Q&A for How to Know When Your Dog is Sick

Skin tags should not be removed at home. What appears to be a skin tag could actually be a cancerous lesion. In addition, there is a high likelihood that complications can occur such as excessive bleeding after removal and infection at the area of removal. Your veterinarian can identify if this is just a skin tag and remove it using a scalpel and may place sutures to close the skin. If they are worried that it may be a cancerous lesion it may be sent out for a biopsy.

Kennel cough will typically resolve without treatment in a healthy dog. To minimize symptoms while infected, make the dog more comfortable, and prevent the infection from progressing to pneumonia your veterinarian may prescribe an antibiotic such as doxycycline for a week. Vaccines are also available to protect against kennel cough. The vaccines target the bacteria Bordatella minimizing the chance of your dog being infected with kennel cough although it does not provide full immunity from kennel cough because kennel cough can develop from a few other bacterias and viruses.

Occasional vomiting can be normal. When it is time for your dog to eat again, feed only half of a normal meal and see if they hold it down. If there are multiple bouts of vomiting, blood in vomit, straining to defecate, or personality changes (listless or uncomfortable) you should call your veterinarian to schedule an appointment immediately. This can be signs of gastroenteritis, foreign material ingestion, or pancreatitis.

Difficulty breathing is a serious sign that requires urgent veterinary attention. Many times a dog that isn't breathing right won't eat because he is concentrating on getting air into the lungs. Phone the vet for an urgent appointment and keep the dog calm and cool in the meantime. Don't ask him to walk anywhere, put a water bowl beside him, and let him rest. Then carry him to the car when it comes time for the appointment.

Puppies can suffer from motion sickness just like we do. If she was bright and alert before the journey, and got a bounce back in her step about 20 – 30 minutes after travel, then there's a good chance it was motion related. Make sure she's eating, drinking, and pooping normally, and if any of those things have changed never take a risk with a puppy and get her checked over by the vet.