Faithful companions, loving creatures, and adorable four-legged animals- that’s how most pet parents describe their dogs. But keep in mind that dogs are devoted companions who rely on us for proper care. When it comes to noticing changes in their health, be aware of the most common problems that dogs suffer. Your pooch catching an infection may sound undemanding to you, but there lies seriousness in a red eye or ear wax build-up.
With the right care and proper diagnosis, your pooch should be up and about in no time! But how would you know if your canine bestie has an infection? Take a look at some of the symptoms, so you can decide if you need to take your fur baby to the vet.
- Red or warm skin with spots or pustules may indicate a skin infection. This may also be accompanied by a thick yellow or green discharge and an unpleasant odour.
- If you see your pooch shaking its head or scratching constantly, detecting a foul odour, redness, swelling along the ear canal, or scabs in the ears, it may be a possible ear infection.
- If you notice a pink or red tinge in your puppy’s eyes, watery discharge, crying, squinting and blinking, constant pawing, or touching the eye, your fur baby might be showing signs of an eye infection like conjunctivitis.
- Does your dog need to pee often? Or does it show strain during peeing? It may be a sign of a urinary tract infection. Sometimes, your dog might even pass blood in the urine.
- Like us hoomans, dogs can have dental issues too. A tooth infection may be caused by an abscess that occurs due to gum disease or a broken tooth.
- Weight loss, vomiting, change in appetite, and lethargy could signal a worm infestation.
While more serious symptoms like fast breathing and constant lethargy are important to be addressed to your vet, a few remedies can be used for manageable signs. Of course, there is no substitute for professional care, but you can always look for symptoms at home to help your furry friend. Since you spend the most time with your pet, it is easier to spot problems. The sooner you discover, the sooner your dog can begin to heal!
Here are a few remedies that you can do to help your pet, before taking it to the vet.
- For ear infections, topical relief can be given to soothe itching and discomfort.
- Green tea and apple cider vinegar are known to provide relief from ear infections in dogs. To use green tea extract, boil tea bags in water for a few minutes and let them cool for some time. Use a syringe to put a few drops of this into your dog’s ear canal. Similarly, combine one part vinegar and one part filtered water. Using a cotton ball soaked in the mixture, clean the visible areas of the ear. Hold your dog’s ear still to ensure that the liquid enters the ear canal. Massage gently.
- Chamomile and calendula have characteristics that soothe and calm sensitive skin while also reducing inflammation, making them an excellent choice for itchy dog skin.
- Ensure that your dog gets nutritious meals and healthy dog treats to prevent dental infections. Probiotic supplements aid in a healthy bacterial ecology in your dog’s mouth. Aloe vera gel can be used to soothe inflammation in your dog’s mouth.
- D-mannose has been effective to prevent the bacteria E Coli from adhering to the urinary system. If your dog does have an infection, D-mannose can help. Cranberry flavonoids may also help fight bacterial illnesses in dogs. You can get cranberry supplements, which contain natural D-mannose that will help tackle urinary infections.
Although infections in pets may sound dangerous, a few of these remedies can help manage symptoms. But not entirely! Always consult your dog’s vet to get the best help. After all, your pooch deserves to live a long healthy life!