Canine Constipation

Canine constipation can be very uncomfortable and painful for your dog. Although older dogs are affected most often, constipation can affect a dog of any age or breed. Although the condition isn’t usually fatal, it can lead to serious gastrointestinal problems if it is left untreated. This can cause your dog to lose the ability to discharge feces.

Causes

There are various things that can cause canine constipation. Your dog can get the condition if he ingests foreign objects such as rocks, coins, keys, and bones. Your dog can also get the condition if you feed him certain types of human food. Foods that contain dairy, rice, flour, sugar, or large amount of protein can all cause canine constipation. Dogs that don’t consume enough fiber are also prone to the condition. A few other common causes include lack of exercise, dehydration, and other medical problems.

Symptoms

If your dog has canine constipation, you may notice that he strains while trying to have a bowel movement. Often, he will be unable to discharge any feces. Your dog will also try to have a bowel movement more frequently. Other common symptoms of canine constipation include loss of appetite, bloating, and discomfort during bowel movements.

Treatment

Veterinarians usually try to treat canine constipation with a mild laxative. He will have to prescribe a certain dosage based upon the size of your dog. Milk of magnesia is also used sometimes to treat canine constipation. However, it’s best to consult the veterinarian before giving your dog anything.

Prevention

One of the best ways to prevent canine constipation is to make sure your dog has plenty of fresh water. You should also make sure that your dog is getting enough exercise. A good diet will go a long way in preventing canine constipation.

Infectious Canine Hepatitis

Canine hepatitis is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus. The disease can affect your dog’s liver as well as other organs.

Cause

Infectious canine hepatitis is caused by the canine adenovirus type 1, also known as CAV-1. Your dog can get the virus if he comes into direct contact with an infected dog. Canine hepatitis can also be contracted if your dog comes into contact with the body fluids of an infected dog. The virus can also be spread by ticks, mosquitoes, and fleas.

Symptoms

Canine hepatitis can either be acute or severe. Dogs with the acute form will usually be sick for a week. They will likely experience vomiting, diarrhea, and fevers. Canine hepatitis can also cause the liver to swell, and the dog may refuse to eat. Other symptoms of the acute form include swollen lymph nodes, pale gums, and yellowish eyes. Some dogs may require hospitalization before the condition resolves.

The severe form of canine hepatitis is often fatal. Dogs with this form will experience bloody diarrhea and vomit. They will also bleed from their gums and nose. This form of canine hepatitis also causes major damage to the liver which can cause seizures or a coma.

Treatment

Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment for canine hepatitis. Dogs with the severe form often die within a week. Sometimes, dogs will die suddenly within a few hours of showing initial symptoms. A mild case of infectious canine hepatitis may require hospitalization. There, the dog will receive intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration from the vomiting or diarrhea. The dog may also require additional supportive care.

Prevention

There are vaccines available to help prevent canine hepatitis. Although mainly given to puppies, the vaccine can also be given to adult dogs. The vaccine for canine hepatitis can contain adenovirus type 1 or type 2. Although type 1 causes hepatitis in dogs, the vaccine with type 2 will also protect against the disease.

Canine Seizures

Canine seizures are one of the most common neurological problems seen in dogs. They are also known as convulsions or fits. These seizures are brought on by a brain malfunction that forces the dog’s body to convulse uncontrollably.

Causes

There are quite a few causes of canine seizures. The most common cause is epilepsy. Severe diseases like brain tumors can also cause your dog to have these convulsions. Other causes of canine seizures include trauma, ingestion of poison, low blood sugar, low thyroid function, and distemper.

Signs

Signs of canine seizures are easy to notice. All of the muscles in the dog’s body will start to contract. Your dog will also lack mental awareness and may even experience hallucinations. Canine seizures can also lead to involuntary salivation, defecation, and urination. Many dogs will also experience behavioral changes such as pacing, running in circles, or becoming vicious.

What to Do

If your dog suffers from canine seizures, you simply need to make sure he is in a safe place. There should be nothing around the dog that he can hurt himself on while having the convulsion. It would be best to make sure the dog is on the ground of floor.

Dogs don’t swallow their tongues during canine seizures, so you should never put your fingers into its mouth. If you do, you may have it bitten very badly. If this is the first time your dog has suffered from canine seizures, you should take it to a vet to receive a physical examination and blood work as soon as possible.

Risks

Although canine seizures don’t cause any pain, they can turn into a serious condition if they last for more than five minutes. When they last more than five minutes, the dog’s body temperature will begin to rise and may lead to hyperthermia. When canine seizures last for more than five minutes, you should seek emergency treatment quickly. Intravenous medication needs to be given quickly or the dog may die.

Prevention

If canine seizures occur at least once a month or typically last more than five minutes, it may be necessary to give your dog anticonvulsant medication. These medications must be taken every 12 to 24 hours. Some dogs have to take anticonvulsant medications for the rest of their lives. If the medication is suddenly stopped, it will likely induce more canine seizures.