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801 results for “dog pica”
Dog Is Bloated but Not Defecating — What to Do
A dog with a swollen belly that will not pass stool is usually constipated, but the underlying reason matters: it could be simple indigestion, a bowel blocked by a swallowed object, too little exercise, or a painful condition that makes the dog hold back. Matching the cause to the fix prevents a minor issue from becoming an emergency. This guide lists the common causes and the practical steps—water, probiotics, exercise, and portion control—that get things moving again.
What to Do If Your Dog or Cat Has Tapeworms
Many species of tapeworms parasitize dogs and cats, and the adult worms seriously harm their health, while the larval stages often use livestock or humans as intermediate hosts, threatening both animals and people. Common species include Dipylidium caninum, Taenia spp., Echinococcus granulosus, Mesocestoides, Spirometra mansoni, and Diphyllobothrium. Infection causes intestinal inflammation, malnutrition, and in severe cases intestinal blockage, with signs like vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and odd behavior. Diagnosis relies on clinical signs plus fecal egg exams. Prevention means regular deworming, not feeding raw offal, and controlling fleas. Treatment uses praziquantel (5 mg/kg dogs, 2 mg/kg cats), arecoline hydrobromide, bunamidine, or fenbendazole under veterinary guidance. Because some tapeworms (like Echinococcus) also endanger human health, prompt and correct control matters.
What Causes a Dog to Retch or Dry-Heave?
A dog that keeps dry-heaving without producing vomit can be distressing to watch, yet the causes are often straightforward. Retching usually means the throat or stomach is irritated, and it can come from a foreign object, throat inflammation, parasites, indigestion, or simply too much excitement and exercise. Most cases are mild and improve with rest, fluids, and regular deworming, but some signal infection or an obstruction that needs a vet. Knowing the difference helps you respond calmly and give your dog relief before a small issue becomes a bigger one.
Dog Enteritis Causing Bloody Vomit: What to Do
Bloody vomiting and stool from dog enteritis has two main causes. Infectious (contagious) enteritis needs immediate isolation and clinic treatment—it is highly contagious and requires targeted medication, with a course of about 7–14 days. The gastroenteritis type has a lower death rate, a 3–5 day course, and is treated with fluid therapy and symptomatic care.
What Are a Dog’s Social Behaviors?
Dogs rely on a rich set of social behaviors to communicate and bond with one another. Their primary channel is scent: by sniffing each other's hindquarters, ears, and tails, dogs read information about age, sex, health, and social status, then decide whether to be friendly or hostile. They also use body language—eye contact, vocalizations, and posture—to express emotion and intent. Play behaviors like chasing, mock biting, and mutual sniffing build social skills and trust, while some clever dogs even share food to signal friendship and deepen bonds. Understanding these behaviors helps owners read their dog's social world.
How does a dog get infected with coccidia?
Dogs catch coccidia by licking an infected dog's feces or contaminated food/water, or by picking up oocysts while playing in grass; the oocysts develop in the gut and multiply. Signs include soft stools, diarrhea, reduced appetite, low fever, weight loss, slow growth, anemia, and dehydration — a fecal exam and sulfadimethoxine treatment are needed.
What are the signs a dog shows before death?
Before death, a dog typically shows lethargy, slow movement, drowsiness, lowered body temperature, dilated pupils, a weak pulse, incontinence, and loss of appetite or refusal to drink. It withdraws to a quiet corner, and some dogs that sense the end may run away to a hidden, peaceful spot to wait.
My dog keeps scratching and the fur is matted, including both sides of the face — does it need a vet?
Persistent scratching has many causes, so if it does not improve, take the dog to a vet to identify the underlying issue. It may be a fungal or bacterial skin infection, parasites or mites, or an allergy. Hair loss, red or swollen skin, and dandruff signal itch; treat fungal with antifungals, bacterial with antibacterials, and parasites with regular topical deworming.
What happens if a dog overdoses on medication?
A medication overdose triggers poisoning — abnormal excitement, diarrhea, vomiting, reduced appetite, drooling, and convulsions, and in severe cases shock, coma, or death. It also harms the liver and kidneys, causing proteinuria and jaundice. Take the dog to a vet for induced vomiting and kidney-protective treatment.
How do I remove lice from my dog?
If there are not yet many lice, first use a fine-tooth comb to remove some and relieve itching, then apply a selamectin- or fipronil-based topical parasite treatment (avoid bathing 3 days before and after). Keep the environment clean — wash and sun the dog's bedding and toys, and clean carpets and upholstery to prevent re-infestation.