Frequently Asked Questions About Your Dog's Health - Part 1

Here are four questions we are frequently asked pertaining to a dog's health. Please read very carefully and contact your veterinarian if you suspect your problems with your dog.

What does a cold dog nose really mean?

Most people say a cold and wet nose is a healthy nose. This can be true but a healthy dog can also have a warm and dry nose from time to time. A dog just waking from sleep can have a dry nose.

As a rule, look for a change in eating habits, personality, and energy level, if you think your dog is sick. If you see any of these changes or nasal discharge, swelling, lethargy, discomfort, or observe offensive odors coming from your dog's nose, contact your vet as soon as possible, your pet could be very sick.

Why are my dog's eyes getting cloudy?

This could be a cataract, which can lead to vision loss. It can also be what is known as nuclear sclerosis. Nuclear sclerosis is a normal change that is age related. This may not significantly impair vision.

Either way, please have your dog checked out by your vet as soon as possible. Doing this may decrease scaring of the eye and vision loss.

How often should I take my dog to the vet for a check up?

Once per year is usually sufficient. However, a geriatric dog or a dog with a chronic medical problem should go at least every six months.

Why do dog's eyes have a discharge?

This may happen for many reasons. There could be an irritant, such as dust, in the eye area. Viral diseases, tear drainage problems, and allergies can all cause a dog's eyes to discharge.

No matter the cause, bring your dog to the vet for a proper diagnosis and treatment, as it could turn into something worse.

What is kennel cough?

The bacteria, Bordetella Bronchiseptica and the parainfluenza virus cause kennel cough. Your pet usually picks this up when being around numerous other dogs. This could be if your pet has to stay overnight at your veterinarian's clinic, at doggy daycare, or if your are boarding your pet. There are vaccinations that your pet can get prior to these stays or visits. If they do catch it, it usually last five to seven days if your dog is normally healthy, longer if not.

Watch this condition closely. In some cases it can worsen and turn into pneumonia. If it does, this will require extensive treatment. Contact your vet for further information on kennel cough.

And Did You Know...?

A calendar year equals seven years in the life of a dog. True or False?

False. While many people use that formula as a rule of thumb, it is not exact. A 6-month old dog is comparable to a 10 year old child; a year old dog = 16 year old; a 2 year old dog = 24 year old; a 12 year old god = a 64 year old; and a 21 year old dog = a 100 year old human.