Articles with dog symptoms

Dog Skin Pigmentation Changes: Why Has My Dog’s Skin Changed Color?

Dog skin color is determined by cells that produce pigment, melanin. As a result, different breeds come with different skin colors. So what does it mean when your dog’s skin color changes? Like with any change, it’s essential to pay attention. Systemic Yellow skin If your dog’s skin turns yellow–called jaundice–this is serious. Although you’re more likely to notice jaundice…

by Jana Rade edited by Dr. Joanna Paul BSc BVSc

Dandruff/Flaky Skin in Dogs

When the quality of your dog’s coat changes, when they start having skin issues, you need to look past skin and coat. There is a reason for everything that happens in the body. Skin problems are no exception. So what could be the reason behind your dog’s dandruff, then? If you google dry, flaky skin in dogs, most results you…

by Jana Rade edited by Dr. Joanna Paul BSc BVSc

Unexplained Bruising in Dogs: Why Is My Dog Bleeding under the Skin? Don’t Think Minor Trauma

Trauma is not my prime suspect when I see a bruise on my dog. The main thing to understand about bruising in dogs is that while a trauma can cause a bruise, it would need to be quite a substantial trauma. Dog skin is much thicker than human skin, and their fur provides further protection. The only time JD had…

by Jana Rade edited by Dr. Joanna Paul BSc BVSc

Scooting in Dogs: Why Is My Dog Dragging Their Bum On The Ground?

Scooting is used to describe a dog dragging their bottom along the ground. Bare ground, grass, carpet, anything will do. It is not a new trick your dog invented; they are trying to relieve an itch, pain, or discomfort that they cannot reach otherwise. Anal gland issues If you’re one of the people whose mind immediately jumps to an anal…

by Jana Rade edited by Dr. Joanna Paul BSc BVSc

Reverse Sneezing in Dogs: Is My Dog Choking?

Unless you are familiar with it, reverse sneezing can look like your dog is choking. Reverse sneezing involves a lot of snuffing, snorting, gagging, and generally scary sights and sounds. It looks nothing like regular sneezing, which is recognizable to anybody. Instead, reverse sneezing looks absolutely scary the first time you witness it. What is the difference between sneezing and…

by Jana Rade edited by Dr. Joanna Paul BSc BVSc

Jana Rade

I am a graphic designer by day, dog health advocate, dog writer, member of the Dog Writers Association of America, and an award-winning author in my spare time. Jasmine, the Rottweiler of my life, was the largest female from her litter. We thought we were getting a healthy dog. Getting a puppy from a backyard breeder was our first mistake. Endless veterinary visits without a diagnosis or useful treatment later, I realized that I had to take Jasmine's health care into my own hands. I learned the hard way that simply seeing a vet is not always enough. There is more to finding a good vet than finding the closest clinic down the street. And, sadly, there is more to advocating for your dog's health than visiting a veterinarian. It should be enough, but it often is not. With Jasmine, it took five years to finally get a diagnosis for her initial issue. Unfortunately, other problems had snowballed for that in the meantime. Jasmine's health challenges became a crash course in understanding dog health issues and how to go about getting a proper diagnosis and treatment. I had to learn, and I had to learn fast. Helping others through my challenges and experience has become my mission and Jasmine's legacy. I now try to help people recognize and understand signs of illness in their dogs, how to work with their veterinarian, and when to seek a second opinion. My goal is to use 20 years of hard-earned experience to save others from the steep curve of having to learn things the hard way, as I did.

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