FAQ: Health for dogs

In a dog of healthy weight you can easily feel the ribs under a thin layer of fat, see a waist from above and a tucked-up belly from the side. If you cannot feel the ribs and there is no waist, the dog is probably too heavy. Weigh your dog regularly and ask a vet about its ideal weight.

Regular weighing helps you notice unwanted weight gain or loss early, which can be a sign of illness. Weight also matters when choosing antiparasitic products, which are picked by weight range. Small dogs can be weighed on bathroom scales while held in your arms, large dogs at the vet clinic.

Constant itching can be caused by fleas and other parasites, allergies, skin infections or dry skin. First check whether the dog has fleas and whether it gets regular parasite protection. If the scratching does not stop, the skin turns red, or sores or bald patches appear, see a vet.

Not without a vet. Not all human antihistamines suit dogs, some contain additives that are dangerous to dogs, and canine allergies often need different treatment. If you suspect an allergy, a vet will find the cause and choose the right treatment.

Yes, some fungal skin infections in dogs, such as ringworm, can spread to people and other animals. If you suspect one (round bald patches, scaling), see a vet, and in the meantime wash your hands after touching the dog and clean its belongings.

Soothing sprays and gels, often with aloe, oatmeal or similar ingredients, can briefly relieve minor irritation, for example after bites or clipping. They do not treat skin disease. If the irritation spreads, keeps coming back or the dog scratches hard, see a vet.

Make sure the dog has fresh water and keep an eye on how it is. Do not give anti-diarrhoea medicine meant for people. See a vet without delay if it is a puppy or an old dog, the diarrhoea lasts more than a day, there is blood in the stool, or the dog vomits, stops eating or is lethargic.

A single bout of vomiting after which the dog feels fine is often not dangerous. See a vet if the dog vomits several times, there is blood in the vomit, it cannot keep water down, is lethargic or has belly pain, you suspect it swallowed an object or poison, or it is a puppy.

It is a life-threatening condition in which the stomach fills with gas and may twist, more common in large, deep-chested breeds. Signs are a swollen, hard belly, unproductive attempts to vomit, drooling, restlessness and weakness. If you notice them, go to a vet immediately.

Many healthy dogs eat grass now and then, and it is usually not a sign of illness. But if the dog eats grass greedily and often, vomits afterwards, has other digestive problems or eats less, it is worth asking a vet. Keep the dog away from grass that has been sprayed with chemicals.

Veterinary diets are designed for specific conditions, such as kidney, urinary or digestive problems, and may not suit a healthy dog. So they should be started only after a vet has made a diagnosis and said how long to feed them. The wrong diet can mask symptoms or make a condition worse.

A new puppy should have a vet-recommended product against worms and external parasites suited to its age and weight, a thermometer, a tick remover, puppy shampoo and basic first aid supplies. At the first visit the vet will draw up a vaccination and deworming plan.

Until a puppy has finished its primary vaccination course it is at risk from dangerous infectious diseases, such as parvovirus, whose agents survive in the environment. Early socialisation also matters. A vet will advise when and where it is safe to take the puppy out and how to balance socialisation with protection.

To travel with a dog within the EU you usually need a microchip, a pet passport and a valid rabies vaccination, and some countries have extra requirements, for example regarding tapeworm treatment. Check the requirements well in advance and talk to a vet.

Never leave a dog in a locked car on a warm day, even briefly and with the windows open — the temperature inside rises very quickly. On journeys make sure there is ventilation or air conditioning, shade and water, and take breaks. A cooling mat can help but does not replace a cool environment.

Do not feed the dog for a few hours before a trip, ensure good ventilation, take breaks and get the dog used to short, pleasant rides. A secure spot, such as a fastened travel crate, reduces anxiety in some dogs. If the sickness is severe, a vet can prescribe a suitable product.

In warm weather blue-green algae multiply in some lakes and ponds and can produce toxins that are very dangerous to dogs. Avoid water that is green, murky, foamy or has a scum, and do not let the dog drink it. If the dog vomits, has diarrhoea, weakens or has seizures after swimming, go to a vet urgently.

In winter dogs are at risk from antifreeze, which tastes sweet and is highly poisonous, road salt that irritates the paws, ice that can cause injuries, and cold for small, short-haired or old dogs. Wash the paws when you get home, and if you suspect the dog licked antifreeze, call a vet immediately.

Veterinary medicines are meant to treat or prevent disease, are registered, and their effectiveness and safety are assessed before they reach the market; some are available only on prescription. Supplements count as feed and are meant to complement the diet, not to treat. So a supplement does not replace a medicine prescribed by a vet.

No. Prescription veterinary medicines are prescribed by a vet after assessing the dog's health and are sold only with a prescription. Be wary of offers to buy such medicines without one, as they may be unsuitable, counterfeit or improperly stored. If the medicine is needed again, contact your vet.