A fever is a sign that something is wrong with your dog’s body and can be caused by a variety of underlying conditions, ranging from infections to cancer. It’s important to pay attention to your dog’s temperature and other symptoms, as a fever can be a sign of a serious illness that requires prompt medical attention.

What is a Fever in Dogs, and How Do You Check?

Fever is the elevation of body temperature in response to infection or inflammation. The normal temperature range is 100-102.5, so anything above 102.5 is a fever.

The most accurate way to check your dog’s temperature is rectally. You will want someone to help you with this, as some dogs will not tolerate this at home. Lubricate the end of a digital thermometer (they make special dog ones) and insert about one inch into the rectum. You do not need to check your pup’s temperature unless you think they are ill.

Ear thermometers are available, which might be more tolerable for you and your dog, and they are pricier but might be worth the investment for ease of use. Make sure to read all included instructions, and never use glass thermometers.

Symptoms of Fever in Dogs

There can be various ways a dog will give clues that alert you that something is wrong. The below symptoms can range from mild to severe depending on how high the fever is and the type of infection.

• Shivering-make sure you can determine the difference between normal shivering and shaking vs. shaking during a seizure.
• Diarrhea
• Coughing
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Warm, dry nose
• Warm ears
• Lethargy

Why Do Dogs Get Fevers?

There are a variety of conditions and illnesses that cause a dog’s fever to spike. Some are internal, and some are external. Sometimes, when there is no explanation for the fever, it is called a “fever of an unknown origin.”

• UTI (urinary tract infection)
• Ear infection
• Abscessed or infected tooth
• Kidney or lung infection
• Viral disease
• An infected scratch, bite or cut
• Cancer

If your furry friend ingested a poisonous material, they could also develop a fever. Such dangerous items include:

• Human medications
• Antifreeze
• Harmful houseplants
• Foods that are toxic to dogs, particularly those with the ingredient xylitol

It is essential to call poison control right away if you believe your pet has ingested a toxic substance.

Vaccinations

It is common for dogs to have a fever 24-48 hours after receiving vaccination shots, and their immune system is being stimulated to fight against several different diseases. These fevers are typically low-grade and are not of concern; however, it is a good idea to keep an eye on your dog should the fever not go away or worsen.

Auto-Immune Disease

These diseases attack the immune system and cause a temperature rise. Some examples of auto-immune diseases are rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and uveitis (a serious eye condition).

When Should I Take My Dog to the Vet?

Once you have determined your dog has a fever, a trip to your veterinarian is recommended. An emergency would be a fever over 104.5, blood in the stool or vomit, lethargic, or stopping eating. Your pet care provider has access to your pup’s medical records, vaccination history, allergies, surgeries, and any illnesses that have occurred in the past. They might order blood work, urinalysis, or other tests to determine the cause of the high temperature.

How To Reduce Dog’s Temperature

As tempting as it may be to give your dog an over-the-counter fever reducer, human medication can be severely toxic to your pet and result in serious harm or even death. Try to get your furry friend to drink small amounts of water more frequently to stay hydrated. Don’t force them to drink if they are unwilling to consume liquids.

Use a towel or cloth soaked in cool water and apply it to the ears and paws. Or you can try a dog cooling vest, available wherever you buy pet products. When the fever drops below 103, you can stop applying the cool cloth. But keep monitoring the temperature to ensure the fever is gone.

You can also give a tepid bath, not ice-cold water, just a little cooler than lukewarm water. Place your dog in the water and use a sponge or cloth to dab cool water on the ears, paws, abdomen, and chest. This is not a normal bath time, so you do not need to add soap, and the purpose is to reduce body temperature. When you’re done, make sure to towel dry the fur well, so your pup does not get a chill. You can use a hair dryer at a low temperature, do not put it on high, or you will risk burning the skin.

How Are Dog Fevers Treated?

Your pet care provider will likely run various tests to determine the cause of your dog’s fever. Once a diagnosis is given, they will provide a treatment plan that best suits your pup and its condition.

Antibiotics may be prescribed for animals with infections. With more serious diseases, there isn’t just one type of treatment prescribed. Medicine is given to treat the symptoms until the pain is gone. These treatments can take days to weeks, depending on the illness’s severity.

If the high temperature is due to cancer, radiation or chemotherapy is given depending on the type of cancer. Each dog will respond differently to the treatments, and it’s not always a given that they will work.

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When people are in pain, it’s pretty hard to miss most of the time. We complain about our aching back. We yell out because we’ve stepped on something pointy. We limp because it hurts to put pressure on a leg. We lay down in the middle of the day in complete silence and darkness because we have a migraine.

Dogs, unfortunately, aren’t always quite so easy to read. First off, to start with the obvious, they can’t tell us if something hurts because of that whole not-talking thing. And while things like limping or whining every time they put pressure on an area are pretty sure signs of a dog in pain, symptoms aren’t always so clear — especially if your dog is of the “walk it off” type.

Still, there are a number of more subtle things that you can watch for if you’re worried that your pooch might be hurting more than she’s letting on.

Excessive Vocalizations

Even if they’re trying to be tough, dogs in pain tend to be more vocal, but unless this is paired with a specific physical action, it’s not always easy to spot immediately. A hurt dog may express this vocally in a number of ways: whining, whimpering, yelping, growling, snarling, and even howling. If he’s vocalizing more than normal, see what’s up.

Constant Localized Grooming

Dogs in pain will often lick their paws constantly in an attempt to sooth themselves. When dogs are hurt, one of their first instincts is to clean and care for the wound by licking it as well. This is obvious if it’s a visible wound like a cut, but often even when pain is internal, dogs will lick that area in an attempt to fix the problem. Dogs will also lick theirs paws to rub their eyes if they have eye pain. If you notice excessive self-grooming in general, seek the help of a vet.

Differences in Sleeping, Drinking, and Eating

Many dogs will sleep more when in pain because they’re trying to heal or because it’s too hard to move around. In this vein, a loss of appetite and changes in the way and amount they drink are common.

Altered Breathing

Is your dog panting even though she hasn’t been exercising? Do her breaths seem faster or shallower? These things can be signs that it hurts her to take a breath.

Changes to the Eyes

Dogs with eye pain frequently squint. Additionally, you might notice that his pupils are smaller. For pain in other parts of the body, the opposite is true — the pupils get bigger.

Difficulty Resting

If your dog is hurting, it can make it difficult to sit or lie down. Because of this, you should check them if you notice they are sitting or lying in an unusual position or seem to have trouble staying put. For example, they might keep trying to sit or lie down and almost immediately get up and move around again.

Withdrawing or Seeking Affection

Some dogs, when they aren’t feeling well, try to keep away from you and may even hide. Others will be all over you, seeking affection constantly.

Aggressive Behaviors

Ever heard the expression, “Like a wounded animal?” Well, there’s a reason. When animals are injured or otherwise in pain, many will go into protection mode and try to get you to stay away because they’re worried you’ll hurt them. This may mean that your normally docile dog suddenly starts growling, pinning his ears back, and even biting if you do something that worries him. Typically aggressive dogs sometimes show the opposite behavior.

Obviously, most of these symptoms can mean several different things, so you don’t just want to assume your dog is in pain. As long as your dog isn’t acting aggressively, one thing you can do to check is to poke and prod (gently but firmly) around their body — just like your vet does. This can help you to localize the source of the pain, but be careful — otherwise docile dogs will sometimes bite when hurt if you touch a sore spot.

If you find something that seems worrisome or the odd behavior continues, see a vet immediately to diagnose the problem.

How were you able to tell that your dog was in pain in the past?

The post Signs And Symptoms That Your Dog Is In Pain appeared first on Cesar's Way.

10 Most Common Dog Emergencies Seen in the Vet ER

Dog trauma

If your dog has sustained some form of trauma such as a fall, gunshot wound, getting hit by a car or is involved in a dog fight then immediate veterinary attention is needed. Even if your dog appears fine initially a check-up with your veterinarian is still necessary because sometimes injuries sustained from a traumatic event such as a ruptured lung, diaphragmatic hernia or internal bleeding will not manifest symptoms immediately. Wounds such as lacerations and bite wounds may be deeper than they appear and complications such as infection can result from delaying veterinary attention. Sometimes the traumatic event is not witnessed by the owner, if you find your dog limping, seemingly in pain or is just not acting right then it would be best to have her checked out.

Dog has difficulty breathing

Dyspnea is also known as difficulty breathing and can manifest as wheezing, choking, weak and raspy breathing or respiratory arrest. This can be caused by a foreign body in the throat, allergic reaction, heart disease or pulmonary disease. If there is a foreign body present it is important not to try and extract it yourself – doing so may lodge the object even deeper, completely obstructing the airway. Breathing problems almost always indicate major dog health problems so do not wait to take immediate action.

Dog neurological conditions

Neurological problems can manifest in your dog as disorientation, incoordination, severe lethargy, unresponsiveness, and coma. A normal healthy dog is bright, alert and responsive; any pronounced change in your dog’s mental status requires immediate veterinary attention. Lethargy and weakness can be seen with any serious illness and should never be ignored. Sometimes neurological disorders do not affect mentation (for instance loss of use of the hind limbs can sometimes be cause by a ruptured intervertebral disc). Again these are serious disorders that need prompt veterinary attention to achieve the most favorable outcome.

Dog seizures

Seizures are also considered a neurological condition but are so common in dogs it deserves its own category. Any dog that has never experienced a seizure before needs to be seen immediately. Signs associated with a seizure include uncontrollable shaking and tremors, loss of consciousness, paddling with the legs and possible loss of bowel or urinary control. The most common cause of seizures in dogs is epilepsy. If your dog is diagnosed as epileptic not every seizure will constitute an emergency. If your dog has multiple seizures within a 24-hour period or if a seizure lasts longer than a couple minutes then your epileptic dog may need immediate veterinary attention. Talk to your veterinarian more about how to manage epilepsy and what to watch for. Other causes of seizures include hypoglycemia in puppies, insulinoma in older dogs and toxicities in dogs of all ages.

Suspected or known toxic exposure

You found a chewed up rat bait while running some laundry down to the basement or you notice the bag of fertilizer in the garden shed has been ripped open. If you suspect your dog has gotten into something potentially toxic call the ASPCA animal poison control at (888) 426-4435 for immediate advice on what to do. A veterinary toxicologist may advise you to induce vomiting, seek immediate veterinary attention or simply monitor at home if the substance ingested turns out to be innocuous. Keep a bottle of hydrogen peroxide in the house at all times in case you are ever asked to induce vomiting.

Dog vomiting and dog diarrhea

Vomiting and diarrhea are common problems in dogs and while they can be signs of a serious dog health issues the majority of cases are simple gastric upset that typically resolves within 24 hours. If your dog is otherwise acting fine then rest the stomach by withholding food for 4 to 6 hours and make sure your dog has access to plenty of water so they can stay hydrated. If she develops additional clinical signs such as lethargy, weakness or seems to be in pain then immediate veterinary attention is indicated. Also if vomiting or diarrhea persists more than 24 hours OR you notice blood in the vomitus or the diarrheas then go see your veterinarian immediately. If your dog has a chronic medical problem such as diabetes and starts vomiting then it is not recommended to wait 24 hours and to seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.

Dog distended abdomen or abdominal pain

If you notice your dog’s abdomen is distended and she seems to be in pain and/or uncomfortable then a serious medical problem necessitating immediate veterinary care is likely. Abdominal distension may be accompanied by dry heaves, retching, weakness, collapse and difficulty breathing. Abdominal distension can be caused by air trapped in the stomach which can cause the stomach to twist over on itself. This condition is known as gastric dilatation-volvulus—or commonly “bloat” – and usually occurs in large breed dogs. This is life threatening if not treated and the sooner you go to the veterinarian the better your dog’s odds for a positive outcome will be. Other reasons for abdominal distension can be fluid distension (ascites) from heart disease and hemoabdomen from internal bleeding such as a ruptured spleen.

Dog ocular problems

Eye problems in dogs have a nasty tendency to deteriorate faster than problems in other areas. These problems can quickly escalate into loss of the eye and blindness if not treated especially glaucoma. Signs of ocular disease include redness of the eye, discharge, excessive tearing swelling, squinting and constant pawing at the eye. Even if it is just a foreign body in the eye or a superficial scratch on the cornea prompt veterinary treatment can prevent a minor problem from becoming a serious one.

Dog urinary problems

If you notice your dog is not producing any urine then go see your veterinarian as soon as possible. While much more common dog health problem in cats than dogs, urinary blockages do occur and are life-threatening. If you notice difficulty urinating or blood in the urine then see your veterinarian as soon as possible because it may indicate a urinary infection or urinary stones that can escalate to blockage if not treated.

Dog whelping emergencies

If your dog goes into labor and you notice that more than four hours pass without any puppies, strains for more than 30 minutes without results or more than two hours elapse between puppies then she may be experiencing dystocia. Call your veterinarian immediately for advice.

This list is by no means all inclusive of definite emergencies but is a compilation of the more common dog health emergencies seen. If there is something going on with your dog and you are not sure if it is an emergency or not, be aware that help is just a phone call away. Always have the number of your regular veterinarian, the ASPCA poison control and the number of your local 24-hour emergency clinic available. As a dog owner you know your dog best – if you suspect something is wrong do not hesitate to call. This one act can sometimes mean the difference between life and death. Never feel embarrassed about calling or being a worrywart because it is better to be safe than sorry.

The post When To Take A Dog To The Vet ASAP appeared first on Cesar's Way.

Dr. Sherry Weaver

If the animal is still passing stool but it appears to be very firm-and the animal is otherwise healthy, i.e. normal eating and drinking habits, add 1/4 teaspoon of fiber, such as canned pumpkin or bran to the animal’s diet.

If this does not work, your pet has not defecated for more than one day, or your pet appears otherwise ill, take the animal to a veterinarian. Never use commercially-sold enemas made for humans. These may be toxic and deadly to dogs and cats!

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UPDATE, January 30, 2018:  Time.com recently reported on a breakout of dog flu in several states, including California.  The strain affecting dogs is canine H3N2, a different strain than the similarly named human H3N2.

Flu season has arrived—for humans and for dogs. As people march into medical centers to nab their annual vaccination, veterinarians across the country are recommending that dog owners consider a similar immunization for their four-legged companions.

The canine flu (H3N8) aka “the dog flu” is a contagious respiratory infection that was first discovered in 2004 when the virus jumped from horses and began affecting several breeds of racing dogs. Since then, 38most states have reported infected dogs, but, according to Dr. Edward J. Dubovi, Director of Virology at Cornell’s Animal Health Diagnostic Center, outbreaks tend to be sporadic and then dwindle down.Fortunately, experts say that most cases are generally mild, can be treated if caught in time, and are preventative.

Here is some more information on the virus and how you can keep your dog healthy this holiday season:

How is the dog flu spread?
Since dogs have no natural immunity to this virus, canine influenza can be easily transmitted between dogs; an infected dog can pass it to another dog through aerosolized respiratory secretions (sneezing, panting, etc.). The virus can also spread through canine contact with contaminated objects and by people who move between infected and uninfected dogs.

Symptoms of canine influenza

• Cough
• Fever
• Runny Nose
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Respiratory infection

According to veterinarian Shari Brown, signs of canine influenza can actually mimic kennel cough (a dry cough) but can also be a moist cough that persists for 7 to 30 days.

What to do if you think your dog has the dog flu?
Brown recommends that If an owner notes a cough that lasts longer than two days combined with other symptoms (nasal discharge, difficulty breathing, lethargy, decreased appetite), they should see a veterinarian immediately. Your vet will perform a test to see if your dog has canine influenza and if he tests positive, will prescribe a treatment plan.

How is it treated?
Most canine influenza cases are considered mild and involve treatments consisting of supportive care. Dogs may be given several medications to make them feel more comfortable as well as fluids to ensure that they are properly hydrated.

“Just like human flu, we will treat with antibiotics to help protect against secondary infections. With the severe form, dogs show signs of fevers and pneumonia. These dogs sometimes have to be hospitalized,” explains Brown.

Preventing the dog flu
Keeping your dog away from infected dogs is the best way to prevent dog flu. If an owner is exposed to dogs or facilities with infected dogs, all clothing, surfaces, and hands should be disinfected before coming into contact with an uninfected dog.

A vaccination can help protect against certain strains of canine influenza. The vaccine consists of two shots given several weeks apart. These shots are preventative and will not treat a dog once it is infected. In the U.S., the average cost of each shot is about $50.

Should you vaccinate your dog against canine influenza?
The American Veterinary Medical Association’s stance is that dogs that are in frequent contact with other dogs should be vaccinated against canine influenza to help prevent the spread of the virus.

While the vaccination is definitely advised in high-risk infection areas, many veterinarians, like Dubovi, recommend that owners make a risk assessment before deciding whether or not to vaccinate.

“CIV is transmitted most efficiently with dogs in close contact—kennels, shelters, day care facilities, and perhaps dog parks. In those enzootic regions, dogs in these risk categories may benefit from vaccination just as they would for the standard respiratory vaccines. The other risk group are those that do dog rescue work where dogs are moved from enzootic areas to areas without a history of infection,” says Dubovi.

Brown says that although her veterinary clinic is not in an “infected zone,” they still administer the vaccinations because some boarding facilities are starting to require it before accepting dogs. “It may also be recommend for dogs that are in doggie day care every day (being in an area with multiple dogs allows the virus to spread more easily),” she explains.

While the vaccine will significantly lower the odds of your dog coming down with canine influenza, it’s important to note that it only protects against certain strains and therefore won’t guarantee that your dog won’t get the flu. Owners should access whether or not their dog should be vaccinated based on the lifestyle of their own pet. Even vaccinated dogs should be kept away from people, objects, and dogs that have come into direct contact with the virus. If your dog becomes sick, don’t panic. Take him to the vet and follow the suggested treatment plan. This virus is generally mild and if properly treated, infected dogs should experience a full recovery.

Has your dog ever caught the flu? How was it?

The post Can Your Dog Catch The Flu? appeared first on Cesar's Way.

As the Pack Leader you must know if your dog is uncomfortable because of joint issues. Typical signs include:

• Trouble getting up and down
• Slow or stiff when moving
• Difficulty climbing stairs
• Joint swelling
• Excessive panting
• Limping
• Frequently holding a leg off the ground
• Favoring one leg

Common Causes of Hip and Joint Discomfort in Dogs:

Hip dysplasia in dogs

In hip dysplasia the hip socket has not formed properly and this results in damage and arthritis from the poor fit. This condition is most often seen in breeds such as the Labrador retriever, German shepherd, golden retriever, and Newfoundland, but other breeds can be affected. Veterinarians diagnose this condition by taking radiographs of the hips. If a dog has hip dysplasia, the earlier it is diagnosed the more options are available.

• Surgical options: triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO); pubic symphodesis; femoral head ostectomy (FHO); and hip replacement.
• Medical options: Weight control is critical. Any excess weight will only aggravate the condition. If surgery is not an option in addition to losing any excess weight, medications and supplements are used to control the dog’s discomfort.

Osteoarthritis in dogs

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that is more commonly seen in older pets from years of wear and tear on the joints. This condition can affect any joint in the body such as the shoulder, elbow, knee, hip, and back.

• Surgical options: Hip replacement is commonly done and other joint replacement procedures will likely be more available in the future.
• Medical options: Are aimed at treating the discomfort and inflammation as well as protecting the cartilage in the joints. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight is crucial. Exercise is also beneficial to keep the muscles active and strong.

Common Medications and Therapies for Osteoarthritis in Dogs.

• Supplements. Omega-3 Fatty Acids are used for their anti-inflammatory effects. The best supplements help to nourish and repair the cartilage in joints.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Your vet may need to prescribe one of the many non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, but a serum chemistry is recommended before starting these medications to detect any underlying conditions that may be made worse by these drugs. So, discuss the best route of treatment with your vet.
• Steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These can have numerous side effects, as with starting a non-steroidal. Blood work prior to use is recommended.
• Therapy laser. Uses specific wavelengths of light that reduce discomfort and inflammation and accelerate wound healing. These can be expensive.
• Narcotics. These drugs may be needed if having trouble controlling the discomfort with other medications.

There are numerous conditions affecting the bones and joints in dogs. Make sure to discuss with your veterinarian whether your dog needs a supplement, if she needs to lose weight, and what exercises are best. There are many treatments, medications, and supplements on the market that your veterinarian can prescribe to help your dog.

Does your pooch have joint problems? How have you been treating her?

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