When you need to see your Vet

As your dog grows older it goes through a number of changes like reduced activity or a change in eating habits but you may not always know what’s normal and what isn’t. So how do you know that your dog’s change in appetite isn’t due to a more serious problem and not just because his sense of smell is lessened due to old age?

Even though your dog may appear to be in good health you should consider taking him to see your vet for a yearly check-up. The key to noticing any changes in your dog is to be well-tuned to his normal habits. Taking action right away is especially important when you have an older dog as conditions can progress very quickly. Below is a list of symptoms and situations that would require a veterinarian’s immediate attention:
*Any unusual lumps on your dog’s skin. Older dogs often get lumps that end up being benign; however, you should always bring them to your vet’s attention. Make it part of your regular grooming routine to inspect your dog’s skin or if you have your pet professionally groomed by us we will check for you. Don’t forget to check the mouth - tumours there tend to be the most serious. Other warning signs of cancer tumours include foul odours or unusual discharge or bleeding.
*If your dog is experiencing shortness of breath, it could indicate a heart problem.
*A sudden change in appetite is often a sign of kidney failure or other serious problems.
*Sudden loss or gain in weight.
*Drinking more water than usual and urinating more frequently could indicate kidney disease or diabetes; a simple blood test can often pick this up.
*Sudden changes in temperament. If your dog is normally very gentle and suddenly becomes aggressive, it could indicate a medical problem.
*If your dog is lethargic for 24 hours or more.
*Continuous vomiting
*Abdominal tenderness or swelling are signs of bloat.
*If you notice lameness when getting up, or a limp in your dog’s walk.
*Diarrhoea for more than twenty-four hours or diarrhoea with blood should be an alert to call your vet immediately.
*Rashes, fur that is falling out, excessive shedding or chewing at spots on the body should be brought to your vet’s attention.
*Should the eyes look hazy or your dog seem to have trouble seeing or there is an abnormal discharge from the eye.
*Bad breath and yellow teeth indicate dental issues – though this is not an emergency it will need to be addressed. However, if the breath smells sweet, there could be other problems. Pale gums can be a sign of a much more serious problem. Anything that seems out of the ordinary for your dog should be cause for concern, and would recommend taking him or her along to our Clinic for a FREE Health Check. Remember “Prevention is always far better than cure”.
In next months edition of Female Focus we will be talking about some of the many diseases that we have here in Spain, especially at this time of year, and how simple it is to avoid them. If you have any questions that you would like answered by one of our Veterinary surgeons you can email us at petcare24hr@yahoo.es and we will endeavour to answer all your questions either directly or in future editions of Female Focus.

Petcare, Benijofar can be found opposite the Citroen Garage, Tel 966 712 443.

Aldea Felina July cat of the month

We have many kittens now available for adoption. If you can give a loving home to a kitten, or one of our older cats, please call Lynda on 628498813 or Lucy on 650214909 today. Aldea Felina is a charity registered in Spain. If you can spare a couple of hours one morning a week and would like to spend them caring for young kittens/cats please call Lynda – 628498813.

APAH July cats of the month

Pepi and Carlos ( born sept ´07)  are friendly and look like red point Siamese. Not only must we keep raising the money to care for them,  we are desperate for more people to adopt and foster. If you are looking for a new CAT companion please call Chris  on 630 422 563  to  arrange a viewing or offer help, or Barbara on 616 210 850  if you can help with the dogs or want to adopt one. www.apahrescue.org

SAT dog of the month

DANNI is a female GSD/Husky crossbreed who was found in a paper sack with her 4 litter mates when they were only 3 days old, that was back in March. Now Danni and her 2 sisters are looking for homes. Please call the SAT kennels on 966 710 047 or visit our website at www.satanimalrescue.com

Animal Aid July dog of the month

BAMBOO is a 4 year old Llasa Apso. He was lost & chipped but when his owner was notified, he had already been replaced & no longer wanted. He is very well-behaved with a quiet nature, jabbed & neutered. Call Linda at Animal Aid.
Tel: 965725794

APAD July dog of the month

This is ‘Asko’ who is 2 year old mixed breed male. He has a lovely nature and if ever a dog had ‘dignity’, this boy has it in spades.
If you can offer him a new start, please call Steve Allen at the Denia Dog Sanctuary on 699 872 157 or see website www.apad-denia.eu

Please support PAWS animal rescue

We are currently preparing to produce our 2009 calendar. The calendar is an annual fundraiser, usually we just feature businesses but this year we have decided to make it more interesting by featuring people’s beloved pets (not necessarily animals rescued from PAWS) as it will make for a cuter calendar. As it is to raise very much needed funds we are asking for donations of just 30 euros for one space and 50 euros for two spaces. They can be in the month of your choice, you will receive one free calendar for every picture (we can also put some personal words in too if you like). Alternatively you can support us by buying a calendar. They will be sold for only 5euros each, please pre order yours now to help us with production costs. Please email info@pawsanimalrescue.com or visit
www.pawsanimalrescue.com