How Diabetics Should Treat Other Bouts of Illness

When you have diabetes and then catch a cold or the flu, or get a stomach bug, it can be difficult to manage medication or insulin injections. The body is placed under tremendous physical stress when suffering from a cold, flu, or just about any other illness.



When your body senses the threat of infection it produces more glucose in the form of glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar levels. If you are diabetic, this extra glucose in the bloodstream can lead to dangerously high blood sugar levels. Therefore, it is important to continue taking regularly prescribed oral medications (for type 2 diabetes) and insulin (for type 1 or type 2 diabetes) when sick and to regularly check sugar levels to assess whether more insulin is necessary.



Check Blood Sugar Regularly During Illness? Levels may fluctuate dramatically during an illness, so you need to check them  throughout the day. When blood sugar levels are high -- above 300 mg/dL (16.5 mmol/L) -- it is also necessary to check for ketones in the blood or urine, which is a byproduct resulting from the body using fats as an energy source. You will probably have testing strips to use. The presence of ketones indicates diabetic ketoacidosis which is a dangerous build-up of acid in the body.



How Does Illness-Related Appetite Loss Affect Blood Sugar Levels? Normally your body is largely dependent on food to provide glucose to the bloodstream. Going without food for prolonged periods, particularly while continuing to treat diabetes with oral medications and/or insulin, can lead to dangerously low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) causing symptoms such as palpitations, shakiness, hunger, confusion, and even convulsions and coma. However, during illness or other stress, the body's own immune system triggers glucose production whether or not blood glucose is boosted by food intake. In fact  insulin requirements, are typically higher on sick days without food than on regular days with normal meals.



Even if you can't eat solid food, it is important to maintain an adequate intake of fluids to prevent dehydration. It is helpful to drink fluids containing carbohydrates and salt to maintain the electrolyte balance in the body. Sometimes illness leads to nausea and an inability to keep any food or medications down. Don't stop taking oral medications in this case; it is important to take them to treat the high blood sugar levels that naturally occur when ill, and also to dose the insulin accordingly, even if illness prevents eating.



While fighting an illness, most people with Type 1 diabetes may  require additional short-acting insulin, along with typical doses. Similarly, people with Type 2 diabetes who manage the disease entirely by diet and oral medications may require short-acting insulin during the course of an illness.



Is it safe to take Over-the-Counter Medications? Often when people are sick, they look for remedies to treat various symptoms, such as a cough or fever. While these nonprescription medications are typically fine for people with diabetes, it is important to remember that they can affect the blood and could potentially interact with diabetes medications. For example, cough syrup generally contains sugar.  Some antibiotics can interact with oral diabetes medications and result in lower blood sugar levels.



It is very important to talk to your doctor or diabetic consultant before taking any additional prescription or nonprescription medication to determine what, if any, changes to your diabetes management may be needed. If you become ill it is important to let your diabetes care team know of any changes to your health. This includes symptoms -- such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or fever - the amount of insulin given, your food and fluid intake, heart rate, breathing rate, and current body weight.



This information will help the team to advise patients on how to manage their blood sugar levels and other symptoms during the illness with a goal of preventing dehydration and the development of dangerous hyperglycemia.

Cat Illness Symptoms For Liver Disease, Rabies and Tapeworms

What are liver diseases? The liver regulates the chemicals in the body, controls metabolism, processes fats and carbohydrates, and rids the body of toxins. It also manufactures proteins, bile, and blood clotting factors. Liver function slows as cats' age, and liver disease is common in older cats.



Liver failure is life threatening. With aging, the risk of developing liver problems increases. Causes of liver disease include parasitic infections, dietary deficiencies, tumors and hepatitis. Signs of liver disease or failure include lack of appetite, a distended abdomen, increased thirst, dark urine, vomiting, weight loss and diarrhea.



What are rabies symptoms? Rabies is a deadly virus that attacks the nervous system, spinal cord, and brain. It is transmitted through saliva when the victim is bitten but can also enter the bloodstream through a scratch. Symptoms can appear one week to one year after the initial bite and include aggression, headaches, and trouble swallowing.



A rabid animal may attack anything or anyone who comes too close. Make sure that your cats are vaccinated against rabies, especially if they go outside and could have contact with other animals.



What are tapeworms' symptoms? Tapeworms are long, flatworms that release their eggs into feces of infected animals. These parasites live in the intestines if kittens and cats and rob the body of nutrients. If left untreated, a tapeworm infestation can be fatal to a small kitten. Tapeworms cause anemia, diarrhea, abdominal pain, an increased appetite, weight loss and lethargy.



A cat who has fleas also may have tapeworms, and he could swallow tapeworms eggs when he grooms himself. If you suspect that your cat has a tapeworm, lift the tail and check the area around the anus. If you spot white or yellow rice like worms moving under the base of his tail or anus, take him to the vet and ask for a deworming treatment.

Cat Illness Symptoms - What Do They Mean?

As with humans, cats occasionally have days when they feel a bit off colour or lethargic but if they show more than one symptom, then there may be something serious amiss. Cats' noses are typically damp to the touch so if your cat's nose is dry and he is displaying other symptoms, he may be ill.



Cat illness symptoms can include: high temperature, sickness, diarrhoea, lethargy, excessive drinking, sneezing, coughing, runny eyes, loss of appetite and weight loss.



1. Cat flu or Feline viral rhinotracheitis is a viral infection of the respiratory tract which is extremely contagious amongst felines. The symptoms are similar to those of human flu including sneezing, coughing, high temperature, no desire to eat and runny eyes. Although antibiotics may help, there is really no treatment for this except general nursing. The cat may end up with a damaged or useless eye. Every responsible cat owner should have their cat vaccinated against cat flu.



2. Feline leukemia is likely to be fatal. It is the equivalent of human leukaemia and is cancer of the blood. Symptoms include high temperature, sickness, anaemia and respiratory difficulties. Again, be a responsible owner and have your cat vaccinated,



3. Feline infectious enteritis is a virus which can spread amongst cats very easily. The symptoms are diarrhoea and vomiting sometimes accompanied by apparent depression. There is a readily available vaccination - please use it!



Catteries in Europe will not accept a cat which hasn't had immunisation against Cat flu and enteritis. Check with your boarding kennel if there are any other vaccinations or treatment required.



4. Excessive drinking may indicate one of a couple of serious diseases including diabetes, which can be treated or kidney failure which can't. It could also indicate a urinary tract infection when coupled with high temperature, blood in the urine or general listlessness.



5. Weight loss and excessive eating without other symptoms may indicate that your cat has worms. If you can get a look at his stool, you may be able to tell, but administration of a worming tablet should fix the problem. If the symptoms persist, it may be something more serious.



6. A cut or swelling probably indicates that your cat has been in a fight but combined with lethargy may indicate an infection which needs to be treated with antibiotics or at worst surgery.



There are other cat illness symptoms as well as other diseases which your cat may contract, such as aids, if it is an outdoor cat. In any event, if your cat seems to be out of sorts or behaving differently to normal for more than a couple of days, please see your vet. If you can't afford to see a vet, there are charitable organisations in Europe which will help you out. If you can't identify a charity to help you, please talk to your vet anyway and explain your situation as most vets, by their very nature, are animal lovers and won't want to see your pet suffer.



You may well be able to save yourself expensive vet bills by taking out pet insurance as soon as you get your cat. This may seem like an expensive option but if your cat needs lengthy drug treatment or an operation, you'll be glad you did.

Cat Illness Symptoms - Keeping Your Kitty Healthy

Cat illness symptoms can be easy to spot, like vomiting up a hairball, or harder to determine, like when they are running a temperature. Some of the more familiar symptoms of illness are eye and ear discharge, hair loss, sneezing and coughing, and diarrhea or constipation. Hairballs are quite normal, and not usually a problem. Other signs require some attention to notice, such as loss of appetite, excessive thirst or abnormal urination, skin problems, and depression.



Cats normally alternate periods of sleeping and rest with periods of play and activity. Some cats eat whenever they are hungry if you allow them to self feed, or daily when you set down some food. A loss of appetite, of course, will be seen by their food dish remaining full, or if they turn away from it. When you clean out their litter box, you would notice any loose stools from diarrhea, and if constipated, you may notice them spending a long time in the litter box trying to defecate.



One symptom alone is not usually serious, but in combinations, cat illness symptoms may indicate real problems only a veterinarian can diagnose. If your cat is lethargic, not acting normally, there could be other causes. Combined with thirst and weight loss, it could point to chronic kidney failure. While not curable, this is controllable with diet and medication.



Cat flu, or a respiratory infection can be fought with antibiotics and care. Symptoms include what you might expect, coughing, sneezing, runny eyes, fever, heavy breathing, loss of appetite and fever. Just like in humans!



Abscess can be from an injury or cat fight, when infection sets into a wound. Symptoms will include swelling, fever, and lethargy. This is treatable with antibiotics or occasionally surgery is needed.



Combinations of cat illness symptoms can mean more serious problems like feline diabetes or distemper. The signs of feline diabetes are similar to human diabetes symptoms, increased thirst and urination. Other signs include weight loss, poor coat condition, loss of appetite, and general lack of energy. This condition can be treated, again as in human cases, with insulin injections and diet.



Other cat illnesses symptoms the vet can diagnose include feline distemper, leukemia, ringworm, urinary tract infections, worms and cat AIDS (FIV). Cat illness symptoms mirror our human symptoms, and if you take your cat in to see the veterinarian on a regular basis, just like seeing your own doctor, prevention is the best medicine.



Keeping your cat healthy is part of cat care and your responsibility as a caring cat owner. Your kitty may need special food, or medicine, and testing only a vet can provide. Most cats enjoy happy, healthy, long lives and become part of the family. And you can usually tell when your cat is not feeling right because their activity patterns will visibly change. That is the time to stop and pay attention closely, so you help your little friend through a problem time in their life. They depend on you for everything!

Cat Illness Symptoms - What Do They Mean?

As with humans, cats occasionally have days when they feel a bit off colour or lethargic but if they show more than one symptom, then there may be something serious amiss. Cats' noses are typically damp to the touch so if your cat's nose is dry and he is displaying other symptoms, he may be ill.



Cat illness symptoms can include: high temperature, sickness, diarrhoea, lethargy, excessive drinking, sneezing, coughing, runny eyes, loss of appetite and weight loss.



1. Cat flu or Feline viral rhinotracheitis is a viral infection of the respiratory tract which is extremely contagious amongst felines. The symptoms are similar to those of human flu including sneezing, coughing, high temperature, no desire to eat and runny eyes. Although antibiotics may help, there is really no treatment for this except general nursing. The cat may end up with a damaged or useless eye. Every responsible cat owner should have their cat vaccinated against cat flu.



2. Feline leukemia is likely to be fatal. It is the equivalent of human leukaemia and is cancer of the blood. Symptoms include high temperature, sickness, anaemia and respiratory difficulties. Again, be a responsible owner and have your cat vaccinated,



3. Feline infectious enteritis is a virus which can spread amongst cats very easily. The symptoms are diarrhoea and vomiting sometimes accompanied by apparent depression. There is a readily available vaccination - please use it!



Catteries in Europe will not accept a cat which hasn't had immunisation against Cat flu and enteritis. Check with your boarding kennel if there are any other vaccinations or treatment required.



4. Excessive drinking may indicate one of a couple of serious diseases including diabetes, which can be treated or kidney failure which can't. It could also indicate a urinary tract infection when coupled with high temperature, blood in the urine or general listlessness.



5. Weight loss and excessive eating without other symptoms may indicate that your cat has worms. If you can get a look at his stool, you may be able to tell, but administration of a worming tablet should fix the problem. If the symptoms persist, it may be something more serious.



6. A cut or swelling probably indicates that your cat has been in a fight but combined with lethargy may indicate an infection which needs to be treated with antibiotics or at worst surgery.



There are other cat illness symptoms as well as other diseases which your cat may contract, such as aids, if it is an outdoor cat. In any event, if your cat seems to be out of sorts or behaving differently to normal for more than a couple of days, please see your vet. If you can't afford to see a vet, there are charitable organisations in Europe which will help you out. If you can't identify a charity to help you, please talk to your vet anyway and explain your situation as most vets, by their very nature, are animal lovers and won't want to see your pet suffer.



You may well be able to save yourself expensive vet bills by taking out pet insurance as soon as you get your cat. This may seem like an expensive option but if your cat needs lengthy drug treatment or an operation, you'll be glad you did.

Emotional-cat personality changes in your cat may be signs of a disease

It is very important to be aware of your cat's personality, such as behavioural changes often in cats are subsequently confirmed as diseases. Your instincts are better than you think, and quite often you will be able to notice subtle behavioural changes in your cat. These are some of the ways to the personality changes in your cat:



-Look for changes in eating habits and a loss of appetite. More than a day without eating is cause for concern. However, if he is a cat, his appetite may be influenced by his hunting skills, or generous neighbors.



Often, changes in habits of litter is really a sign of a health problem. Avoiding the litter box, or using more than normal could mean a problem. A cat with a urinary tract infection or feline diabetes, could break the normal litter habits.



-Changes in hygiene habits of your cat might be a problem. If he is usually annoying, but recently he looked unkempt, there might be a health problem. Rule is one of the most important parts of a cat's routine, so if you do not take care of his cloak, he may not be so.



-Be aware of the changes in consumption patterns of your cat. Probably he will drink more during the warmer months and slightly less during the cooler ones, but nothing out of the ordinary may be an indication of disease.



-Since most likely you know the sounds your cat's details, changes in your cat's voice, if he is noisier than usual, more quiet, or the sound is different, probably means that something's going on.

My Dog Is Trembling - Is This a Symptom of an Illness?

Sometimes dogs seem to shiver and shake all over, worrying their owners. Here are a few reasons why your dog may be trembling.



• Dogs get cold and shiver just like we do, especially those with very short hair. That's why you see so many Chihuahuas in sweaters, and why the little dogs seem to be shaking all the time.



• A trembling dog can also be a dog experiencing pain. If your dog seems to hesitate before doing a normal activity, it might indicate that something hurts. A sore back or an upset stomach can make a dog shake.



• A fearful dog is a shaky dog. If your pet is scared or nervous, she may tremble all over and run to hide. There are many dogs that are anxious by nature, and shake often.



• Shaking and trembling that doesn't stop can indicate something more serious than a tummy ache. Diabetes and kidney disease, among other serious medical conditions, can cause shaking in a dog's legs. Trembling paired with weakness could mean that there is damage or illness in the brain or spine. Poisoning can also cause shaking, which is usually followed by seizures.



Now that you know some of the common causes of trembling and shaking in your dog, you might be wondering how to tell one from the other.



• If you are feeling cold, and your dog is shivering, she's probably chilly. They feel the chill in the air just as much as we do, so you might want to pick up a doggie sweater. They come in several sizes, are not pricey, and keep your pet more comfortable. You can also help by letting your dog in the house when it's cold, or at least providing a warm place for her to go. A bed that is out of the wind and up off the cold ground is ideal, and providing some blankets or an old comforter will give her something to burrow under.



• We all know our dogs well, so you're probably aware already if you have a dog that is prone to nervousness and anxiety. A dog that is nervous will shake when she feels threatened or scared, but won't show any other signs of a problem. Dogs can have an anxiety disorder just like people can, and there are treatments and medications available for them, too. There is no reason for your dog to be a nervous wreck all the time.



• Dogs are great at pretending that everything is fine, even when they are in pain. It is up to you as the owner to spot the subtle signs that your dog may be hurting. In addition to shaking, your dog may seem hesitant to move and refuse to jump or climb stairs. Obviously, limping and moving stiffly are indicative of pain, and a dog that normally knocks you down for his supper who won't come eat is probably hurting. Take him to the vet, who can offer many different kinds of medications and treatments so your pet won't be hurting.



• When the shaking is due to something more serious, there are often some other signs of an underlying problem. Vomiting and depression are often noticed in dogs with kidney or brain disease and diabetes. These conditions can also cause your dog to drink excessive amounts of water.



If you notice any of these last signs and symptoms in your dog, in addition to trembling, take him to a vet. These diseases respond best to treatment when they're caught early.



Also, if you are worried or the shaking doesn't seem to have a cause (or just won't stop), take him to the vet just in case. It is better to get a clean bill of health than to possibly miss something serious.



The next article in this series will discuss coughing in dogs, and the common causes of it.



The article will hopefully help you learn to notice possible serious conditions in your pet before they get out of hand.



Most of us think of our dogs as loved ones, and anything we can do to keep them from getting sick or hurt is well worth the extra reading. Noticing a problem and getting your dog to a vet in time to stop a serious problem is priceless.

Dog Illness and Symptoms

As that of human, your dogs are also affected by several health problems. An unhealthy dog will make the owner always unhappy. There are several reasons that can bring unhealthy to your pets. Pollution, poor nutrition, stress and unhealthy lifestyles can lead to verities of illnesses. The rapid weather changes, exposure to harsh climatic elements, deficient in adequate exercise can also lead your dog unhealthy. These days, emotional and psychological problems like depression, anxiety, behavioral problems and physical ailments such as diabetes, arthritis, chronic fatigue, digestive disorders, cystitis, kidney and liver disease, skin disorders, obesity, thyroid dysfunction and other problems are becoming more and more common in domesticated animals.



There is a better way and that is to use Preventative Medicine by recognizing signs and symptoms and helping your dog by making appropriate changes in their life style, environment and diet. If you can find the symptoms and cause of the dog's illness we can fix it as early as possible.
Here I will point out some of the diseases, its symptoms and reasons



1. Arthritis
Arthritis usually affects one in evey five dogs over the age of seven. It is an inflammation of a joint.



Early signs are:



* lameness



* stiffness



* reluctance to move



* not getting around as easy



* trouble getting into or out of your car



* sensitive to touch



* trouble going up or down stairs.



Main reasons of dogs arthritis



* poor nutrition



* toxins in the body



2. Diabetes



Diabetes is primarily caused by overeating and obesity. The toxin has resulted in nutritional deficiencies.



Have your dog avoid diabetes by:



* Regular exercise



* Maintain stable weight



* Home cooked meal ... same time every day



* Raw food



* Veggies and fruits



* Several smaller meals



* Avoid commercial dog foods with the 4 D's.



* None of the junk food you are eating.



Dog diabetes is a disease in which your dog's body is no longer able to regular blood sugar levels.



Common symptom of diabetes in dog include:



* Excessive thirst



* Weight loss



* Frequent urination



* General weakness



* Lethargy



* Cataracts (in dogs)



* Recurrent urinary tract infections



* Change in appetite



3. Dog Bladder Infection



Dog Bladder Infections occur in dogs as young as two months and in those between the ages of two to ten years. This really means that they are the most common disorder in dogs. These are caused due to simple infections acquired from the environment, from stale food or more serious reasons like tumors and stones in the bladder.



Common Symptoms



* Loss of appetite



* Listlessness



* frequent urination



If bladder infection detected in early statge, corrective therapy is recommended. In most cases, early changes with an increase of fiber in the animal's diet and mild antibiotics cure the ailment. If this persist, an ultra sound scan have to be done to check any tumor is there in the bladder. These would naturally require the expertise of the veterinarian who may carry out a few clinical tests to determine the exact problem area. Once this is done, appropriate surgical procedures or medication may be adopted



4. Heartworm



Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition caused by parasitic worms living in the arteries of the lungs and occasionally in the right side of the heart of dogs. The disease is spread by mosquitoes that become infected with microfilariae while taking a blood meal from an infected dog. Within the mosquito, the microfilariae mature into the infective larval stage. When the mosquito then bites another dog, cat, or susceptible animal, the larvae are deposited on the skin and actively migrate into the new host. Adult heartworms can live for five to seven years in the dog.



Early Infection No abnormal clinical signs observed
Mild Disease ----------Cough



Moderate Disease----------Cough, exercise intolerance, abnormal lung sounds
Severe Disease----------Cough, exercise intolerance, dyspnea (difficulty breathing), abnormal lung sounds, hepatomegaly (enlargement of the liver), syncope (temporary loss of consciousness due to poor blood flow to the brain), ascites (fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity), abnormal heart sounds, death



Diagnosis



The diagnosis of canine heartworm disease depends upon the following:



* an accurate patient history



* the recognition of varied clinical signs



* the use of several diagnostic procedures that may include:



* blood (serological) testing



* microfilaria detection and differentiation



* physical exam and clinical laboratory tests X-ray (radiology)



* angiography and ultrasound (echocardiography)



5. Heart and circulation problems



Heart and circulation health begins with a complete diet. Your dog's heart needs to be continually fed and nourished with a diversity of fresh whole food throughout his life. Vitamins, minerals, EFA's, and amino acids are very important.



Symptoms:



* Fatigue



* Tiring more easily than normal



* Low pitched deep cough



* Labored breathing



* Restlessness



* Coughing during the night or after exercise



* Body swelling



* Bluish look to the tongue and gums



* Fainting



* Excessive weight loss (due to lack of appetite)



* A rapid and very slow heart beat



* The inability to get comfortable when trying to sleep at night.



Common conditions with heart and circulation problems:



* Heart murmur



* High cholesterol



* High blood pressure



* DCM (dilated cardiomyopathy)



* Thickening of the heart muscle



* Heart failure



* Irregular pulse



* Anemia



Steps to take to improve or eliminate heart disease:



* Feed your dog homemade organic food



* Dental care



* Reduce stress



* Regular exercise



* Avoid excessive salt



* Avoid exposure to toxins



* Learn about over vaccinations



* If pet is overweight, take steps to reduce his weight.



6. Parvovirus



Parvoviruses are a large group; almost every mammal species (including humans) seems to have its own parvovirus. Fortunately, each virus is pretty specific about what animals it can infect (i.e. the pig parvovirus will not infect people, the canine parvovirus will not infect cats etc.) The canine parvovirus will affect most members of the dog family (wolves, coyotes, foxes etc.).
Where does virus come from?



Remember that this virus has been around for nearly 20 years, is very hard to disinfect away, and is shed in large numbers by infected dogs. This means that there is virus everywhere: on every carpet, on every floor, in every yard and park. Virus is shed for the first two weeks or less after infection in the stool of an infected dog but only a tiny portion of infected stool (which could be months old depending on the environmental temperature and humidity) is needed to infect a non-immune dog. Some dogs become what is called "subclinically infected" which means they do not appear particularly sick. These animals tend not to be confined since no one knows they are infected thus they can spread virus around a large area depending on where they leave their droppings.



Why only puppies?



The most important factors in parvovirus infection seem to be the immune experience the host (dog) has had with the virus plus the number of viral particles the host is exposed to. Twenty years ago when the virus was new, all dogs young and old were susceptible but now, because the virus is present everywhere, all dogs, even the unvaccinated ones, have at least some immunological experience with this virus. Any exposure no matter how small is likely to generate some antibodies. Also, vaccination is a widespread process nowadays and it is likely that a dog has had at least one vaccine at some point. Will these antibodies be enough for protection? In general, the answer seems to be yes as infection in dogs over age one is somewhat unusual. It is important to realize, however, that this observation should not be taken to mean that adult dogs should not continue their vaccinations. Even though infection is somewhat unusual in adult dogs, adult dogs should still continue their vaccinations as this is a life threatening disease for which treatment is expensive and no chances should be taken.



Treatment



FLUID THERAPY: One of the ways parvo can kill is via the metabolic derangements that occur with dehydration. It is crucial to replace the vast fluid losses (from vomiting and diarrhea) with intravenous fluids. Fluids are given as a steady drip rather than simply under the skin so that absorption into the circulation is direct. Potassium is usually added to the fluids in order to maintain electrolyte balance. Dextrose (sugar) is also frequently added as the stress of the disease may lower blood sugar especially in a very small puppy.



ANTIBIOTICS: The second way parvo kills is through bacterial invasion of the circulatory system ("sepsis.") Since the GI tract is damaged, antibiotics cannot be given orally. They are given either as shots or are added into the IV fluid bag. There are a number of antibiotics which may be selected. Some antibiotics you may see in use include:
7. Cancer
Cancer in dogs can occur at any age but as the dog grows older the likelihood of developing cancer increases.



Dog Cancer is also known as neoplasia or abnormal growth of tissues. There are a number of reasons for Dog Cancers besides old age. The environment, genes inherited from his lineage, repeated infestation of toxins in food and allied biological factors contribute to occurrence of cancers.



Reasons:



* Vaccines



* Commercial Pet Food



* Toxins In Their Environment ... In The Air, Water, Beds, Carpets



* Toxic Stress, Emotions, and Negativity



* Steroids



* Antibiotics



* Flea and Heartworm Pesticide Prevention



Symptoms



* Urinating or defecation problem



* Abdominal swelling



* Discharge of blood from ears or while vomiting



* Weight loss



* Lameness



* Chronic coughing



* Listlessness



I will add more information as soon as possible so please bookmark this page.

Early Signs of Dog Illness Symptoms

Dogs can have fevers just like us human beings. It is sometime hard to detect their illness because all dogs has instincts which is passed down from generation to generation by their ancestor to hide their weakness. You will have to learn your pet behaviours under normal conditions and need to have good observation skills to catch some clues on your dog sickness.



Here are some of the early signs of dog illness symptoms:



Loss of appetite



If your dog skips their food for more than once then you can suspect that their is something is not right. Your dog might have some kind of diseases so you should call your vet right away and do the check up to know the real causes of decrease in appetite.



Excessive drinking



Your dog will be producing more urine and you can notice your pet extra water consumption easily. This is usually the cause of diabetes or kidney disease.



Dull coat



A healthy dog always has a thick and shiny coat. A rough and dry dull coat indicate that something wrong. The problems could be allergy from food, tick or flea bite and another skin problems.



Lethargy



Your dog has no interest to go for a walk, play or do other activities. It is quiet hard to diagnose lethargy symptoms because there are many causes such as having fever, infected with parvo virus, poisoning and many more so it is better to talk to your vet for accurate diagnosis.



Vomiting



Vomiting in dog is not as serious as human. They usually vomit to get rid of something that they has eaten earlier for example grass and some other stuffs in the garbage. Call your vet immediately if your dog vomits frequently, depressed, having a fever, vomit contain blood because this is the signs of diseases.



Stool



For healthy dog their stool will be firm, small, and moist. If your pet have hard and dry stool mean that your pet need to drink more water. If the feces contain rice-shape object indicate that your dog is having worms in their intestine.



The early signs mentioned above is only the beginning that can lead to other types of dog illness symptoms so if your pet is not feeling well then you should talk with your veterinarian to get the accurate diagnosis and effective treatments.

Symptoms of Pain and Illness in Dogs

Dog owners, who recognize the early signs and symptoms of illness or pain in their dogs, will not only relieve their loved one's suffering but may also be able to save themselves an expensive trip to the veterinarian. Not only is it important to recognize these signs early to relieve pain and suffering, but it is much more effective to treat an illness when it is detected early.



The dog owner should keep an accurate and detailed account of their dog's symptoms to help the veterinarian correctly diagnose and effectively treat the dog's illness or condition. Most canine illnesses are detected through a combination of various signs and symptoms:



Temperature, Respiratory Rate and Heart Rate



A newborn puppy will have a temperature of 94-97º F. which will eventually reach the normal adult body temperature of 101.5º F. at the age of 4 weeks old. Take care when trying to take your dog or puppies temperature as the thermometer can easily be broken off in the canine's rectum. Also any form of excitement can cause the temperature to rise by 2-3º when the dog is actually in normal health. If your dog's temperature reaches 105º or above OR 96º or below please take him/her to the emergency vet immediately!



An adult dog will have a respiratory rate of 15-20 breaths per minute (depending on such variables as size and weight) and a heart rate of 80-120 beats per minute. You can feel for your dog's heartbeat by placing your hand on his/her lower ribcage just behind the elbow. Don't be alarmed if the heartbeat seems irregular compared to a human's heartbeat, it is irregular in many dogs. Have your vet check it out and get used to how it feels when it is normal.



Behavior Changes



Any behavior changes that are not associated with a change in the household atmosphere, such as jealousy over a new pet or child may be an indication of an illness. Signs of behavioral changes may be:



o Depression



o Anxiety



o Fatigue



o Sleepiness



o Trembling



o Falling/Stumbling



If your dog shows any of these signs, he/she needs to be kept under close watch for a few hours, or even a few days, until positive signs develop or he/she has returned to normal. Do not try to exercise the dog or put him/her in any situation that may cause stress. Most veterinarians will want for you to keep track of when the symptoms first appeared, whether they are getting better or worse, and also whether the symptoms are intermittent, continuous, or increasing in frequency.



Pain



Dogs that are in pain will likely indicate that they are suffering by giving you clues as to where the area of discomfort is. For instance, a dog that has abdominal pain will continually glance toward their belly, bite or lick the area, and will not want to leave his/her bed. The dog may stand hunched over, or take the 'prayer position' which is when a dog gets down on it's forelegs with the hind legs still standing, because of the pain in her abdomen area.



Dogs can not tell you that they are hurting or cry real tears but a dog may vocalize their pain in a different way. A dog that is hurt suddenly (such as being stepped on) will cry out or wimper in pain. This also happens when an external injury or internal injury (such as an organ) is touched. Whining or vocalization that is unprovoked may be caused from an internal injury as well. Some breeds of dogs (such as the American Pit Bull Terrier) have a higher pain threshold and need to be watched more closely for signs of pain. Breeds with a high pain tolerance are more likely to endure the pain without vocalization.



Another clue to pain is a change in temperament. A dog that is in pain may show signs of aggression. Please take note of this before concluding that a dog has become vicious and let your veterinarian know so that the correct treatment can be administered. Also females in general (even humans!) have days when they are just in a bad mood for no obvious reason. Take note of days of times that these mood swings occur as well as any events that might have triggered them.



Other signs that your dog may be sick:



o Ears: discharge, debris, odor, scratching, crusted tips, twitching or shaking.



o Eyes: redness, swelling or discharge.



o Nose: runny, thickened or colored discharge, crusty.



o Coughing, sneezing, vomiting or gagging.



o Shortness of breath, irregular breathing or prolonged/heavy panting



o Evidence of parasites in the dog's stool, strange color, blood in the stool, or lack of a bowel movement (constipation).



o Loss of appetite or not drinking as much water as normally would.



o Weight Loss.



o Strange color of urine, small amount of urine, straining, dribbling, or not going as frequently as normal.



o Bad odor coming from mouth, ears, or skin.



o Hair loss, wounds, tumors, dander or change of the skin's color.



o Biting of the skin, parasites, scratching or licking the skin frequently.



The preceding article was meant to help educate you to the signs and symptoms of probable pain or sickness in your dog. If any of these symptoms occur over a prolonged period of time, please seek the help of a veterinarian. I hope that this article will help stress the importance of keeping watch over your dog's health patterns and the importance of keeping an accurate, detailed health record for your veterinarian's convenience.