| The downside of dog ownership is that | | | | heat for a prolonged period of time.If your dog |
| communication can sometimes be a guessing | | | | shows any of the following signs, move him to a |
| game.This is particularly true when your dog is not | | | | shady spot and pour cool water all over his body and |
| feeling well.Sometimes your dog may just be "off" - | | | | then take him to the vet immediately: |
| not as energetic or acting odd.This may be nothing | | | | * Heavy panting |
| but it could be a sign of a serious health issue. | | | | * Glazed eyes |
| Educating yourself in the signs that indicate all is not | | | | * Rapid pulse |
| right with your dog can mean the difference | | | | * Bright red gums |
| between life and death. | | | | * Unsteadiness |
| Bloat: | | | | * Vomiting |
| If your dog's belly starts to swell for no apparent | | | | Shock: |
| reason, this could be an indication that she is suffering | | | | A dog can suffer from four different types of shock: |
| from Bloat - a condition in which the abdomen fills | | | | hypovolemic, cardiac, neurogenic or septic.All four |
| with gas to the point that it will become tight enough | | | | exhibit similar symptoms including: |
| to play like a drum.This is a very serious condition as | | | | * Pale mucous membranes (inside of the mouth, |
| it can decrease her circulation and must be treated | | | | gums, eyes, etc.) |
| by a vet immediately. | | | | * Weakness |
| Fainting: | | | | * Rapid pulse |
| Often related to heart disease, fainting can occur | | | | * Tangible loss of heat to the extremities, particularly |
| when your dog gets excited and his heart has failed | | | | the ears. |
| to pump enough blood to his brain.Fainting can also be | | | | The most common type of shock is hypovolemic, |
| caused by low glucose levels in the blood which is | | | | occurring when there is not enough blood circulating |
| often a result of strenuous exercise.Either way, if | | | | throughout the body.The cause can include internal or |
| your dog faints, take him to the vet ASAP. | | | | external bleeding or poor circulation. Cardiac shock |
| Falling: | | | | occurs when the heart cannot pump blood fast |
| When a dog falls over for no apparent reason, it can | | | | enough.Neurogenic shock, although rare, can occur |
| be an indication that she has an inner ear infection. | | | | when the dog suffers a massive brain or spinal cord |
| This is very treatable and can be cured with a trip to | | | | injury. Septic shock occurs when an infection has |
| the vet and a course of antibiotics. | | | | reached the blood stream. |
| Heat Stroke: | | | | If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms or |
| One of the most common summer ailments dog | | | | experiences any type of injury that can cause shock, |
| suffer from is heat stroke.This can come on very | | | | take him to the vet immediately. |
| rapidly even if your dog has not been outside in the | | | | |