To detect a specific disease in dogs sometimes all we need to do is observe the gestures and actions that our furry pets perform every day. Without substituting ourselves for the veterinarian, who will have to be our ally in the treatment and point us to the appropriate therapy, we can easily see how certain behaviors can be indicative of a discomfort that should not be underestimated.
INFECTION OF THE ANAL GLANDS
If, for example, he frequently licks his private parts and rubs himself on the floor, he may have an inflammation or infection of the anal glands. This area of the body is used by dogs to communicate with each other and to recognize each other, as well as for physiological needs. The anal glands, also called anal sacs, produce each dog’s characteristic smell. The itching and pain that the dog feels but cannot communicate are symptoms that the veterinarian must soothe and treat through proper therapy ( the sacs must be cleared of infection).
SPINAL OR DERMATOLOGICAL TYPE DISORDER
If the dog chases his tail trying to bite it and it becomes a recurring gesture that he performs daily, he is probably developing stereotypical behavior. The causes vary from boredom, anxiety to stress, but loneliness also plays a decisive factor. Not being stimulated and being alone all the time, dogs suffer just as we do and develop pathologies exactly as would happen to us if we were alone all the time.
The most severe cases of biting, however, could result from a genuine spinal or dermatological disorder. Even at this juncture, the veterinarian is the appropriate person to contact to obtain an accurate diagnosis and begin treatment.
EYE AND EAR INFECTION AND ALLERGIES
When the dog constantly scratches his muzzle, he may be suffering from an ‘eye and ear infection, and he is only scratching to get rid of the discomfort.
Nothing detracts from the possibility that he has an allergy, and, as previously advised, the best solution would be to visit the veterinary clinic of choice.
ABDOMINAL PAIN
When the dog crouches only with his front paws, he wants to communicate a call for help. He may in fact be suffering from abdominal pain. Causes of this pain that prevents normal movement could include pancreatitis.
FLEAS, TICKS, WARTS.
If there is prolonged and violent scratching with the hind legs, action should definitely be taken. We will definitely be dealing with fleas, ticks and warts. Once again, in order to solve the problem cleanly, one must turn to the veterinarian for treatment and care.
DISEASES OF THE HEART AND LUNGS
Panting serves dogs to regulate their temperature . The dog does not sweat as we do, and his sweating (when it occurs) is limited to his paws. Dog panting circulates air through its body efficiently: an animal’s normal level of breathing ranges from 30 to 40 inhalations and exhalations per minute while in a panting dog these values double.
Excessive panting could therefore result from a pathological condition of the heart and lungs, thus becoming a sign of a physical problem that needs further analysis.
When our dog is panting even if it is not very hot or shows signs of exertion in doing so, he may in fact have much more serious problems than we think.
Fatigue, coughing, weakness, and reluctance to go for walks are all definitely alarming symptoms. Dogs with heart disease have enlarged abdomens and heavy breathing due to fluid accumulation. The diseased heart does not pump blood throughout the body effectively, and as a result, tissues become oxygen-deprived. To compensate for this lack of oxygen, the dog will pant more. The advice is not to waste time but to act as quickly as possible by contacting a trusted veterinarian.
