Most dogs can experience an upset tummy from time to time, but what action should you take if your pet becomes ill and when should you seek veterinary attention? Read on for some helpful tips.
How to spot a tummy upset in your dog
Identifying an upset tummy is usually pretty straightforward. Your dog may exhibit one or more of the following signs that all is not in order:
loose stools diarrhoea swollen, sore tummy All these signs are generally caused by your dog eating something that hasn't agreed with his digestion, he could have picked up something whilst out for a walk, for example.
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Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection that's easily passed to cats and humans from contact with infected faeces. Cats can also contract the infection from eating tainted raw meat, and kittens whose mother has toxoplasmosis can be born with it. This is a life-threatening illness that can cause damage to your cat's nervous system and organ failure due to severe dehydration. Here's an overview of the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment approach:
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If you own a bitch that's pregnant, the arrival of the puppies can be both exciting and stressful. So how do you know when the puppies' arrival is imminent and when should you call your emergency vet? Read on for more information.
Signs of imminent whelping
When your bitch is ready to give birth, she will display some or all of the following signs:
signs of nesting – looking around for a suitable place to give birth restlessness loss of appetite temperature drop to below 37.
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If you have a dog, he should receive a booster for his kennel cough immunization on an annual basis. Wondering why vaccinating against this disease is so important? Take a look at these facts:
1. Kennel cough is a serious condition.
When dogs get kennel cough, it's like when a human has a chest cold or bronchitis. It is a combination of respiratory infections that are both viral and bacterial, and it inflames your dog's voice box and windpipe.
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Dogs with an overgrowth of bacteria in their mouth are at risk of developing gum disease. Bacteria bind with food particles to create plaque. This sticky substance coats your dog's teeth at the gum line and causes their white blood cells to try and defend their gums from the plaque. The increased number of white blood cells in your dog's gums can cause the bacteria to release enzymes in an effort to protect themselves.
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