April | 2009 | Hunting Dogs

Dogs get skin conditions like other types of mammals, including humans.  One of the most common types of skin conditions that some bird dogs get is ringworm.  Ringworm can be caused by a fungal infection as well as an infection from a parasite.  In most dogs, ringworm is caused by fleas. 

 

Symptoms of Ringworm In Dogs

 

Dog skin conditions such as ringworm are very common.  It is important to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of this condition so that it can be remedied.  Ringworm is uncomfortable for your dog and can lead to more serious complications.  Signs and symptoms of ringworm in dogs include:

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  Loss of hair in a circular fashion, usually on the head and legs
  
  


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  Circular patches that are red and may have a dry crust
  
  


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  Excessive scratching, usually at the head and legs
  
  

Diagnosis of Ringworm

 

If your dog exhibits any type of skin condition that is persistent, it is your obligation to take him to the vet so that he can be treated.  Only a veterinarian can diagnose ringworm in your dog; this is not something that you should attempt to do on your own.  

 

Your vet will take a look at your dog and normally make a clinical diagnosis based upon the condition as presented.  Other tests that can be done include blood tests as well as skin scrapings that will be able to determine if the condition is caused by skin parasites.  Most likely, your vet will want to rule out any underlying conditions that can cause this type of rash. 

 

Treatment of Ringworm

 

If the ringworm is caused by fleas, as it often is, the fleas will have to be eliminated to clear up the problem.  This is often done with a flea bath that will kill these parasites.  If infection is also present, then the dog will most likely be given antibiotics.  The sooner you get your dog to the vet for the treatment of ringworm, the better off he will be.   It can take several weeks for the ringworm condition that is caused by fleas or ticks to heal.  

 

Prevention of Ringworm

 

While you cannot prevent all skin conditions and gun dogs, in particular, may be prone to other parasites that can cause this condition, such as ticks, you can take preventative measures.  Examine your dog for signs of infestation and keep his coat clean and groomed.  Flea powder can be used in some cases as can special types of dog soap that is designed to keep his coat shiny and ward off infestation. 

 

If you suspect your dog has ringworm or some other type of skin condition, do not ignore it.  Take him to the vet, get a diagnosis and begin treatment.  The sooner that you get your dog in for proper treatment, the easier it will be to get rid of the ringworm.  Skin is his largest organ and often, things that may be wrong with your dog will reflect upon his coat.  If your dog loses patches of hair, is scratching, or has a rash, it is best to get him checked out by the vet. 

 

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Just like humans, dogs also get ear infections, a condition known as Otitis.  There are a number of different reasons why dogs get ear infections and certain gun dog breeds are more prone to ear infections than others.  Labrador Retrievers and Springer Spaniels are two breeds of gun dogs that often develop this condition.  This is because these dogs usually have a lot more hair in and around their ear canal that can promote the growth of yeast or bacteria that may result in an infection.  In addition, Retrievers can pick up ear infections by coming into contact with bacteria found in water.  Any dog, however, can develop ear infections which is why you need to know the symptoms of ear infections in dogs and how this condition is treated. 

 

Symptoms of Dog Ear Infections

 

Ear infections are painful for your dog and can, in some severe cases, lead to deafness.  Some of the symptoms that you should look for are both clinical as well as behavioral.  Signs and symptoms of dog ear infections include:

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  Discharge from the ears that may be yellow or green in color and foul smelling
  
  


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  Excessive scratching their ears or pawing at them
  
  


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  Shaking their heads excessively
  
  

The above are early signs of a dog ear infection.  If untreated, the infection will usually move from the outer ear to the inner ear.  Signs and symptoms of inner ear infections in your dog include:

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  Disorientation
  
  


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  Falling or uneasy gait
  
  


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  Decreased ability to hear
  
  


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  Unusual eye movements
  
  

It is important that you take your dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible if you suspect that he is suffering from ear infections as this is not only uncomfortable for your dog, but can be more difficult to treat as the infection progresses. 

 

How Dog Ear Infections Are Diagnosed

 

The vet will examine the ears of your dog with a special scope to see the infection.  Often, the vet will have a scope with a camera end that can reflect what is inside the ear on a computerized screen.  The inside of the ear will be very red and may have puss present.  Your vet will want to rule out the presence of ear mites in the examination.  In most cases, the clinical presentation will be enough for your vet to make a diagnosis and advise proper treatment. 

 

Treating Dog Ear Infections

 

In most case, the vet will prescribe medication, usually ear drops, that are placed in his ears and then the ears massaged.  Your vet will most likely clean out his ears at the office and then give you drops to use at home.  In some cases, the vet will need to flush the ears out, which usually requires the dog to be sedated.  In most cases, the condition will clear up quickly with this treatment. 

 

If your dog continues to suffer from repeated ear infections, your vet might want to do a blood test to see if there are any underlying causes, such as parasites.  In most cases, however, the condition will be cleared up quickly, however the sooner you act, the better for your dog. 

 

There are many homeopathic remedies on the market today that are used to treat dog ear infections, however, it is not recommended that you try to treat your dog for this condition in this manner as some ear infections that are caused by parasites or bacteria require medical care.  You can help prevent dog ear infections by using an ear wash that is recommended by your vet and keeping his ears clean. 

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Roundworm is another name for heartworm, a very serious condition that can affect your dog.  Gun dogs, especially, are prone to this condition as they are often outdoors and in wooded areas.  Not only can roundworm affect your dog, but it can be transmitted to humans as well.  Although humans do not exhibit the same symptoms of this disease, they can transmit the disease to other dogs. 

 

Roundworm is a parasitic disease that is spread to dogs usually through mosquitoes.  Gun dogs, however, may get roundworm from being around other dogs that are infested as well as coming into contact with other animals often found in the woods such as coyotes or foxes.  Prevention of roundworm is essential in your gun dog as treatment can be very difficult.  Often, roundworm leads to death. 

 

Prevention of Roundworm

 

Roundworm, or heartworm, should be prevented by giving your dog a tablet that he will take every month.  You should mark this date on your calendar each month so that you do not forget to give him the pill. This simple pill can potentially save the life of your dog.  Often, by the time that roundworm is discovered, it is too late to do anything to treat the animal. 

 

Dogs that are pets are often treated to prevent roundworm during the summer months for those that are living in four season climates as the primary carrier of the disease are mosquitoes.  Gun dogs, on the other hand, should be given preventative tablets all year long as they are more likely to come into contact with other animals that may carry the parasite. 

 

Symptoms of Roundworm

 

Early symptoms of roundworm are usually not detected as they are very subtle.  The roundworm will remain in the system of your dog for six months after infestation, after which they will begin to spread through the other organs, including the brain.  Many times, the symptoms will present as a cough.  You will find your dog coughing and not having the same amount of energy as he once had.  He may also start to lose weight.  This condition can persist for months before it becomes noticeable.  Eventually, roundworm often leads to heart failure. 

 

Diagnosis of Roundworm

 

Roundworm can be diagnosed by the use of a blood test.  There is a difference between the female roundworm infection and the male infections with the male infections easier to treat.  The earlier you get the diagnosis of roundworm for your dog, the better his chances of getting the treatment he needs to save his life.  It is possible to treat and cure roundworm in your dog. 

 

Treatment of Roundworm

 

The treatment of roundworm is very extensive and costly.  The roundworms must be destroyed and this is usually done with a prescription.  This is also very taxing on your dog.  After this treatment, your dog will begin to excrete dead worms in his stool.   Follow up treatment is often necessary to make sure that all of the worms are out of his system. 

 

The problem with treating roundworm is that damage is often done to the organs that have been infested.  Treatment for roundworm in your dog depends on the amount of damage that has already been done to your dog, the age of your dog and his general health. 

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If you have a female gun dog that you are planning to breed, you should understand what to expect and how to take care of your bitch during the gestation period.   Dogs have a gestation period from 58 to 68 days after the date of the last ovulation.  Puppies that are born prior to 58 days are premature and generally have health issues.  It is advisable for you to make sure that you have your bitch see the vet during her pregnancy to make sure that everything is going normally for her and that she and the puppies are safe. 

 

Just like humans, pregnant females require additional nourishment, vitamins and may even experience a bit of nausea.  One thing that you can do to make sure that your bitch is comfortable is to feed her several smaller meals on a daily basis, instead of larger meals.  This may make her stomach feel a bit less queasy.   The morning sickness is most noticeable in the 20^th day of the pregnancy and is caused by fluctuating hormones, as is the case with humans as well. 

 

Morning sickness is one of the first signs of pregnancy, although you may notice a slight weight gain when your bitch first becomes pregnant, but most breeders will not spot this until the 30^th day of pregnancy.  By this time, the bitch will have a slight distention of the uterus and the bulge will be noticeable.  Most vets will perform an ultrasound to both confirm the pregnancy and make sure that everything is fine.  They will usually be able to tell you when to expect the litter.  The new puppies will not be visible by x-ray until the bitch is 45 days pregnant. 

 

Your pregnant female will require additional calories in her daily meal beginning at the 35^th week of pregnancy.   Your vet will often prescribe vitamin supplements, although this is something that you will want to discuss with him or her as many vets believe that an excess of vitamins can do harm to the puppies.  You might want to go with a dog food that is created for a pregnant female.  It is essential that she get the right amount of calories and nutrients during this time for the sake of the unborn puppies. 

 

When your bitch is getting ready to whelp, you should provide her with a safe, warm container lined with newspapers.  You will notice her shredding the newspapers and spending more time in the box as she begins to nest and gets ready to give birth. 

 

The birth of the puppies is a natural process, although it is helpful if you have another breeder who has been through this process before, or a vet, on hand to help in case she runs into any trouble.  The number of puppies that are in the litter depends upon the animal, although four is generally a good number for most gun dogs.  The smaller the litter, the better the chances that the puppies are born healthy.

 

Caring for your bitch during this time by making sure she is warm, comfortable and has a whelping box that is kept clean will make the entire experience easier for her.  After the puppies are born, you will have to see to it that they get their proper vaccinations.  The mother will feed and care for the puppies until they about 6 weeks old. 

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