound to get a look at what's going on inside.

I realize the expense of veterinary care is a concern for all of us in these trying economic times, but I do believe this sounds like it isn't a passing illness. I think it will be worth your investment to get a proper diagnosis and treatment for your pet. Best wishes that it all works out well. - posted by:Kelly

I'm not a vet, so you'll really need your vet's help to sort out this problem. However, let me offer a few thoughts.

It's possible that your dog has arthritis in that foot and the cold weather triggers it. The pain could possibly be present in the warmer months, just not pronounced enough to notice. People with arthritis often comment that the pain grows worse during winter, so this is one possibility.

It's also possible that your dog suffers from bouts of panosteitis, aka pano. This is an orthopedic problem that usually affects larger breed puppies and young dogs, but it has been seen occasionally in middle-aged dogs. The condition presents as a sudden bout of lameness in the front legs. It typically affects the pasterns (ankles), but it sometimes affects the feet as well. These bouts usually come and go, but they are managed with pain medication.

Since you think you may have observed a slight amount of swelling, arthritis and pano are both possibilities. However, your vet would need to make a diagnosis once the symptoms appear. Even if you decide not to take your dog to the vet due to his anxiety issue, it would still be a good idea to discuss safe pain medications and dosage to help your dog through these painful periods.

Although this is not a solid answer to your question, I still hope you find the info helpful. Thanks for visiting, and I hope you'll come back again. :) - posted by:Kelly

It sounds like there's a lot going on here. The first thing you should do is take your female to the vet for an exam. There are a number of causes for urine leakage, including urinary tract infections, complications from diabetes, etc. Let you vet take a look at this problem from the medical point of view, and then go from there. If the vet is able to rule out a medical cause for the leakage, this could turn out to be more of a behavioral problem. Sometimes an adult dog will back slide on house training when a new puppy is introduced to the household. If the puppy has an accident, the urine crystals generate a smell that acts as a calling card for other dogs to come and soil. It is also possible that your female was trying to claim a little territory to let the new pup know who is boss. Bottom line, it's a time of upheaval, and all the dogs have to figure out where they fit in the new pack structure.

Whatever the medical diagnosis turns out to be, I recommend you begin including your female in your puppy's housetraining program. Take them out together to reinforce that training, and reward her for success just as you would with the puppy. Additionally, I'd recommend soaking any soiled areas with a enzymatic cleaner to dissolve the urine crystals and eliminate those trace scents that would lure the dogs to soil there again.

Thanks for your question, and I hope this info helps your situation in some way. - posted by:Kelly

I'm so sorry to hear about your dog's emergency. Older pets often become sick quicker due to weaker immune systems.

I'm not a vet, so your own vet is still the expert in this situation. Let me just offer some thoughts you can run past your vet that may provide new avenues to explore.

Obviously, the temperature indicates some sort of infection is in play. The blood in the urine would suggest that this could be a urinary tract infection. So, the infection could be located in the urethra, bladder or kidneys. However, the fact that the testicles are swollen may mean that the infection is located in the prostrate gland itself, so this is probably a good place for your vet to investigate. If it is an infection, your dog will need antibiotics for treatment. Neutering may also be necessary to quickly remove the source of infection and help your dog recover quicker.

Those are my thoughts. I hope that they help in some way. Don't hesitate to call your vet as soon as possible and run this by him. He may have already checked for this without telling you, but if not, it's certainly worth exploring right away.

Best wishes for your dog's full recovery, and please let us know what happens. - posted by:Kelly

I'm so sorry to hear about your dog's sudden downturn. When a dog suddenly runs a temperature and doesn't want to eat or drink, it's usually due to a virus. However, the fact that your dog injured himself yesterday makes me wonder if these symptoms are fueled by an internal injury. Did you inspect the leg yesterday after your dog ran into the coffee table? Was there any bruising or swelling? Is there any swelling of that leg now? What I'm worried about most right now is the possibility of internal bleeding. Unfortunately, I'm not a vet and I can't diagnose the exact cause of your dog's downturn, but I do think your should take your dog to the emergency vet right away. Growing weak so quickly indicates his condition is very serious. Please make the call and go right away. Best wishes for your dog's recovery, and please let us know how things turn out. - posted by:Kelly

I'm sorry to tell you this, but this is not normal development for a healthy six-week-old puppy. Puppies pull themselves around from the time they are born, but most are making wobbly attempts to stand at two weeks old. Most pups walk fairly well by four weeks old although they can still wobble a little. By six weeks old, a puppy should be able to walk, run and even jump.

So, you can see why there is some concern about your pup's developmental delay. First, I suggest you call the breeder right away to discuss the situation and find out how much cooperation you are going to get from this person. The breeder may offer to pay for the veterinarian examination that will be necessary to determine what's going on with this pup. The breeder might also offer you a refund if you bring the puppy back. Just realize that unless the inability to walk is due to an injury that happened just before you arrived to look at the puppy, the breeder should have been aware that there was a problem with this pup. I'm afraid you might be in for a difficult time ahead.

Our Choosing a Puppy Quiz is designed to teach prospective owners what to look for when they begin searching for a new canine companion. I think it will help if you take the quiz so you can compare the answers to what you found at the breeder you visited.

I'm glad you came here to share your situation, and I hope you'll let us know how things turn out. Hopefully there is some way this puppy can be helped. Best wishes that things turn out alright in the end. - posted by:Kelly

I'm sorry to hear about your dog's illness. You'll need to have your vet examine your dog and make a proper diagnosis, but this sounds like a severe gum infection. The pain of the infection is likely what is causing your dog to stop eating, but most dogs with gum infections are still willing to drink. This is especially troubling because having a fever without replacing fluids sets up a dangerous probability for dehydration.

Right now, the best way to help your pet is to take it to your vet. A gum infection can eventually lead to a heart infection and damage when the bacteria from the gums make their way into the bloodstream. Gum infections come on gradually, and often go unnoticed until symptoms become severe. Even if this isn't a gum infection, your dog's symptoms are serious enough to warrant immediate medical attention, so please make the call right away.

Thank you for sharing your situation, and best wishes for your dog's full recovery. - posted by:Kelly

I'm so sorry to hear what your puppy has been through and that he's still suffering. I'm not a vet, but I think you should ask your vet if it's possible your puppy now has shingles. As I understand it, Parvo does not cause shingles directly. However, herpes virus can, and many pups are exposed to it while still with their litter. If they overcome the infection, the virus can still lay dormant in the spinal cord, only to resurface as shingles after the immune system has been severly stressed, such as by a case of parvovirus.

Shingles primarily affects the torso, and the pain can begin before the actual blisters develop. It's possible that your dog was already feeling the effects but hadn't blistered yet so your vet wouldn't have been able to detect them.

I certainly think this is an avenue worth exploring, and even if this doesn't turn out to be a case of shingles, you vet may find another cause for your dog's pain during the re-examination.

Thanks for your question, and I hope this info proves helpful somehow. Please let us know when you find out exactly what's going on. The info could help other pet owners.

Best wishes for your puppy's full and speedy recovery. - posted by:Kelly

It's difficult to say what's going on, but I think it's worth letting your take a look. Your dog is obviously experiencing some irritation around his bottom. This might be due to a problem with his anal glands. They could be impacted and building up pressure, or they might even be infected. It there any noticeable swelling on one or both sides of your dog's anus? If so, it really might be the glands. The vet would want to express the glands if possible to do so without causing injury and may also want to put your dog on an antibiotic to clear up any infection.

That said, there's also a possibility that your dog has developed a case of worms. This would also make him feel itchy. If this is the case, the vet would identify which type of worms are involved and administer the appropriate worming medication.

Now to address the sideways walking issue. If your dog is favoring a particular side because one of his anal glands is irritated, it could cause him to sidetrack a bit. Are you seeing the sidetracking when he seems to feel the most irritation, or does it happen out of the blue? These are questions your vet will likely ask, so try to keep a few notes on when you see the symptoms to provide your vet with more information to go on. Also be sure to bring a stool sample to the appointment so your vet can do a worm check.

Thanks for your question, and I hope the problem is easily resolved. - posted by:Kelly

I won't kid you, this is a very serious situation. I do not think that your puppy fell asleep naturally. I believe that she lost consciousness. A dry mouth indicates a drastic level of dehydration. It is extremely important that you take her straight to vet without delay. This is an emergency, so go to the emergency vet clinic if your regular vet is unavailable.

You have my best wishes for your puppy's health. Please let us know what you find out. - posted by:Kelly

I'm sorry to hear how sick your old friend is. I'm not a vet, so I can't make a diagnosis. What I can tell you is that the vomiting, diarrhea and weakness indicates that your dog is going into dehydration. This puts stress on the internal organs and interferes with their functions. If left untreated, dehydration can lead to death. Senior dogs are especially fragile, so it's very important that you take your dog to your vet right away. The vet can administer medication to bring the diarrhea and vomiting under control and start your dog on IV fluids to help rehydrate him. Sometimes this support is enough to help the immune system fight a possible virus or bacterial infection that may be causing the problem. No doubt your vet will still want to run additional tests to try to pinpoint the cause of the illness.

The situation sounds very serious, so please call your vet right away. You have my very best wishes for your dog's full recovery. - posted by:Kelly

Keeping any kind of salve on a dog's nose is a real challenge. They can smell even the slightest trace scent, so they're naturally inclined to lick it off.

Now, it won't have any effect on the squamous cell carcinoma, but there is a product called Bag Balm that you might find useful. You can use it to create a protective layer over the damaged skin to help keep germs out and promote healing. The balm doesn't have a strong scent, but your dog will still know it's there. What I usually suggest is applying a thin layer, and then immediately giving your dog a tasty chew bone to distract him from the medication on his nose. Dogs naturally lick their noses a lot, so you'll probably need to reapply the balm several times a day, but it could help. At any rate, I don't think it would do any harm.

You can usually find Bag Balm at most feed stores. The product is often used on horses to heal nicks and fly bites, but it's useful for dogs too.

Thanks for your question, and I hope this suggestion proves helpful. Best wishes for your dog's health. - posted by:Kelly

I'm so sorry to hear about your situation. Right now, this is an emergency, so you should take your dog back to the vet right away. The sticky saliva is a sign of dangerous dehydration, and your dog needs IV fluids if he's going to have a chance to survive. The blood in both the stool and the saliva is likely a sign of internal bleeding, although I can't speculate on a cause. I can't impress too strongly the need for emergency veterinary care, so please take your dog right away. I truly hope he can recover. Please let us know what happens, and best wishes that your story has a happy ending. - posted by:Kelly

I'm not a vet, so I want you to take my thoughts with a grain of salt and follow up with your own vet. Your daughter's dog's symptoms seem to indicate some level of kidney failure. Think of the kidney as a filter. When the filter doesn't work properly, waste materials begin to circulate in the bloodstream. The body responds by increasing blood flow to the kidneys, and this in turn increases urine production. Since excessive urination can lead to dehydration, the dog experiences increased thirst and drinks more water than usual. Signs of further advanced kidney failure include a loss of appetite, but the most tell-tale sign of advanced kidney failure is bad breath due to the waste materials in the bloodstream.

Kidney failure is typically diagnosed by looking at the levels of two particular waste products in the bloodstream. One is the level of blood creatinine, and the other is blood urea nitrogen. Due to your dog's symptoms, I think it would be very worthwhile to have this blood panel done. If your dog is diagnosed with kidney failure, the vet may be able to treat it through diuresis; this is basically a flushing of the kidneys that can revive the organs' cells so they work again. A special diet may also be required to support kidney function, but all of this really depends on how advanced the condition might be.

Again, I'm not a vet and cannot diagnose your pet, so please make an appointment with your own vet right away. Thank you for your question, and best wishes for your dog's health. - posted by:Kelly

I can't be certain, but it sounds like your dog may have a stress injury. It's also possible that your dog could have a mild joint problem that may be causing intermittent problems. Sometimes a knee cap can slip a little out of place and cause a dog to stop using the leg for a short time until it slips back into place. Some dogs find this quite painful, others just seem to tolerate it. Hip problems can cause the same type of reaction, although they are far less common in Poms than knee problems.

Having the anal glands emptied can cause a bit of tenderness in the rear, but you wouldn't expect to see this affect the way the dog walks, especially if the procedure was done properly and didn't cause an injury. If there was an injury to the glands, you would likely see your dog worrying his behind in addition to any limping.

I think the best thing you can do is make an appointment for an exam with your vet. The vet will feel the leg to try to determine whether the ligament that holds the knee cap in place might be a bit misaligned. The vet might also want to follow up with an x-ray to get a better look at the entire leg in order to determine what's going on.

Thank you for your question, and be sure to let us know what you find out. Best wishes for your dog's health. - posted by:Kelly

I think your vet is the best person to help you figure out what happened to your dog's nose because he or she can see it in person to assess the damage. Just for my own thoughts, I wonder if your dog was rubbing it against something? Do you keep your puppy crated while you're away? Sometimes dogs will bite the crate bars, and the nose gets rubbed raw on the wires. Perhaps he rubbed it raw on any fencing you might have in your yard. Is there any possibility he could have had an unpleasant encounter with another dog or a wild animal? These are just a few things to consider.

For now, it would be a good idea to clean the wound with a mild soap and warm water. There's a product called Bag Balm that is sold at many feed supply stores and even some pharmacies. Apply a thin layer to form a barrier over the wound, and immediately offer your dog a biscuit to distact him from licking the salve back off his nose. This should keep it from getting infected until your vet can take a look at it.

Thanks for your question, and I hope this information proves helpful. - posted by:Kelly

I'm sorry to hear about the change in your Collie. I can't be certain about what's going on, but it seems like this could be due to a neurological issue like a stroke or tumor, or perhaps some trauma in the spinal cord near the neck area. A pinched nerve might make your dog reluctant to raise his head. Right now, the very best thing you can do is take your dog to the vet for an exam right away. The vet will likely want to take some X-rays and maybe even a brain scan to look for abnormalities, but it's going to take some testing to figure out what's going on.

As for the trip to the groomer, your dog's current condition may not be related since the onset didn't occur until a week later. However, do you know if they could have used a flea treatment on your dog? Many Collies are sensitive to some of these products (Milbemycin oxime and Ivermectin), and your dog could be building up a toxic reaction. This might be another avenue to explore. Be sure to include that info when you speak to your vet so he/she has all of your dog's most recent history. It may help provide a valuable clue that could lead to a diagnosis and treatment.

Thanks for your question, and I hope the vet can figure out the cause behind your dog's condition and set things right again. Keep us posted. - posted by:Kelly

That may seem like a simple question, but it's actually a very important one for many dog owners. Inadequate water intake can lead to mild dehydration which keeps the internal organs from operating at optimum levels. Inadequate water intake can also contirbute to the formation of urine crystals, aka kidney stones, so it's very important to keep pets hydrated.

For the most part, you can entice your dog to drink more by keeping the water bowl fresh. Some owners assume that they are fulfilling their pet's needs as long as there is water in the bowel, and that it doesn't need refilling until it has gone dry. However, water does take on a stale taste after a few hours. It can also contain bacterial growth that gives it an unpleasant taste. Ideally, a dog's water bowl should be changed about every two to three hours, It's also important to wash the bowl daily to remove scum build up on the bottom.

Now, let's move on to your dog's food. Most of us feed dry kibble that has a very low moisture content. Dry kibble is good for the teeth, so you don't want to eliminate it completely. However, it doesn't hurt to soak the kibble occasionally so it is softer and has a higher water content. You can also substitute low sodium broth for the water to create an even tastier meal.

In times of illness when your pet may not be taking in enough fluids, you can offer Pedialyte or low-sodium chicken broth to entice him to drink more.

So, there are several suggestions on ways to encourage your dog to drink more water. I hope you find them helpful. Thanks for a great question. :) - posted by:Kelly

I'm sorry to hear about your dog's dianosis. Let me try to shed a little more light on what this disease is and what would happen if you decided to discontinue treatment.

First of all, it's important to know that Addison's is chronic. The condition interferes with the adrenal glands' ability to produce certain hormones. There is no cure, but the condition is treatable. Your vet has likely prescribed Florinef (pills) and Percorten-V (the injection) to replace the missing hormones. Treatment is more frequent in the early stages in order to get a handle on the disease. Once it's under control, it's usually possible to back down a bit on the medications to maintain hormonal balance.

There is no cure for Addison's, but with continued treatment a dog can live a relatively normal life. However, if treatment is suddenly discontinued, the situation can become very grave. It would most likely cause a spike in potassium levels in the bloodstream and a serious drop in blood pressure. This can lead to shock and heart failure.

As you can see, it's crucial to continue with the medication regimen to preserve your dog's life. Thank you for your question, and best wishes for your dog's health. - posted by:Kelly

I can't say definitively what the problem is, but if your dog pulled a ham string, I think it would affect his movement. My first suspicion is that he might have an anal gland problem. Check his behind to gently feel for two pea-sized lumps on either side of his anus. If those lumps seem bigger, or at least one of them does, your dog may have an abscessed anal gland. If this is the case, it will burst at some point and this could cause even bigger problems.

The possibility of an anal gland infection plus the fact that your dog was recently neutered are two very good reasons to have your pet examined by your vet. There's an outside chance that the pain your dog feels when attempting to sit might be due to a surgical complication, so better to let your vet take a look at what's going on.

Thanks for your question, and I hope your dog is back to normal soon.

Follow Up

In case it helps anyone else, I wanted to follow-up on Sammy's condition. I took him to the vet, and while she first checked his anal glands, the source of his immobility is actually a broken tail discovered through x-rays. His course of treatment includes anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relievers.

Thanks again! Sarah

Hi Sarah,

I'm so glad the vet was able to diagnose the correct source of Sammy's problem. I hope he heals quickly. :) - posted by:Kelly

I really am sorry to hear about your dog's condition. I know it's a devastating feeling to want to help your pet and not know what to do next. It sounds as though you have been very dedicated to getting your dog the care he needs.

Aside from the medication, has your vet searched for a neurological cause for the seizures? Most of the time they are spontaneous, but they can be caused by brain tumors in some instances. If your vet hasn't checked for this, it might be worth taking a look.

Beyond that, it sounds as though you've done all you can, and it may be time to begin evaluating your dog's quality of life. The situation must be exhausting for both of you, and there's nothing wrong about discussing bringing it to a compassionate end with your vet. This doesn't mean you have to take immediate action, and you don't have to do anything until you're sure that it's the right course of action. Just know that it's an option that many loving pet owners have chosen in similar situations.

I wish there was more I could do for you. Thank you for sharing your situation, and you have my very best wishes for your dog's health. - posted by:Kelly

I'm so sorry to hear about what your little Chi has been going through. Have you reported to the vet that your dog hasn't improved since passing the original blockage? There's a possibility that she may still be a bit blocked, so it's worth another look.

Additionally, sometimes a dog that has gone off food for a while will have difficulty eating again. The digestive system sort of shuts down and the dog has no appetite. It's important that you find a way to revive your dog's appetite. You can start by putting some Nutrical on her tongue several times a day. This is a nutritional suppliment that should help her begin to feel better. You can usually find it at PetCo. You can also tempt her with some home cooked food. Try boiling some boneless chicken with some brown rice, and offer it to her warm (not hot). Most dogs find this irresistible, so hopefully your dog will also. If you can get her to eat several small meals per day, you may help her digestive tract return to normal function.

Thanks you for your question, and I hope your pet makes a full recovery. - posted by:Kelly

I'm sorry to hear about what's been happening to your puppy. My first thought is that this sounds like a neurological problem. Although it doesn't sound like a typical seizure, it could be a psychomotor seizure. This type of seizure produces various odd behaviors rather than the full shaking of a regular seizure.

Dachshunds are also susceptible to Intervertebral Degenerative Disc Disease (IVDD). This can cause pinched nerves and affect a dog's movement, and given your dog's heritage, it might be worth having your vet investigate. Still, I think seizures are a more likely candidate.

The best thing you can do is keep notes on when your dog has these episodes. Note when they start, the exact behavior you see, and how long the episode lasts. This will give your vet a better picture of what's going on. Hopefully, this will lead to a quicker diagnosis and treatment plan.

Thanks for your question, and please let us know what you find out. - posted by:Kelly

Blood in the stools can be caused by many things, including a bowel infection, worm infestation, eating inappropriate items and more serious illnesses.

Vets usually look at the color of the blood to help them determine where it's coming from. If the blood is bright red, it's coming from the lower intestinal tract. If it is dark and the stool looks like tar, the bleeding is located somewhere along the upper tract.

Once it's established which end the blood is originating from, vets begin asking about any secondary symptoms you may have noticed. For example, does your dog strain to pass a stool? Has he vomited or showed any signs of stomach distress? These are the kinds of questions you'll be asked, so begin taking notes of anything unusual you notice about your dog, and call to make an appointment. Be sure to bring a fresh stool sample with you to the exam because it will be important for reaching an accurate diagnosis.

Thanks for your question, and I hope your dog's condition is something that is easily remedied. - posted by:Kelly

I'm so sorry to hear about your little Yorkie's plight. It sounds as though the gum disease was well under way when you received her.

As for what to feed, you'll need to experiment to see what works for her. If the extractions are very recent, you'll want to offer soft food until her gums have fully healed. You can swab her gums gently with a moist cloth to remove any debris.

Once the gums are fully healed, you may be able to offer a combination of small kibble and canned food. She could still crunch kibble if her back teeth are still present. The trick is to watch how she eats to gauge how much trouble she has. You'll also want to watch her weight closely to make sure she doesn't lose any. If necessary, you can keep her solely on canned food.

Finally, you really should make it a routine to brush your dog's teeth once a day in an effort to stave off further bouts of gum disease. Keep in mind that the bacteria from gum infections can also infect the heart muscle, so it's important to do all you can to protect your pet.

Thanks for your question, and best wishes for your Yorkie's future health. - posted by:Kelly

Heart murmurs are defined as belonging to six different grades. The lowest, grades one and two, are usually not too serious. In fact, some dogs in this grade are never even diagnosed because the murmur is so faint it's difficult to hear. Grades three through six generally present greater problems and usually require medication and possible surgery for treatment.

You would need to ask your vet in which grade your dog's murmur falls to understand what you're up against. My thought is that the vet wasn't very worried about what she heard, and the advice she gave you was based on the signs to watch for should the condition worsen. Typically, a vet will ask to do further testing if he/she feels the murmur might be a serious one that will affect the dog's future health and activity levels.

I highly encourage you to call your vet again and discuss her findings a little more thoroughly. She may be able to set your mind at ease.

Thanks for sharing your situation, and wish you and your puppy a long and happy life together. - posted by:Kelly

It will take your vet's expertise to properly diagnose the problem with your dog's front legs and paws, but I can share my thoughts with you.

The symptoms you describe sound a bit like a condition called panosteitis. Pano causes inflammation in the bones of the legs, and it can lead to temporary lameness. The condition does go away on it's own, and treatment is usually limited to pain medication to help a dog get through the worst of it.

Now, pano usually only affects growing puppies between the ages of five months to one year old, but there are rare cases of it flaring up in mature dogs. As stated, the condition is often painful, but you mention that your own dog doesn't appear to be in any pain. Additionally, I couldn't find a source that lists swollen pads as part of the condition, so that symptom might be secondary and caused by your dog licking his feet.

Although it's not highly likely that your seven-year-old dog has pano, it is possible he's suffering from another orthopedic condition that is affecting use of his front legs. The very best thing you can do is make an appointment to have him examined by your vet. The vet can take x-rays to look for abnormalities in the bones, as well as blood tests to check for other obvious clues. Hopefully this exam will turn up a cause for the lameness or at least give your vet a direction to pursue a diagnosis.

Thank you for your question, and best wishes for your dog's quick recovery. - posted by:Kelly

I'm sorry to hear about your dog's eye problem. From what you describe, it seems irritated, and that dullness you describe could be a sign that an ulceration if forming. The best thing you can do is take your pet to the vet and let him/her examine that eye under magnification. There's a possibility the cornea was injured somehow, but inner eyelashes can also cause the type of irritation you describe and may need to be removed. Whatever the cause, the vet can either prescribe soothing drops to promote healing or look at more concrete options for restoring the eye to health.

I'm not sure whether the Benadryl is playing a role in the problem since the other eye isn't affected. However, it's not a good idea to keep your dog on Benadryl every day. Since you don't have a flea problem at the moment, you should try to give the Benadryl a rest. Do be sure, though, to let your vet know how much you've been giving your dog each night, just in case the information proves useful.

Thanks for your question, and I hope you dog's eye is back to normal soon. - posted by:Kelly

Yes, you are correct that there are six grades of heart murmur. Levels one and two are fairly minor, and often cause little problem over the course of a dog's life. However, there is a possibility that a murmur can grow worse as a dog ages. In my opinion, you need to consider whether you could provide the kind of medical care your dog would need should her own grade of murmur eventually progress. This may never happen, but it is something you should really think about in case it does.

I think the best thing you can do is pay a visit to the vet the breeder uses, and ask for more information about this puppy's prognosis. The vet may be able to set your mind at ease, and at least you would be fully informed before making a final decision.

Thanks for your question, and I hope the news you receive is good news. - posted by:Kelly

This is really an issue you should bring to your vet's attention. Just to make sure we're talking about the same thing, regurgitation involves food that never makes it to the stomach, and comes back up looking undigested. Vomit comes from the stomach and is made of partially digested food.

That said, repeated incidents of regurgitation are usually linked to a malfunction of the esophagus. One such condition is called megaesophagus. The organ looses it's tone and one or more wider pockets develop along the track. Swallowing becomes more difficult, and the food tends to accumulate in one of these pockets until the dog finally regurgitates it.

You should make an appointment to have your dog examined right away, and take in a sample of regurgitation if possible. If your dog does indeed have megaesophagus, your vet will want to follow up with a check for Canine Myasthenia Gravis since these two conditions often go together.

That's as much information as I can offer for now, but please let us know what you find out from your vet. Best wishes for your dog's health. - posted by:Kelly

It's possible that what you describe your dog doing is something commonly referred to as reverse sneezing. It's not actually sneezing, it's more of a spasm of the soft palate, and Chihuahuas and other small dogs seem especially prone to it. When this happens, it's usually helpful if you can get your dog to swallow. Try covering his nose so he has to open his mouth. He'll automatically begin licking your hand and this will also cause him to swallow. It may take a couple of tries to end the spasm, but this usually works.

As for the nose rubbing and itchy ears, it's possible that your dog has some sort of food or envirnmental allergy. The ear itching could also be caused by ear mites. All things considered, it would be a good idea to bring all three issues to your vet's attention and have your dog examined. Environmental allergies are thought to be linked to the spasms in some cases, so an exam could be of real value to your dog.

Thanks for your questions, and I hope the vet can provide your dog with some relief. Best wishes. - posted by:Kelly

Although any growth inside your dog's mouth should be regarded with suspicion, this doesn't necessarily mean your dog has cancer. Some growths are benign, meaning non-cancerous. Such growths tend to have well-defined edges, and they do not spread to other areas. However, there are approximately four types of malignant growths that progress at various rates. The growth appear to spread out as they invade more tissue. A vet who is used to dealing with mouth cancer in dogs can usually get a good idea if a growth might be malignant just from the way it looks, but a follow up biopsy is usually needed to know for sure.

All of that said, even benign growths are usually removed because they can continue to grow and obstruct the dog from eating and breathing. It's a good thing that you've been so observant. It's much easier to remove a small growth than a larger one. That said, you'll want to make an appointment with your vet right away. Hopefully this will just be a benign growth that is easily dealt with.

Thanks for sharing your situation, and you have my best wishes for your dog's health. Please keep us posted. - posted by:Kelly

White gums coupled with shaking are serious signs that your dog is having a medical emergency, but I honestly can't say exactly what that emergency might be. Pale gums often indicate shock, a condition that can be fatal if left untreated. The very best advice I can give you is to take your dog to the vet right away. The earlier you get treatment for your pet, the better the chance of recovery.

Best wishes for your dog's health. - posted by:Kelly

I really can't be certain, but what you're describing sounds very much like a seizure. A single seizure wouldn't go on for several hours, but a series of cluster seizures could last this long.

We have two articles that I think you might find helpful for explaining exactly what a seizure is and how to care for your dog in the aftermath. There are specific tips about how to help your dog regain proper blood sugar levels to stave off seizure clusters.

• Canine Seizures
• Canine Epilepsy

You can read these articles and see if your dog's symptoms seem to match. Honestly, your vet will need to investigate further to get a proper diagnosis, but it might be helpful if you can video tape your dog during one of the episodes so the vet can see exactly what's happening.

Thank you for sharing your situation, and best wishes for your dog's health. - posted by:Kelly

Yes, powdered garlic does seem to help prevent intestinal worm infestations and repel fleas. I've also recently learned that powdered pumpkin seeds, available at many health food stores, are also somewhat effective for worm prevention.

That said, these foods may not be as effective for preventing heartworms. For that, you may want to try a specific holistic remedy for heartworm prevention. HolisticPetInfo.com offers a preventative called Parasite Dr. I haven't used this product on my own dogs, so I suggest you talk about it with your own vet first.

If you decide that herbal/holistic is the way to go, you should still take your dog in for regular heartworm checks and stool checks to be sure whether these preventatives are doing a good job.

Thanks for your questions. :) - posted by:Kelly

I truly hope your doesn't have rabies, but here are the signs vets look for. Rabies has a wide variety of symptoms that seem to come in stages. Lethargy, fevers and irritability generally mark the first stage of the virus. Disorientation, fear and aggression are common in the second stage. Foaming at the mouth and paralysis are the most common symptoms of the third and final stage that ends in death.

All of that said, rabies is an extremely dangerous virus, and it is transferable to humans. If you have good reason to suspect your dog has been exposed to rabies, it's important to contact your vet right away. Your dog will need to be quarantined to watch for the symptoms.

Thanks for your question, and you have my very best wishes for your dog's health. - posted by:Kelly

I'm sorry to hear your Dachshund isn't feeling well. How long has your dog been off his food? If he's only been off it for a day or so, he may just have a temporary digestive upset. Does he still have normal bowel movements, or have those stopped too? Most importantly, is your dog drinking any water?

It's always wise to be concerned when a dog shows a definite change in habits because this could be the first sign of an illness. The best thing you can do is give your vet a call to tell him/her what's going on. Depending on how long your dog hasn't been eating, as well as the other questions I posed above, the vet will likely want you to bring him in for an exam. The vet will check for any obvious signs of distress as well as any obstructions that might interfere with your dog's digestion in order to gather clues about his sudden refusal to eat.

Thank you for sharing your situation, and I hope your little Doxie is feeling better very soon. - posted by:Kelly

I'm so sorry to hear your old friend is experiencing seizures. By keeping your dog at the clinic, your vet is attempting to normalize your dog's blood sugar level to put an end to those repeat seizures. Part of the reason your dog is drowsy is that your vet is likely administering phenobarbital to bring the seizures under control. This is a common way to deal with most causes of seizures, including epilepsy.

Right now, the hospital really is the best place for your dog, so let the vet keep him if he feels it's necessary. Hopefully this gives the vet enough time to figure out the correct dosage of phenobarbitol to help your pet.

In the meantime, I have two articles that explain what happens when a dog has a seizure, as well as home remedies you might find helpful if your dog has a relapse once home.

• Canine Epilepsy
• Canine Seizures

I hope your find this info useful, and do let us know what you find out about your dog. You have my best wishes for his full recovery. - posted by:Kelly

I'm sorry to hear about the problem your Rottie pup is having. You will need to have your vet examine him in person to get a truly accurate diagnosis, but it's possible your pup's foot problem could be related to an orthopedic problem called Carpal Sublaxation Syndrome. Dogs with this condition are often referred to as being "down in the pasterns". The pastern is akin to the human wrist in the front legs or the ankle in the rear legs. This would make it look like your puppy was walking on his wrists, and this would make the feet appear to drag and flop. Does this sound like what you have witnessed?

If this is the case, your vet will decide how to best treat the problem. There seems to be some debate over whether this is a genetic problem or a developmental/nutritional problem. To be honest, it's probably a bit of both. Pastern problems are most typically encountered in young large breed puppies during periods of rapid growth. A pup that carries a bit too much weight may actually put too much stress on the joints, leading to a temporary or sometimes permanent breakdown.

Treatments for this problem often include modifying the pup's diet, administering joint supplements and keeping him off especially hard or slippery surfaces. The condition often improves with care and time, but for some dogs the problem remains permanently.

As you can see, there is good reason to consult your vet about this problem in order to figure out the best way to proceed. Hopefully your puppy's condition can be easily reversed and his development will continue normally.

Thank you for your question, and best wishes for your puppy's health. - posted by:Kelly

I'm sorry to hear how sick your dog is. Only a vet can make a diagnosis, but this illness does sound serious. It sounds like the paralysis in your dog's rear quarter is progressive. This could be a case of diabetic neuropathy, but your vet would need to run tests to check for that. What concerns me the most right now is the fact that your dog isn't eating or drinking anymore. This will lead to a much weaker condition, but it will also become very dangerous if dehydration sets in. The fact that your dog has only urinated twice in the last two days may indicate dehydration already. While I am not qualified to diagnose your dog's illness, I do want to urge you to take your dog to the vet right away before her condition becomes irreversible.

Please accept my very best wishes for your dog's health, and I do hope the vet is able to help her recover. - posted by:Kelly

I'm sorry to hear your puppy is feeling a little under the weather. Honestly, watery itch eyes are usually a sign of an allergy. They're sometimes also associated with a respiratory infection or the kennel cough virus. That's not to say your pup doesn't have worms, but this isn't a typical symptom of that condition. I recommend you have your vet examine your puppy to find out the source of the irritation and if it can be treated. While you're going, be sure to bring along a stool sample in a plastic bag for analysis. A routine worm check is always worth doing.

Thanks for your question, and I hope you enjoy the site. :) - posted by:Kelly

It truly sounds like your dog is having a reaction to the medication based on the shaking and drooling. Usually a bath is sufficient to strip the medication from the skin, but since your dog had the preventative on overnight, it may take some help from your vet to ease the situation. I think your best option is to call your vet, explain what happened and bring the package from the flea preventative with you to the appointment. This way your vet will know the exact active ingredient he/she is dealing with.

Thank you for sharing your question, and I do hope your dog is back to normal very soon. - posted by:Kelly

I'm so sorry to hear how ill your dog is. Unfortunately, I am not a vet, so the help I can offer is limited.

It seems the place to begin is finding out exactly what kind of tests your vet did on your dog. Blood tests should have been ordered at the minimum. I think it would also be useful to perform a sonogram of the entire abdominal region to look for anything unusual such as a growth or another enlarged organ. I don't want to alarm you unecessarily, but stomach cancer often goes completely undetected until it's too late for treatment, so it's worth a specific look.

As for the milk, it causes a digestive distubance in many dogs. If you want to give it a try, I recommend using goat's milk instead of cow's milk. It's easier for dogs to digest.

Whatever is going on, it's apparent that the illness is very serious. It may be necessary to hospitalize your dog to provide vital support while your vet digs in to find the cause. You are your dog's strongest advocate, so call the vet and insist on probing further.

Thank you for sharing your situation in this difficult time. I will keep your dog in my thoughts. Let us know if you find out anything. - posted by:Kelly

This is a great question. It seems that dogs can detect undigested food within the stools, so to them it's still a food source and they go ahead and eat it.

That's the simple answer, but the follow up question would be how to stop dogs from eating their stools. This can be done by mixing a digestive enzyme into a dog's food and letting it sit for about 15 minutes before serving. This should help break down the nutrients so the dog can thoroughly digest them, making the resulting stools less desirable. You can purchase such an enzyme from a dog supply company like Doctors Foster and Smith, but meat tenderizer from the grocery store also works well. You may need to weigh the dog food and compare it to label instructions to find out how much you need to use. Your vet may also have a recommendation.

Thanks for your question, and I hope you find this info useful. Be sure to take some time to explore the site. There's a lot more useful info here. :) - posted by:Kelly

It is very important that you consult with your vet about any human medication you want to give your dog. Some vets have begun trying Claritin out for dogs, but you have to be very careful with the dosage or there could be serious consequences.

I'd like to refer you to our article on Canine Dosage of Claritin. It explains why you should use regular Claritin and not Claritin D. Some of our visitors have begun leaving comments about the dosages their vets are recommending for their dogs' weights, but I would not depend on anecdotal information in this instance. The best course of action is to consult your own vet for the proper dosage.

Thanks for your question. :) - posted by:Kelly

So far, it sounds as though your vet is pursuing the right steps to diagnose the problem. There are many things that can cause nose bleeds, and I'm not sure which additional tests your vet ran in addition to the blood test to check for clotting disorders. However, the sneezing and excessive mucous production might indicate that there is a foreign body in your dog's nasal cavity. This is probably what your vet wants to check with an X-ray, but a nasal scoping might be just as effective. I would go ahead and let him do it. I actually had a Poodle that displayed the same symptoms except for the bleeding, and we couldn't figure out why. This went on for two days and suddenly there was the tip of a blade of grass sticking out of the end of her nostril. My husband pulled it out and it was covered in mucous. The dog was immediately better with no further complications. It just goes to show that odd things like this can happen, and hopefully your own dog's problem will turn out to be no more serious than this.

I hope you find this info helpful, and please let us know what you do eventually find out. - posted by:Kelly

Let's address the possible food allergy issue first. Simply switching from one brand to another usually isn't sufficient to analize a food allergy. This is because a dog could be allergic to a single component that might be found in many brands. If you suspect a food allergy, you really need to isolate which food(s) might cause the skin reaction.

As for the seizures, which we'll call them for now, it might be useful for your vet to order a brain scan to take a look at what's going on neurologically. Sometimes tumors will cause the same kind of reactions, and it's possible that a growth could be pressing on a portion of the brain that deals with light sensitivity, hence the trigger.

As you can see, it really will take a qualified veterinarian to help you sort out what's happening to your dog. I recommend you make an appointment to at least discuss the situation and get your vet's opinion on how to proceed.

Please let us know what you find out, and best wishes for your dog's health. - posted by:Kelly

First, let's talk about the food allergies. Has your vet actually diagnosed this problem, or have you made the diagnosis based on what you observe from your dog. If you haven't brought this particular issue to your vet's attention, now is the time to do it. The itching could be food related so it's worth isolating the food sources that might be behind it. Your vet can help you do this with skin testing.

Now for the biting at invisible bugs. I am not a vet myself, but this does sound as though your dog might be having psychomotor seizures. These kinds of seizures are quite different from the average seizure that causes a dog to have rapid leg and head movements. Psychomotor seizures present as odd behavior ticks that are repeated a number of times during an episode. Some dogs walk in circles, other ram themselves into a wall repeatedly. The behaviors can be quite astonishing. I think it is really worth exploring this possibility with your vet. Be sure to let the vet know that light seems to trigger the episodes. If this is indeed what's going on, your vet may be able to control the seizures with phenobarbitol.

Thanks for your questions, and I hope these suggestions put you on track to a solution. Good luck. - posted by:Kelly

It sounds as though your dog is experiencing some constipation. Sometimes it is helpful to add some plain canned pumpkin to a dog's diet to help move things along. The pumpkin is a good source of insoluable fiber, and the bulk helps push the stool out.

You can add a spoonful to your dog's dinner, but withhold the treats so he will eat his kibble. If this doesn't work within a few days or your dog begins to show more signs of distress, contact your vet right away.

Thanks for your question, and best wishes that your dog is feeling better soon. - posted by:Kelly

There is a lot of debate about whether to vaccinate for leptospirisis. First of all, this vaccine seems to cause the largest amount of reactions, as you've already experienced.

The second argument involves how effective the vaccine actually is. There are numerous strains of the leptospirosis bacteria, yet there are only vaccines that cover four of those strains individually. This means that your dog could be vaccinated against one type of lepto, yet still be infected with another and need to go through treatment anyway. When you couple the efficacy of the vaccine weighed against the rate of adverse reactions, many owners wonder whether to vaccinate against this disease at all.

Since your dog does travel in areas where he is more likely to be exposed to one strain or another of lepto, vaccinating is a reasonable choice. However, you should still take all of this information into consideration before making the choice whether to continue with the vaccination booster. My advice is to let your vet know about the reaction your dog had, and then decide together if it is safe to give him future boosters.

Thanks for your question, and I hope this information was helpful to you. - posted by:Kelly

I'm not a vet, but it does sound like your dog's urine is very concentrated. This, along with her distended abdomen, might indicate a sever urinary tract infection or some type of kidney problem. The best advice I can offer is to take your dog to the vet right away. The fact that her breathing is now affected indicates the problem has become quite serious, and she needs immediate attention.

Thanks for your question, and I do hope everything will be alright. - posted by:Kelly

Thanks for letting us know how your dog is. I'm so happy the news was good. Good luck with the surgery. :) - posted by:Kelly

I think the best advice I can give you is to book an appointment with your vet first to have these growths examined. Your vet should be able to get an idea of whether the growth could be malignant from its shape. If the vet suspects a malignancy, he/she will most likely want to have it biopsied to be sure. Depending on the results, you may be referred to a surgeon.

I know it will be difficult, but try to take this process one step at a time. Leave the medical issues up to the vets, and try to concentrate on daily life with your dog. Otherwise you might make yourself sick with worry, and that won't help you or your dog. There's still a chance these growths could turn out to be benign, so try to keep that in mind for now. If they're not, your vet will advise you about the treatment options. Sometime surgery is the best option, other times radiation, chemo or a combination of these treatments is used. It all depends on the type and location of the growth.

Thank you for sharing your situation with us, and please let us know what you find out.

- posted by:Kelly

First let me say how sorry I am to hear about your dog's diagnosis. This is going to be a big adjustment for you both, and I think this is the root of your dog's personality change.

Right now, his world is dimming, and this would naturally cause some anxiety. My feeling is that in time your dog will begin acting a bit more like his normal self, but he will never be quite as carefree or rambunctious. In a word, things are going to be different, but that doesn't mean they won't be good.

You can help your dog regain some confidence by keeping his environment stable. Always keep his food and water bowls in the same spot. Likewise with his bed. You should also avoid making significant changes to your furniture placement. Your dog is going to begin relying on memory to help him navigate.

Here is a book you might find helpful for dealing with your new situation. You may want to check your library first rather than purchase it.

Living With Blind Dogs: A Resource Book and Training Guide for the Owners of Blind and Low Vision Dogs by Caroline D. Levin RN

It really seems to cover the issue from every angle.

Thank you for sharing your situation, and I do hope that this adjustment goes as smoothly as it possibly can. Best wishes. - posted by:Kelly

I'm not a vet, but this sounds like your dog may either have a bad urinary tract infection or more likely a kidney stone blocking the urethra. This prevents the release of urine. The bladder begins to fill up like a balloon, and the toxins are absorbed back into the bloodstream. The condition is very painful and most likely will be fatal if an affected dog doesn't receive medical care immediately.

Since you can't be certain which type of ailment your dog has, it would be best to take her to the vet as soon as possible. I truly hope she will recover quickly.

Thanks for your question, and best wishes. - posted by:Kelly

I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your puppy, as well as your other pup's illness.

I'm not a vet, so I did some searching about ascities, and as far as I could find, it hasn't been directly linked to vaccinations or heartworm medications. I did find a website that gave good information about ascities, including causes and treatments of the condition. I hope this info will help you in the fight to save your remaining pup.

• PetPlace.com

Best wishes for your puppy's recovery. - posted by:Kelly

I'm so sorry to hear about your dog's tumor. I commend you for having done everything you possibly could to help him, but it sounds as though your vet feels there is nothing more to be done.

It is very difficult to know when the time has come to say good-bye. You know your dog better than anyone, and if you pay close attention, you'll pick up on the cues that your dog is in significant pain. Refusing to eat anything but soft food is an indication that his jaw bothers him. I think that when he refuses to eat all will be the time to consider ending his suffering.

If it helps, you might want to keep a diary of your dog's daily habits, especially his activity level and eating habits. This way, you'll be able to compare each day's records and see when the real decline begins. This may help reassure you that you're doing the right thing when the time truly comes.

Thank you for your question, and I hope that this advice is helpful to you. Best wishes during this difficult time. - posted by:Kelly

I'm sorry to hear that this dog you have so kindly taken in has become so deperately ill. I'm not a vet, so I can't really say whether this might be a case of rabies, but I do believe that the situation is serious enough that your dog might die if he doesn't receive veterinary care right away. During dehydration, the the tongue and throat tend to swell, making it very difficult to swallow, and this might be why you dog can no longer take water by mouth. The vet can test him for rabies or any particular illness these symtoms might indicate. The vet will likely also want to start the dog on an IV to replace his fluids and reverse the dehydration if it isn't too late.

Time is of the essence right now, so please try to take your dog to the vet right away. You have my very best wishes for his recovery, and thank you for your question. - posted by:Kelly

Yes I believe this is something your vet should be informed about. A bladder infection might make your dog feel like she has to go even after she has emptied out. On the other hand, a kidney stone could cause a blockage that prevents your dog from emptying her bladder, and this could lead to a dangerous situation. Whatever might be the cause, this definitely isn't normal, so make an appointment with your vet right away. - posted by:Debbie Vasen

It sounds as though this could be seizure activity. A seizure is a bit like an electrical storm in the brain that triggers random, rapid muscle movements. It can present as the shaking and drooling you've already observed. Further symptoms depend on which parts of the brain are being affected.

Seizures can be caused by many things, including metabolic changes, ingestion of toxic substances, etc. Your vet can help you figure exactly what is going on, and there is medication that can help control seizures if this is indeed what your dog experienced.

In the meantime, I have a couple of articles that will provide more info and give you tips on how to care for your dog in the aftermath of a seizure.

• Canine Epilepsy
• Canine Seizures

Thanks for your question, and best wishes for your dog's health. - posted by:Kelly

Our article Cushing's Disease in Dogs will give you a good start in researching this disease. Thanks for your question. - posted by:Kelly

I'm so sorry to her about your predicament. When dogs feel very sick they will sometime try to crawl into a small, out of the way place. It might be a good idea to search places like under the porch or crawl space, in any holes (like those belonging to woodchucks), under a garden shed, etc.

It's also possible he may have wound up in a neighbor's yard and been taken in by someone who realized he seemed sick. You could also try calling your local humane society/shelter and vets to see if your dog was brought in. Hopefully you will still find your pet alive, so don't give up hope yet.

Thanks for sharing your situation, and please let us know if you find him. - posted by:Kelly

I'm sorry to hear that your puppy is having this kind of problem so early in life. The symptoms you describe do often go along with hip and elbow dysplasia, but there are other things that could cause joint pain and stiffness. This could turn out to be attributed to your puppy's rapid growth, otherwise referred to as growing pains, and he could grow out of it.

I'm glad you're going to have the vet examine your puppy. Although he is too young for OFA x-rays and certification, the vet should be able to determine if there is some sort of abnormality in the joint. If it does eventually turn out that your puppy has dysplasia, his quality of life will largely depend on just how deteriorated the joint is. An OFA rating of "fair" can still be managed with some pain medication and joint supplements. Anything less than "fair" presents a major problem. That said, there are things owners can do to make a dysplastic pet feel more comfortable. An orthopedic bed relieves stress on the joints when a dog is laying down. A set of doggie stairs makes it easier for your pet to get up and down from furniture, if this is something you normally allow. It's really a matter of looking at things from the dog's point of view and figuring out how to make life easier.

For now, let's leave the diagnosis up to the vet and find out what her recommendations are. Hopefully this will only be a passing problem, but if it's not, don't be afraid to ask your vet all the questions you can think of so you'll have a clear idea of the challenges your pet may face.

Best wishes that things work out alright. - posted by:Kelly

I'm so sorry to hear about your senior pet's health problems. Many of us struggle with the high cost of veterinary care, and it's a very difficult position to be in when a beloved pet needs treatment. Have you discussed making payment arrangements to cover any bill you may incur? Some vets will do this for an established client. If your vet is unwilling, perhaps your local Humane Society can help.

As for Buddy's condition, it sounds as though he at least has arthritis in his hip, and possibly Canine Hip Dysplasia. A glucosamine and chondroiten supplement can help, but it takes time to build up in the system, as much as several months, before you'll see any relief. In the meantime, I'd at least ask your vet to recommend which over-the-counter pain reliever would be safe to give your dog, as well as what the proper dosage would be for his weight.

The pain around your dog's head also concerns me. He may have an ear infection, and this is something your vet would need to treat because it may require antibiotics. You could attempt to clean out your dog's ears yourself using a cotton ball dipped in a commercial ear cleaning solution found at any pet supply. This might bring some relief, but if the infection is deep in the canal, the vet will need to flush it clean before administering medication.

Thanks for your questions, and I truly hope you are able to get your dog the help he needs. Please give Buddy a soft hug from me. - posted by:Kelly

Raw dough is dangerous for dogs because it begins to expand in the warmth of your dog's tummy. This can lead to painful bloating and it does pose some danger for your dog. My best advice is is to call your vet right away in case he/she wants you to bring your dog in. Your vet will examine your dog's abdomen for distention, and may want to use ultrasound to gauge just how much dough is in there before deciding on the next step. Hopefully your dog didn't get as much as think he may have.

Thanks for your question, and I hope this episode passes safely and quickly. - posted by:Kelly

I'm sorry to hear your dog was attacked. Although it's possible that the animal had rabies, it's not definite so I don't want you to be too worried about that just yet.

First let me ask, has your dog had its annual rabies shot? If so, she most likely won't contract the disease. Additionally, it takes about 90 days for the rabies virus to incubate in your dog's muscle tissue before you would begin to notice any signs of the disease.

Right now, your dog might be suffering from a bacterial infection from the bites, so you should still take her to the vet immediately. She must be feeling very low to go off food and water. Your vet will check her entire body to locate each bite, and clean the wounds. If they look infected, the vet will also prescribe a round of antibiotics. This will give you an opportunity to describe the dog you think might have been mad from rabies. Your vet will then offer advice on how to proceed with the situation.

Thanks for your question, and I hope your dog will be alright very soon. - posted by:Kelly

Although this situation will likely require veterinary care, I don't think it has reached the emergency stage yet. Is there any chance your bitch is in season? If so, this could account for the ocassional blood you're seeing in her urine. If she's not in heat, it sounds like your bitch might have a serious bladder or kidney infection, and this could also explain the intermittant blood you've observed.

I'm glad that you already have an appointment. Treatment becomes more difficult the longer it is delayed. Thanks ofr your question, and I hope your bitch is back to normal very soon. - posted by:Kelly

This is a tricky situation. Let me tell you how many reputable breeders handle health guarantees and then you can compare your situation.

• Before a puppy goes to its new owner, it receives a vet check to make sure there are no recognizable health defects, as well as its first set of shots. This is the bare minimum any responsible breeder should do before selling a puppy.
• Most reputable breeders also give a written health guarantee that stipulates the puppy must be checked out by the buyer's vet within 48 hours (extra time given over weekends) to re-establish that the puppy isn't ill or defective at the time of sale. If the puppy has a health issue, the buyer can return the puppy for a refund. Handling things this quickly lessens some of the heartache experienced when longer attachments are formed.
• The health guarantee may also state that a replacement puppy will be given (as available) if the dog turns out to have a genetic defect that wasn't fully able to be detected at the point of sale. This varies from one breeder to the next, and some breeders do not offer replacements.

Replacement puppies are often given in these situations, and while most breeders also let you keep the original puppy, some do stipulate that the dog has to be returned to them.

Some breeders might even offer a refund for the sick puppy and allow you to keep it, it just depends how committed the breeder is to standing behind his/her breeding line and reputation.

To sum it up, yes, this a fairly normal practice, but not the ideal way to handle the situation. This situation illustrates why it's so important for buyers to get some kind of health record and written guarantee before purchasing a puppy. Ask lots of questions about what the breeders is or isn't willing to do in the event the puppy turns out to have a health condition, and if there are any time limitations on the agreement. Always get it in writing so you are both clear about terms and expectations.

Thanks for your question, and please accept my best wishes for your dog's health. I hope you're able to resolve the situation. - posted by:Kelly

I'm sorry to hear about this dog's sad story, but thank goodness she is out of a bad situation and finally receiving food and medical attention.

I'm not a vet, but I don't really think the bloody stools are necessarily life threatening. This dog could simply have a bad case of worms that is resisting treatment, but it should clear up eventually if this is the actual problem. Bloody stools can also be a sign of a bowel infection. This condition is also treatable with antibiotics, although it might take some time to clear.

My best advice would be to ask the shelter for the attending vet's name and number so you can speak to him or her directly. This way you can get the information about this dog's medical problems first hand. You'll be able to make an informed decision about whether you'll be able to provide the kind of care this dog will need to fully recover from her abusive situation.

Thank you for your question, and I hope I haven't dissuaded you from considering this dog for adoption. Animals that have suffered the kind of abuse you describe often have these kind of infections when they enter the shelter. Once everything is cleared up, this dog could turn out to be a wonderful companion, and I'm sure she could use the love and care of a kind person such as yourself.

Best wishes that everything turns out well and that you can soon bring this dog home. - posted by:Kelly

Frequently vomiting bile as your dog has been doing can be an indication of fatty liver disease. That said, under no circumstances would this frequency of vomiting be considered normal, so I think it would be best to ask your vet to examine your dog as soon as possible. This way you'll know exactly what you're dealing with, and possibly whether a change in diet is in order.

Thanks for your question, and I hope the vet is able to get the vomiting under control. - posted by:Kelly

First of all, I want to commend the breeder for his/her honesty in being forthright about finding the murmur. Not all breeders are this ethical. It is also encouraging that the breeder is willing to forego the fee and give you this dog if you still want him. This shows that the dog's best interests are this breeder's first concern.

That said, murmurs are graded on a scale of one to six with six being the worst. A two is fairly low on the scale, and will most likely only require some medication to keep the problem in check. What I recommend is that you talk to the vet that actually examined this puppy to understand exactly what his condition is, and what this vet feels will be necessary to care for him in the future. This way you can make an informed decision on whether you will be able to provide the kind of care this pup will need as he grows.

That said, I would never think it was a foolish decision if you decide to bring this dog into your family. It would actually be a very generous decision, and one that not every potential owner would commit to. That you're still considering this pup shows that you have a good heart. If this is truly the dog for you, I think you'll know it after talking to the vet.

Thanks for your question, and I truly hope that this works out for you and the puppy. - posted by:Kelly

I'm sorry to hear your dog is having this difficulty. I can't determine what has caused the megaesophagus in your dog's case, but a condition called Canine Myasthenia Gravis is sometimes the cause.

CMG impairs the communications between the nerves and muscles in a dog's throat among other things. Since megaesophagus and CMG are so often related, your vet may want to perform a follow up test to see if this is the cause of your dog's condition.

The good news is that the condition is treatable, and corticosteroids often bring some improvement. If this is CMG, many dogs do experience spontaneous remission, so there is that hope too.

The main thing is to follow up with your vet and continue to monitor your pet's food intake closely. If you notice an increased difficulty in swallowing, alert your vet right away.

Thanks for your question, and I hope this won't be a lasting problem for your dog. - posted by:Kelly

In your dog's case I don't think you should consider the foaming normal. Some dogs will foam at the mouth when they are playing strenuously, but from what you describe, your dog is foaming when you just walk her.

When your dog was diagnosed with heartworms last June, did your vet actually treat her for the infestation? This is necessary to eliminate the worms and microfilaria from her bloodstream and heart. Without proper treatment, the worms continue to multiply and infest your dog's body. The majority lodge in the heart and impair function, but the larvae can migrate to other organs and do damage their too.

I suspect that even those mild walks are taxing your dog's heart, and her current obesity is only adding to the problem. This is likely the main cause behind the foaming.

Keeping a dog infected with heartworms quiet may put less immediate stress on her body, but it doesn't treat the infestation in any way. If your dog truly hasn't been treated yet, make an appointment right away. I only hope it isn't too late to reverse any damage.

If your dog actually did go through the treatment for heartworm, you should still contact your vet to find out exactly what is causing the foaming during moderate exercise.

Thanks for your question, and I hope your dog will be alright. - posted by:Kelly

I'm not sure how fully this dog's condition was explained to you, so let me take a moment to talk about heart murmurs. A murmur is a sound that can be heard in the heart when there's a disturbance in the blood flow. Typically, when the vet listens to a healthy heart, it makes a kind of lub-dub rhythym. If the valves don't close properly, some of the blood being pumped out of the heart actually flows back into it, adding an additional sound that alerts the vet to the condition.

Murmurs are graded on a scale of one to six, one being the least problematic and six needing a surgical correction. Now I'm not a vet, but I'm guessing that since the murmur could only be heard when the dog was stood on it's hind legs, it's a relatively low grade murmur. So, my question is, did the people currently caring for this dog tell you exactly which grade of murmur he has? A grade one or two murmur is usually quite livable, and some dogs live their entire lives without experiencing a heart-related problem. As we go up the grade scale, medication and surgical intervention may be necessary to keep the murmur from progressing into heart disease.

One of the things to watch out for with any dog that has a murmur is the use of anesthesia. It tends to have an adverse effect, making even simple surgical procedures more risky.

Bottom line, I would have another discussion with the person or shelter staff you're considering adopting from. You should find out which grade of murmur this dog has, and ask to either speak directly with the vet or see the diagnostic paperwork. This way you can make a fully informed decision about whether you'll be able to provide the care this pet may need in the future.

Thanks for your question, and I hope everything works out. - posted by:Kelly

Although Zoloft is sometimes used off label to treat behavioral problems, my worry is about the dosage your dog may have eaten. I was able to find out what to watch for in an overdose situation, but I couldn't find any info about dosage rates, so I strongly recommend you call your vet immediately for further instructions.

A Zoloft overdose may cause:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Agitation/mental confusion
• Rapid heartbeat
• Muscle tremors
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Coma

As you can see, the symptoms range from mild to severe, depending on how large the overdose might be. This makes it even more urgent to call your vet.

I truly hope your dog doesn't have a serious reaction to the Zoloft. Thanks for your question, and I'll keep your dog in my thoughts. Best wishes for a safe outcome. - posted by:Kelly

It's possible that this could have been a mild seizure. During a seizure, the brain transmits faulty chemical signals that cause the muscles to move without the dog's control. The type of seizure you've described sounds as though it could be psychomotor in nature. A psychomotor seizure differs from the average seizure in the way it presents. Behaviors can include circling, barking at seemingly nothing, whining and momentary detachment from the dog's surrounding.

Since I'm not a vet, I do recommend you record what happened in detail and give your vet a call. Seizures can be caused by a variety of things, and they are not always lumped into the category of epilepsy. It would be good to have your vet confirm whether this was indeed a seizure, and if so, what the possible cause was.

For further information about seizures and how to treat them, I'd like to refer you to the following articles. I think they'll give you a better understanding of the situation.

• Canine Seizures
• Canine Epilepsy

Thanks for your question, and I do hope everything turns out alright. - posted by:Kelly

I don't know which breed you have, but Collies tend to have a reaction to some of the heartworm preventatives on the market. I can't say for sure whether the asthma attack was related to the pill, but I tend to think your dog would have had a reaction to the medication much sooner if that were the case.

I am wondering if your vet tested your dog for heartworms before putting her on the preventative? Testing is standard procedure because giving the a dog the preventative when it is already infected with heartworm can produce a strong reaction. Again, if this were the case, I believe you would have seen a quicker reaction, but it is something to discuss with your vet. You should find out exactly what kind of infection your dog was treated for, and it would be helpful to know the name of the antibiotic.

I understand your reluctance to give that next pill, but you should also keep in mind that heartworm is very detrimental to a dog's health. If you are satisfied with your vet's answers about prior heartworm testing, it is probably safe to give your dog the next dose. Be watchful for a reaction, and if it happens again, take your dog straight to the vet. This should confirm whether or not your dog is allergic to the pill.

Thanks for your question, and I do hope that your dog doesn't have any further problems. - posted by:Kelly

I think you might find our article on Canine Valley Fever helpful. - posted by:Kelly

I'm so glad to hear there's been a major turn around. Give Rio a hug from me. :) - posted by:Kelly

I'm sorry to hear about what has been happeing with your dog. I'm not a vet, but here are my thoughts.

At the very least, the presence of blood in your dog's urine probably indicates a urinary tract infection. However, the clotting could indicate a more serious problem with the bladder or kidneys. The bottom line is that your dog needs to be seen by a vet to diagnose exactly what's going on. Ideally, you should collect a sample of your dog's urine. I realize this isn't easy, but perhaps you could catch some in a clean bowel when he goes and then transfer it to a clean jar with a lid. This would help your vet do an immediate dip stick test to search for an infection. Your vet will also likely want to do some blood work and possibley X-ray the kidneys and bladder to get a better look.

I understand your fears about losing your old friend, but you have to overcome them in order to give your dog the kind of help he truly needs. There's a very good chance that his problem is treatable, but that chance may evaporate the longer you wait to seek treatment.

Best wishes for a happy outcome.

- posted by:Kelly

I'm so sorry to hear that. Some dogs are able to live many years with seizure conditions, and I had hoped that would be the case with your dog as well. Under the circumstances, I think you made the kindest decision you could. Instead of getting better, the clusters were becoming worse. It's just a blessing that you could be with your dog at the end. I'm sure that somehow he sensed that you were near.

Please accept my condolences on your loss, and thank you for sharing with us how things turned out. Best wishes. - posted by:Kelly

Great Danes are wonderful dogs that lead all too short lives. I am truly sorry to hear of your sudden loss. The only way to reliably know what happened to your dog would be to have your vet perform a post mortem exam. It could have been a heart attack, because nausea and panting fit the symptoms. I believe that the loss of mobility and bowel control you witnessed later was due to the body shutting down. I realize this is a terribly sad situation, but please take heart in the fact that it happened while you were home. Instead of passing away alone, your pet passed with you there to see him on his way.

Please accept my condolences. - posted by:Kelly

I found your question first at Dog Urinary Tract Questions so I answered it there. Best wishes. - posted by:Kelly

Is your dog actually unable to close his mouth? If so, he may have a rare fifth nerve infection in his brain. I've had a visitor ask about this condition before. There is no known cause for this type of infection, and once it begins, it can flair up from time to time. Check out our archived question at Canine Fifth Nerve Infection. There is a link to Michigan State University you can use if your vet isn't familiar with this condition.

If your dog actually can close his mouth if he chooses, then his condition might be related to a respiratory infection. In this case, he would still need to see your vet because he may need an antibiotic.

Thanks for your question, and please let us know what you find out. Best wishes. - posted by:Kelly

This does indeed sound like an epileptic seizure. In fact, I believe that what you're seeing is a seizure cluster, in which a dog has repeated seizures at short intervals. I'm not a vet, so I can't make recommendations about medication and dosages. For that you should go ahead and call your vet directly.

I want you to read our article about Canine Epilepsy. It has some good info that I think can help you until you can see your vet. Nutrition is very import for interrupting the cluster cycle. The key is to bring your dog's sugar levels back to normal. Try to follow the feeding instructions recommended in the article and see if this helps.

There's also a chance that your dog can't see right now, and that would explain why he's wandering around and bumping into things, as well as why he struggles when you try to pick him up. I would talk softly to him as you're feeding him handfuls of food so he comes to recognize you through his mental fog. This may enable you to pick him up and take him straight to the vet. I also recommend that you ask someone else to do the driving while you sit with your dog and reassure him with your presence.

Thanks for your question. I'll keep your dog in my thoughts today, so please let me know what you find out from the vet. - posted by:Kelly

It sounds as though you have some real problems going on. At first thought, it seems like your dog and cat's problems are completely separate issues, and this could well be the case. On the other hand, you have two sets of unprecidented behaviors going on in the same environment, so environmental factors should also be taken into consideration. Most of the products we use in our homes contain chemicals. Is there a chance you've changed any floor cleaners, tried a new carpet deodorizer or anything of that nature? Try to think of anything of this nature that you can report to the vet, and bring the product along if possible so your vet can read the ingredients. There's a slight possiblilty that a chemical ingredient could be producing a hallucinatory affect on your pets.

Yet another possibility is that you might have an uninvited guest in the form of a small rodent. This might be what is making your dog frightened periodically, but it wouldn't account for the sexual stimulation your cat has been experiencing.

All things considered, I'm very glad that both your pets will be seeing your vet soon. I suggest you write down all your observations about both pets so you don't forget to tell the vet anything.

Thanks for your questions, and I hope your household gets back to normal soon. - posted by:Kelly

What kind of testing did your vet do? Did she take any X-rays? The fact that your dog yiped when you moved her leg might indicate some sort of orthopedic problem. However, the pattern of panting and trembling in his sleep, and then waking and crying out repeatedly leads me to think that there might be a neurological problem behind what's going on. I can see why you'd think it was seizures, and I'd still say don't rule them out completely until your vet has the opportunity to see one in progress. I recommend that if these spells happen again that you take your dog to the emergency vet right away. This will be the best opportunity for anyone to venture a diagnosis.

Thank you for your question, and I truly hope your dog fully recovers. Keep us posted on what you find out. - posted by:Kelly

Unfortunately, yes I have. Although some vets do use this medication for dogs, it wasn't really developed with canine use in mind so they have to be very careful. It's essential to get the dosage correct for a dog's size or you can easily give an overdose. Vomiting and diarrhea are just two of the side effects associated with Zantac use in dogs. If I understand you correctly and your dog had already been vomiting prior to giving her the Zantac, I'm not surprised she had such a strong reaction.

I'm certainly glad to hear she's on the mend. You can learn more about this issue in our article Canine Zantac.

Thanks for your question, and best wishes. - posted by:Kelly

It does indeed sound as though your dog is sick, although I can't venture to guess what the illness might be. With dogs this small, it's usually better to seek a vet's help sooner rather than later. Their small bodies seem to succomb to illness much quicker than larger breeds.

I would say the sleepiness is an indication that the problem is already quite serious, so please don't delay in making an appointment.

Best wishes for your dog's quick recovery. - posted by:Kelly

I'm sorry to hear that your dog isn't feeling like her normal self. Her symptoms seem a bit vague, but that doesn't mean there is nothing going on. Since you spend the most time with her, you are most sensitive to subtle changes in her behavior. I think you should trust your instincts that something isn't quite right and schedule an appointment with your vet.

It's a good sign that there has been no significant change in her bowel movements. At least you need not worry about a bowel obstruction or constipation. Drinking less water is a bit worrisome because you don't want her to become dehydrated, so try to encourage her with fresh water every couple of hours.

Thank you for your question, and I hope the vet is able to pinpoint the cause of your dog's sudden behavior changes and get her quickly back into shape.

Best wishes. - posted by:Kelly

I'm sorry to hear your dog isn't feeling very well. It does sound like she's in pain, but she could also be running a fever. If you have a rectal thermometer, try taking her temperature. Anything over 101 F is generally above normal for dogs.

In our article If a Dog Got Sick Would it be Able to Use Human Medicine, there's information about giving dog human pain killers. Some can do damage to your dog's stomach and liver. My advice would be to call your vet and see what he/she recommends. My hunch is that the vet will want to examine your dog to figure out what's really going on. Pain medication may be beneficial, but you'll only be masking the symptom, not really addressing the illness.

Thank you for your question, and I do hope your vet can see your dog soon. - posted by:Kelly

Thank you for sending us the update. - posted by:Kelly

I'm so sorry to hear your dog isn't doing well. The kind of muscle stiffness you describe is often associated with joint problems such as arthritis and hip dysplasia. Both of these conditions lead to painful joint deterioration.

It is possible that your dog isn't eating and drinking as well because of the way she feels, but the shaking spells concern me a bit more. I really believe that the best thing you can do at this point is to take her in for a veterinary exam. If it does turn out to be a joint problem, your vet may put her on a glucosamine and/or chondroiten supplement to help rebuild the linings of the joints. This would lessen the pain to some degree, although it isn't a complete cure.

Thank you for your question, and I hope your vet can bring your dog some relief. Best wishes. - posted by:Kelly

With just the one symptom, it's difficult to say whether the shaking is due to a health problem or an anxiety issue. My advice would be to keep a close eye on him, and call your vet right away if he seems to get worse.

Best wishes that this is nothing serious. - posted by:Kelly

I'm not a vet, and I wish I had more help to offer you. My first suggestion is to call your vet, update him on your dog's current symptoms and ask if you can bring her in now and make payments on the bill later. Hopefully the vet will allow this since you're an established customer.

That said, I can offer a few thoughts.

• If an ear infection becomes severe, it can throw off your pet's equalibrium, making it difficult to walk. While I don't believe your dog's problem is this simple, the ears should be checked for infection anyway.
• Recurring seizures might mean your dog has Canine Epilepsy.
• Your dog's stiffness and lack of muscle control might indicate a neurological problem. These same symptoms are also seen in dogs suffering from Canine Myasthenia Gravis. If you bring these ideas up to your vet, he will be able to let you know if they are truly a possibility.

As you can see, the combination of symptoms is really too difficult for a layperson to diagnose, so it's very important that your vet takes a look at your dog as soon as possible.

The good news here is that your dog is still eating and drinking, which should help her situation from deteriorating unnecessarily. Until you can see the vet, try to keep her warm and comfortable, and attempt to keep household stress to a minimum.

I will keep you and your dog in my thoughts. Please let us know what kind of diagnosis you get. - posted by:Kelly

Has your dog been drinking water since you came home from your walk? If she hasn't and she was overheated, it is possible that you're looking at a case of heat stroke. However, since your dog never pooped, it's also possible that she has some sort of blockage. In situations like this, foaming can indicate nausea. Considering all the symptoms, I think it would be wise to take her to your vet right away to have her examined.

I truly hope that this is nothing too serious and that your dog is feeling like her old self very soon. Please let us know what you find out. Best wishes. - posted by:Kelly

I'm not a vet, but it does sound as though your vet has tried to be thorough with the testing. Perhaps it would be good to ask a second vet to go over your dog's records, and see the test results so far. Sometimes it takes a fresh set of eyes to see patterns that could lead to a diagnosis and treatment.

You have my very best wishes for your dog's full and speedy recovery. Please let us know if you get a diagnosis of what's going on. - posted by:Kelly

I'm not a vet, but I do think this is something you should ask your vet to examine. It may indeed be a wart, but I have never seen one the size of a grape. I don't want to alarm you unduly, but this could be a mouth tumor. Your vet would have to confirm this, as well as whether it is benign or malignant. Since the growth is on your dog's outer lip, surgical removal might be the best option.

Since the growth has progressed so rapidly, I would make the appointment right away. Please let us know what you find out.

Thanks for your question, and best wishes. - posted by:Kelly

Is there any chance that your dog is getting into something in the yard that she shouldn't be eating? It doesn't sound as though she's actually being poisoned because you would see other symptoms, but there is a chance she's chewing on something that is mildly toxic and causes the foaming. Toads can have this affect.

That said, some dogs foam when they're very excited or they run themselves hard. As long as the foaming is accompanied by anything that looks like a seizure, your dog is probably alright. However, if it still worries you, you should call your vet for a consultation.

Thanks for your question. - posted by:Kelly

I'm so sorry to hear how seriously ill your puppy is. Your vet is the true expert in this situation, so if she recommends carrying out a spinal tap, I suggest you go ahead and let her do it. Meningitis can be fatal, so there's no time to lose. If meningitis is ruled out, your vet can save valuable time and begin searching for another diagnosis.

You have my very best wishes for your dog's full and speedy recovery. Please let us know what you find out. - posted by:Kelly

I don't think your dog's panting is related to her heat cycle as much as it might be related to her medication. I don't know exactly which medication your vet has her on for her ringworm, but oral ringworm meds can produce a number of side effects. I didn't see panting listed specifically, but some can really make your dog tire out easily. Some of the meds also need to be given with a fatty food, such as some canned dog food in order for the medicine to be properly absorbed. This might also play a role in your dog's condition.

I recommend you go ahead and call your vet to let him/her know what's going on. Your vet can tell you exactly what the side effects are for the medication your dog has been prescribed, and whether or not this reaction is relatively normal.

Thanks for your question, and I hope your dog recovers soon. - posted by:Kelly

I'm not familiar with the disease you mentioned and couldn't find any info using that word in a search, so I can't offer an opinion as to whether your dog is suffering a relapse. However, excessive thirst is one of the classic signs of both diabetes and kidney disease, so I think your best course of action would be to contact your vet as soon as possible to have your bitch checked for both of these conditions. I believe that your dog's reluctance to walk is tied to her current health, so be sure to mention that to your vet as well.

Thanks for your question, and I do hope you're able to get your dog's symptoms under control. Best wishes.

- posted by:Kelly

I'm not a vet, but your puppy sounds seriously ill. The very best advice I can give you is to take him to the vet right away. Please don't delay.

Best wishes. - posted by:Kelly

The symptoms, although worrisome, are too broad for me to guess what's going on. Definitely you're either looking at an illness in development or a severe case of anxiety. My hunch is that the problem is medical.

If these are the only symptoms you're currently seeing, you may be able to wait until morning to call the vet, but don't hesitate to take your dog to the emergency clinic if her situation becomes more serious.

In the meantime, here are some things you can do to care for your dog until you can take her to your vet.

• Keep her warm and comfortable. You can even warm a towel in the dryer to wrap her in. Just make sure to check she's not too hot.
• Encourage her to drink water or unsalted broth. Keeping her hydrated will be important to keep her condition from deteriorating even more.
• Try to keep her environment peaceful. You might want to dim the lights, and play some soft music for white noise.

I truly hope that this doesn't turn out to be a serious illness. Best wishes for your dog's quick recovery. - posted by:Kelly

I think your vet has limited the scope of his diagnosis. First he was sure the smell came from the anal glands, but then he backed off and said they were fine. This indicates the need to look in a new direction.

Skin problems are the biggest cause of bad odors. Ear infections, kidney disease and even liver disease can also cause distinctly bad odors. Even a gum infection can make your dog smell bad.

I do not know of anything you can feed your dog that will take care of the problem from the inside out, but I do suggest you find another vet and get a second opinion. You can also try bathing your dog once a week with a deodorizing shampoo to see if that helps cut the smell.

Thanks for your question, and I hope you find these suggestions useful. - posted by:Kelly

I'm sorry to hear about what happened. It sounds as though your dog suffered internal injuries during the accident, most likely a punctured lung.

It's extremely important that any dog that has been hit by a car be taken to the vet immediately, whether it appears to be significantly injured or not. Internal injuries can be masked for a short time, but they are usually fatal if left untreated.

I'm sorry for your loss. - posted by:Kelly

Just how much drainage are you seeing. If it was just a one time thing in a small amount, I wouldn't worry. Puppies sometime snort and emit a little fluid. The clear color is also good, because yellow/greenish fluid would indicate an infection.

That said, if this is a constant drainage, I would call your vet about it, even if the color is still clear, because it could be an indicator that there is something going on. Puppies of this age have incredibly small lungs, and infection can overtake them far more quickly than it would a healthy adult dog.

Thanks for your question, and I hope everything is alright. - posted by:Kelly

Since the female is spayed, the fact that your dog isn't neutered is less important.

The real issue is whether these two dogs' personalities are going to be compatible. It's very important that you first allow them time to meet on neutral territory so they can get to know each other a bit. After that, you can move on to an in-home visit from the female to see how territorial your dog might be around her. From what you've said about your dog's personality, I don't particularly anticipate a problem, but it's better to be safe than sorry.

If the in-home visit goes well and you feel you can give both dogs the attention and veterinary care they deserve, then I say go for it.

Please let us know how things work out, and thanks for your question. - posted by:Kelly

Wow, I am so sorry to hear what your family has been going through.

First, I'd like you to read our article on Canine Valley Fever. I believe it answers many of your questions about the disease. The recovery period can take as much as a year, but dogs that make it through are generally immune to the disease from then on. And yes, you dog's reaction while on the medication is quite typical, and it will take a while for her to show improvement. Your vet may decide to extend her time on the fluconozole depending on what follow up antibody tests reveal.

What I'm not clear about is whether your dog actually has cancer, or why the second vet would have prescribed Baytril, an antibiotic, in response to that diagnosis. This is one aspect I believe you should follow up on.

In the meantime, try to keep your dog as comfortable as you can while she is still experiencing the painful symptoms of the CVF. If the medication is effective, this stage will pass. I don't know if she will be exactly the same dog she used to be before the illness, but I do believe you'll share an even stronger bond for everything you've been through together.

Hang in there! - posted by:Kelly

Pugs are a brachycephalec breed, which basically means their noses and accompanying breathing apparatus are tucked into their heads. Dogs like this often have breathing problems, and the gagging or snorting spells you describe are typical.

The best advice I have to offer would be to follow up with your vet about the additional symptoms of hair loss, weight loss, shortness of breath and constipation. With this many symptoms, there has to something more going on than back problems. I would make that appointment as soon as possible.

Thanks for your question. - posted by:Kelly

Any growth that suddenly shows up should be treated with some suspicion. It might just be a hairy cyst, but it would be better to let your vet have a look at it. Many vets can tell whether a growth is benign or malignant simply by the way it is shaped. I think you would feel better knowing exactly what you're dealing with. If the growth is something to be concerned about, removing it at the earliest stages gives your dog a better chance of recovery without complications.

Thanks for your question, and I hope things turn out alright. - posted by:Kelly

I'm sorry to hear about what's happening to your little Chi. I also commend you for taking such quick action to get care for your dog. You were very lucky to be able to coordinate with a canine neurologist on such short notice.

I honestly believe you should stick with the neurologist's opinion and follow the current plan of action. You have the opinion of two qualified veterinarians, and they seem to agree with each other. The medication may actually relieve the inflammation or whatever is going on, and your dog may recover without surgery.

I do understand your reluctance to put such a small dog through surgery, but take heart in the fact that if it does become necessary, your dog will be in the hands of a topnotch professional.

Thank you for sharing your situation, and I will keep your dog in my prayers. Please let us know how things turn out. - posted by:Kelly

I'm not a vet, but this sounds like it could be arthritis or perhaps even a case of dysplasia. I know you are frightened about what the diagnosis might be, but the longer you wait to see a vet, the more her condition will deteriorate. These conditions are far more treatable in the early stages.

No one will put your dog to sleep without your consent, and perhaps she can be treated with a combination of chondroiten and glucosamine to help rebuild the cartilage lining in her joints, if this is indeed what the diagnosis turns out to be.

Please don't give up hope, and please go get the help your dog so desparately needs.

Best wishes. - posted by:Kelly

It sounds as though your dog has a bad case of constipation, and perhaps has developed an anal fissure as a result of trying to pass the stool. The best thing you can do is have your vet examine him to see how extensive the constipation is. There is a chance that part of the intestinal tract has actually been blocked. If you were to take any measures at home yourself, there's a risk that it could make the situation worse.

What you can do is encourage your dog to drink water. It's good that you were able to clear the stool plug that you did find. A little Vaseline rubbed on the outer anus will also help soothe the irritation, but I would definitely follow through with a call to the vet.

Best wishes for your dog's health. - posted by:Kelly

Thanks for checking back in. I hope the antibiotics do their job and make your dog well again. - posted by:Kelly

Those are pretty broad symptoms. It's good that she hasn't stopped drinking, but if she's drinking excessively it could be a sign of kidney problems.

I suggest you give your vet a call and schedule an appointment for a thorough check up. Be sure to take in a stool sample for a worm check as well.

Best wishes, and I hope it's nothing serious.

- posted by:Kelly

As you're probably already aware, pooping in her sleep isn't normal for your dog or any dog. This is likely a sign of greater problem that hasn't yet been diagnosed.

The fact that the stool is small, dry and fairly odorless offers further clues that the problem may be originating in the small intestines. When it's a large intestine problem, the odor is usually rather bad.

Honestly, the best thing you can do for your dog is have your vet examine her. Talk to him/her about the nocturnal pooping and the fact that your dog doesn't seem to be aware it's happening. This could indicate an even bigger problem.

Thanks for your question, and I hope your vet can figure out what's going on. - posted by:Kelly

I'm sorry to hear about this sudden turn of events when things had started out so well. This could be a combination reaction, but I really suspect the Advantage Multi is the cause of the reaction.

I recommend you put the Boxer in the tub and give him a good bath with dish washing detergent to strip away the Advantage Multi. Some dogs have a toxic reaction to these types of products. Although your Boxer's reaction appears to be serious, I once had a Standard Poodle hit the ground within minutes of treatment.

Once your dog is dried off, carefully watch how he behaves. If you don't see any improvement within a couple of hours, go ahead and call your vet. Tell him about using the Advantage Multi, and see what he recommends.

I truly hope the bath helps. It saved our Poodle. What you'll probably find is that you can't use any of these products that have the same active ingredient. Your vet should be able to recommend an alternative for your dog.

Thanks for your question, and best wishes.

- posted by:Kelly

The combination of cough and chronic bad breath signals that a return to your vet is in order. Since your dog has already had some teeth removed, I'm going to speculate that she probably has a recurrance of a gum infection. The problem with this type of infection is that it gets in below the gum line, and the anaerobic bacteria are able to make their way into the blood stream. From there, they often become lodged in the heart and can do significant damage. Your dog's cough may be an early signal of heart disease.

At the very least, ask your vet to check your dog for a respiratory infection.

Thanks for your question, and I hope your dog is feeling better soon. - posted by:Kelly

The situation doesn't sound good. If you're still hearing the terrible growling and your dog is still refusing water, you need to take him to the vet right away. One of the stones he's eaten could have caused an intestinal blockage, which can be fatal. Please don't delay.

In future, if your dog continues to try to eat rocks and other items from the garden, you may want to muzzle hime while he's outside. You should also check out your dog food to see how much nutrition it really provides. Your dog's obsession with eating stones could be fueled by a mineral deficiancy. A good canine vitamin may help right the situation.

Good luck. - posted by:Kelly

I'm sorry to hear your dog is feeling under the weather. Yes, dogs do get a sort of cold virus. Sometimes you can treat the problem at home because there's nothing you can do for a virus. However, the real problem is that while the immune system is busy fighting off the virus, secondary bacterial infections have a chance to take hold. This can complicate matters and create more phlegm to clog the airways. Sometimes this progresses into pneumonia.

I'm going to suggest you read a few of our articles on this topic, compare your dog's sysmptoms and decide whether it would be better to let the vet examine your dog. If there is a secondary bacterial infection setting in, it will require an antibiotic to get rid of it.

• My Dog Has a Cold
• Home Treatment for Kennel Cough
• How Do I Cure Kennel Cough

I hope you find this advice helpful. Best wishes for your dog's speedy recovery. - posted by:Kelly

I don't think that your dog actually fears you, I think she's just trying to protect herself from potentially more pain by isolating herself as much as possible.

There are just so many things that could be causing the pain that I can't even begin to guess. The best thing you can do is call your vet and explain the significant changes you've observed in your little dog's behavior. Your vet will keep all this information in mind as he/she examines your dog to try to locate the source of the pain. This may require an X-ray or ultrasound to check things out internally, but this is the surest way to make sure nothing has been missed.

Thank you for your question, and I truly hope you find a solution to your dog's illness very soon. - posted by:Kelly

You're very observant. Many owners wouldn't have caught the change in personality so quickly.

Yes, it does sound like your dog is experiencing some pain, but trying to soldier on anyway. Although there is no way I can speculate on the location or the cause, I believe this is worth a trip to the vet. The pain may be partially tolerable right now, but without veterinary care, it will likely grow worse.

Thanks for your question and I hope your vets can diagnose and treat the problem very quickly. - posted by:Kelly

The best advice I can give you is to take your dog to the vet. There is obviously something wrong here because it isn't natural for a dog to pee in its sleep.

Most of the time this sort of problem can be traced to a bladder infection or a diabetic condition. Your vet will run some diagnostic tests to figure out exactly what is wrong, and decide on the best course of treatment based on the results.

Thanks for your question, and please let us know the diagnosis. - posted by:Kelly

We're probably dealing with one of two things here.

First, there's a good chance that some of the stuffing wound up inside of your dog. If the fluff was small enough, he could have inhaled it and it could be lodged in his sinus.

Second, your dog could have a case of Kennel Cough because the symptoms are quite similar to what you describe.

My advice is to go ahead and have your vet examine your dog. This way you'll know exactly what is causing the problem and be able to take care of it before you dog's condition worsens.

Thanks for your question, and I hope your dog's problem is easily remedied. - posted by:Kelly

I'm sorry to hear how sick your puppy is. Yes, I believe you should take her to the vet right away. It sounds as though she has some sort of respiratory infection that could be in danger of turning into pneumonia. The situation can probably be righted with antibiotics and an IV drip, so please don't delay.

Best wishes for your puppy's full recovery. - posted by:Kelly

I'm sorry to hear your dog is so ill, but honestly, providing veterinary care is our obligation when our dogs are sick.

I'm not a vet, but from what you're telling me, the vet has already tried medication to solve the problem, and it hasn't helped. Sometimes surgery is the next step to find out what's wrong and remedy the situation. An ultrasound would likely reveal an intestinal blockage, so perhaps your vet performed this test and this is what he's basing his opinion on? If you're not sure, don't be afraid to call back and ask what indicated a possible bowel obstruction.

However, if your dog does have an obstruction, it's important to have it taken care of right away, because it can be fatal.

Thank you for your question. I hope my thoughts have given you more direction about what you should do. Best wishes for your dog's recovery. - posted by:Kelly

Honestly, no. These aren't normal symptoms of pregnancy. I sounds to me like your dog is at least consitipated, and at worst may have a bowel obstruction. This explains why she won't eat anything, because it only causes more pain. The fact that she giving up drinking water makes the situation even more serious.

The best thing you can do for your dog is take her to the vet right away. Dehydration weakens the entire system, and will make it more difficult to treat your dog. Please take this suggestion to heart and call your vet right away.

Best wishes for your dog's recovery. - posted by:Kelly

I'm not a vet, but I believe recurring episodes such as this ought to be checked out. It sounds as though your dog might be having mild seizures, and this could be a sign of Canine Epilepsy. It's important to talk to your vet about what is going on. Be certain to provide a lot of details about the episodes so he/she can get a clear idea of what's going on. I think this is your best option for helping your dog.

Thanks for your question, and I hope this suggestion gives you some direction. - posted by:Kelly

I think you would find it beneficial to read our article on Canine Myasthenia Gravis. Megaesophagus is closely associated with this disease.

I don't know of a home remedy for megaesphagus, so I think it would be best to follow your veterinarian's advice. He/she should also have provided you with care directions to make feeding your dog as easy as possible. If you didn't receive these directions at the time of your dog's discharge, you need to call the clinic and request them.

Thank you for your question, and I do hope your dog does well on the medication. - posted by:Kelly

My first impression is that these two episodes might have been mini strokes. There's a chance she might have had others when you haven't been there to notice. I would begin keeping a diary on these to track how often they are happening, how long they last and how your dog seems directly afterward. You should then present the information to your vet.

At nearly ten years old, there's also a chance that these episodes are due to a little exhaustion. Whatever the cause may be, I hope you can get to the bottom of it.

Thanks for your question. - posted by:Kelly

Unfortunately, I can't tell you exactly what is wrong with your dog. He could have picked up Parvo or something similar if he truly hasn't been vaccinated. There's also a chance he ate a toxic substance. In either case, waiting to take him to the vet may only worsen his condition, so I hope you'll reconsider your decision and make an appointment right away.

Until then, it's very imnportant to get your dog to drink some fluid. If he refuses water, try a low sodium chicken broth. This might tempt him and keep him from dehydrating.

Best wishes for your dog's full and speedy recovery. - posted by:Kelly

I'm not clear about exactly where the bloody discharge is coming from. When you say "back", do you mean your dog's actual back, her anus or her vulva is bleeding?

• If it's from her vulva, she is probably just in season. Check out our article Dog Heat Cycle and Breeding for a lot of good info.
• If the discharge is coming from her rectum, it may signal a tear/fissure caused by a hard stool. Your vet can help with this type of problem.
• If the bleeding is actually coming from her back, I would have to ask if it was caused by an injury or a surgical procedure? Whichever the case may be, it still needs to be looked at by your vet because there may be an infection involved.

I hope that one of these suggestions fits your dog's scenario and provides a little more direction on what the cause of the bleeding may be. Best wishes that your dog is well again soon. - posted by:Kelly

Please heed this advice. - posted by:Kelly

I don't want you to panic, but it does sound as though your dog has a serious problem going on. You were completely right to make an appointment with your vet as quickly as you did. I wish more owners would take action so swiftly.

I'm not a vet, so my thoughts are just speculation. It sounds as though your dog is pain, and it might be due to some type of intestinal blockage. At this point, I wouldn't worry about getting her to eat because it could just exacerbate the problem. However, it is important to encourage her to drink. If she won't take water, try tempting her with some chicken or beef broth. The important thing is to try to keep her from becoming dehydrated before the vet visit. Dehydration always complicates recovery.

You have my best wishes for your dog's speedy recovery. Please let us know how things turn out, and I'll keep you in my thoughts. - posted by:Kelly

It's entirely possible that your dog has a sore throat, and could even be showing signs of the early stages of Kennel Cough. These would be the simplest explanations for the behavior you're observing.

However, this type of movement upon swallowing might also indicate that your dog is actually experiencing difficulty moving food down her throat. When the esophageous isn't operating properly, food items tend to sit inside of it without reaching the stomach. In the early stages, the food may still reach the stomach, but it can take hours. In the later stages, the food is regurgitated whole.

My best advice would be to contact your veterinarian and explain what you're seeing. My hunch is your vet will want to examine your dog, just to be on the safe side.

Thanks for your question, and I hope things turn out alright. - posted by:Kelly

Yes, it is very possible that the overload of jerky is doing this to her, but there's also a possibility that your dog got into something else. At any rate, this is a very unusual symptom that is frequently related to a toxic substance, so I highly recommend you take your dog to the vet as soon as possible. Toxic substances can do significant damage to the heart, so it's important you don't delay.

Best wishes for your dog's recovery. - posted by:Kelly

Actually, your dog's change in habits is cause for some concern. Excessive drinking and increased urination are often signs of canine diabetes, and your dog's advanced age make it even more likely that she is developing the disease.

I suggest you schedule an examination with your vet. If this is diabetes, your vet will teach you how to manage the the disease.

Thanks for your question, and best wished for your dog's health. - posted by:Kelly

Vets typically refrain from giving a sick puppy a vaccination because the immune system is already engaged in fighting off the current illness. Vaccinations introduced at such a time can overwhelm the immune system, and instead of providing protection they actually introduce the illness.

I think it's very important that you take your puppy to the vet right away. If this truly is parvo, your puppy is dealing with a life threatening illness.

Thanks for your question, and I hope you can get your puppy help in time. - posted by:Kelly

I think you are right on track about the blockage. Definitely schedule an appointment with your vet as soon as possible, because the condition sounds serious right now, and it could become life threatening very quickly.

Best wishes for your dog's recovery. - posted by:Kelly