Dog care, symptoms, health issues, and dog health advocacy from an owner's perspective. In loving memory of Jasmine.
Examining your dog’s pee can provide a great deal of information about their physical condition and health. Your dog’s urine contains compounds produced by the body, and monitoring them can provide valuable diagnostic clues. Changes in urination and urine quality don’t only indicate problems within the urinary tract itself. They can signify a systemic disease. Urinary habits If you notice…
Believe it or not, any wastes that come out of your dog’s body carry useful information. Gross is in the eye of the beholder. Our dogs feel about poop quite differently than we do. To a dog, poop can be a source of intel, a snack, as well as sometimes a source of missing nutrients. What can your veterinarian learn…
Anal sacs in dogs can easily become impacted. An infection is fast to follow and can result in an abscess. The typical sign of anal gland problems is scooting–dragging the rear along the ground. Your dog might also lick or bite at the area at the base of the tail. Would it be possible to discover an anal sac infection…
Cytology is the examination of cells under a microscope. Cytology can help to characterize lumps and masses on the skin and in other organs of your dog. It is also helpful for evaluating: The purpose behind it Cytology often provides diagnostic information about your dog that can be useful in deciding on a treatment plan. Lumps and bumps Your veterinarian…
In part one we discussed what important information you can get by paying attention to your dog’s pee. In the end, all you need to assess is whether your dog needs to see a vet and how soon. Your vet is much better at reading your dog’s urine—after all, they’ve got the tools! Urinalysis is the technical term for a…