Benadryl is one of the most common and well-known antihistamines. While it is safe in dogs, it is not FDA approved for use in animals. 

What is Benadryl? 

Benadryl is a brand-name antihistamine used for allergy and itch relief that contains the active ingredient diphenhydramine, which was discovered in 1943 by George Rieveschl. 

Histamines are compounds released by the immune system in response to specific triggers. Most of the time these triggers are common contaminants in the environment such as dust, pollen, dander, or grass. When histamines are released by the body, they cause itching (pruritus). Histamine release is a natural response, but when it becomes excessive—as is the case for allergic reactions—medical intervention may be necessary.  

As an antihistamine, diphenhydramine prevents the release of histamine and therefore mediates itching and allergies. In humans it can also be used for insomnia, tremors, and nausea. 

Benadryl is available over the counter for pet parents to purchase but should only be used under the direction of a veterinarian. Veterinarians can also prescribe the dog form of Benadryl, Vetadryl. It’s always safer to receive an initial dosage and frequency from your veterinarian. 

Is Benadryl Safe for Dogs? 

Benadryl is safe for dogs. The active ingredient, diphenhydramine, is used in veterinary formulations. Veterinarians may recommend Benadryl to their clients whose pets have allergic reactions to vaccines or other medications. In this case, pet parents are advised to administer Benadryl at a determined dose a few hours prior to their appointment. 

Benadryl is safe for dogs at all life stages. The dosage will need to be adjusted according to your dog’s weight. It is best to consult with a veterinarian to determine a dosage for your pet and to discuss why you would like to administer Benadryl to your dog. 

Benadryl can be given to puppies and may be given more commonly to puppies than dogs in other life stages. Puppies typically receive many vaccinations early in life and some puppies can have a reaction to these vaccines. To mediate vaccine reactions, some veterinarians may recommend administering Benadryl 2-4 hours before vaccine appointments to prevent reactions such as hives or swelling of the face.

What is Benadryl Used For in Dogs? 

Your vet may recommend Benadryl to your dog for allergies and itchy skin. Benadryl is more effective for the prevention of allergic reactions than treating reactions after they have started. When there is a common, single trigger to your dog’s allergies it is better to give him a dose of Benadryl before he encounters the allergen rather than after the exposure. Nonetheless, Benadryl can still help with decreasing the side effects of an allergic reaction. 

A common side effect of Benadryl is drowsiness, so it may also be used to temporarily calm anxious dogs. 

Typically, Benadryl is not used for dogs with chronic itchy skin. It can be helpful for early or mild cases, but there are prescription drugs that have been shown to be more effective. Other medications such as Apoquel or prednisone are prescribed with dogs with chronic allergies or itchiness. 

In the veterinary clinic, your dog may receive Benadryl or diphenhydramine (common name) before receiving certain medications, vaccines, or a blood transfusion as these are well-known to cause hypersensitivity reactions. 

Types of Benadryl for Dogs 

Benadryl can be given orally, topically, or as an injection in the muscle (intramuscularly). Intravenous administration of Benadryl can cause seizures and is not used. 

Pet parents most commonly give Benadryl in tablet form by mouth. 

It is best to stick with the generic diphenhydramine to avoid other ingredients that may have adverse effects in your pet. Some antihistamines are combined with decongestants or acetaminophen which can cause toxicity in dogs at lower doses. 

Benadryl Side Effects in Dogs 

Similar to other drugs, Benadryl can have side effects in dogs. These include: 

• Drowsiness 
• Seizures 
• Nausea/Vomiting 
• Diarrhea 
• Dry eye 

If you are concerned about any side effects, make sure to talk to you veterinarian. He or she may suggest a different dosage or transition your dog to a different antihistamine medication. 

Benadryl Dosage for Dogs 

If you are concerned about your dog having an allergic reaction and would like to give him Benadryl it is best to consult your veterinarian for the correct dosing information. Your veterinarian may recommend a visit to the clinic to perform a physical exam on your dog to be sure that he is having an allergic reaction that Benadryl can help with and not suffering from a more serious condition. 

If your dog experiences seasonal allergies, your vet may recommend administering Benadryl on a regular basis. Some dogs may even take Benadryl once daily as a long-term therapy to mild allergies. Usually, these dogs receive Benadryl or diphenhydramine once daily. 

Although Benadryl is a safe drug, overdosing is possible. Signs to look for in your pet if you suspect at overdose are: 

• Tremors
• Disorientation 
• Slow breathing 
• Urinary retention (lack of urination) 

If you do suspect an overdose, you should call your veterinarian immediately and take in the packaging for the medication that was administered. 

Price of Benadryl for Dogs 

Benadryl tablets are about 20 cents per pill. The common name or generic drug, diphenhydramine will be less than half the price. Both are effective. 

Some formulations of Benadryl, such as the children’s chewables or syrup, may contain substances that are toxic to dogs or increase the chances of side effects. 

Benadryl Storage Instructions 

Benadryl should be kept in its original container, tightly closed, and away from excess heat and moisture. The container or packaging will indicate the expiration and it should not be given past its expiration date. Never give your dog expired medication. 

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As the name suggests, feline immunodeficiency virus in cats is related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the disease syndrome parallels that of HIV in people. Since FIV attacks the immune system, infected cats are often more prone to secondary infections or opportunistic infections (rare infections that most healthy cats can fight off). 

What is FIV?

FIV in cats is caused by a pathogenic lentivirus in the Retroviridae family that destroys cells of the immune system. As a lentivirus, FIV has a high probability of mutating and appears as various subtypes. There are roughly six common subtypes with varying degrees of severity.

FIV causes immunosuppression in cats by attacking CD4+ T cells, which are important cells that assist the immune system, keeping most cats healthy. The lack of a robust immune system makes them less likely to fight off other diseases. 

How Do Cats Get FIV? 

Cats can contract FIV through bites and bite wounds from the saliva of infected cats. 

Risk factors for FIV are associated with lifestyle and activities of domestic cats. Any cat breed can be affected, but the disease is seen more commonly in cats that are prone to fighting or biting. Adult and male cats are most at risk due to their lifestyle, and intact, male cats are the highest risk group for catching the virus. Cats that have a history of bite wounds or abscesses and cats that have access to the outdoors are also at risk. 

FIV-positive cats can live in the same household as other cats as long as they are not prone to fighting or biting each other. Luckily, FIV is not spread through feces, aerosolized particles, social contact such as grooming, or through contact with materials such as blankets and toys.  

Kittens can be born with FIV and FIV can be passed from mothers to kittens. Transmission from an infected queen (mother) to kittens is possible during pregnancy and during lactation. This doesn’t always happen, but when it does, it is usually due to the amount of virus present in the mother’s bloodstream. If the mother cat is carrying high viral loads, she will be more likely to pass the infection to her kittens. 

Symptoms of FIV in Cats 

Signs of FIV vary widely in cats. Most of the clinical signs are non-specific and can correlate with a number of other diseases. Pet parents should always consider or mention FIV testing to their veterinarian when they see their cat’s health declining especially if your cat is prone to fighting or is an indoor/outdoor cat. 

Signs of FIV in cats include:

• Weight loss 
• Fever 
• Abnormalities of the eye 
• Depression
• Lethargy
• Enlarged lymph nodes 
• Halitosis (bad breath) 
• Diarrhea
• Dehydration
• Behavioral changes (abnormal mental activity) 

FIV infection can present in different stages. There are four stages of infection, but not all cats experience each of the stages. 

Acute phase stage 

The acute phase occurs soon after infection and signs include lethargy, fever, and enlarged lymph nodes. Some cats may not show any signs during this stage.

Latent stage

After the acute phase, the infection is asymptomatic and enters into the latent phase, which means the infection is lying dormant. This stage can last for months to years.

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)

The AIDS stage can occur years after the initial infection and result in secondary infections or immune-mediated diseases. Signs during this stage are most often associated with secondary infection and/or chronic or intermittent disease. 

Terminal phase

The terminal phase of FIV often consists of signs of neurologic disease or cancer. Once cats have entered the terminal stage, they usually have a survival time of 2-3 months. However, by the time the disease is diagnosed, they may have poor quality of life and humane euthanasia may be the most kind option.

Diagnosing FIV in Cats 

Veterinarians will use a series of tests to diagnose FIV in your cat. Veterinarians will start with a physical exam to look for certain signs such as enlarged lymph nodes, fever, abnormalities in the mouth and the eyes. 

Next your veterinarian will obtain blood from your cat to submit a variety of tests (such as a complete blood count or biochemistry profile) to rule out other diseases. Other blood tests include serology, PCR, or virus isolation which can be used to test specifically for FIV antibodies or the live virus. 

How to Treat Feline Immunodeficiency Virus 

Treatment options for FIV-positive cats are very limited and rarely implemented. Supportive therapy is the most important line of treatment because cats with FIV are more prone to concurrent infections. Supportive care encompasses a variety of strategies that will keep your cat as healthy as possible. 

These strategies include:

• Treatment for secondary infections
• Feeding a healthy, balanced diet
• Maintaining proper hydration
• Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Immune-enhancing drugs
• Probiotics
• Parasite (such as flea and tick) control

Many infected cats have a good quality of life for several years, until they begin to show signs of FIV. 

How to Prevent Cats from Getting FIV 

FIV prevention is centered around reducing the risk of exposure which includes neutering male cats, limiting access to the outdoors, and decreasing the likelihood of fighting or bites among cats in the same household. 

If you have an infected cat, it’s important to keep him indoors to prevent spreading the infection to other cats and to minimize their exposure to other infectious agents. FIV doesn’t survive well in the environment and can be killed by common disinfectants. 

There is a FIV vaccine, but its efficacy is variable. In some cats, the vaccine has been shown to cause a false positive on a blood test [1]. This vaccine is considered a non-core vaccine by the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) and should be reserved for at-risk cats. 

Staying on top of knowing your cat’s FIV status could be an easy way to catch the disease early. The recommendations by the AAFP to test for FIV include cats in the following conditions: 

• All cats, periodically based on risk 
• New cats joining a household or group setting 
• Any cats exposed, more than 60 days after exposure 
• Sick cats 
• Before initial FeLV or FIV vaccination

Related Conditions

• Feline leukemia virus (FeLV)
• Feline calicivirus
• Feline herpesvirus
• Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP)
• Feline panleukopenia virus
• Lymphoma
• Toxoplasmosis 

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Diabetes is a chronic disorder characterized by the inability to control insulin. With the proper exercise, diet, treatment, and communication with a veterinarian, dogs with diabetes can still live to their estimated lifespan. 

So, what exactly is diabetes? And how does it affect your dog? Let’s dig into the causes, symptoms, and treatment options. 

Understanding Glucose and Insulin

Before learning more about diabetes, it’s important to have background information about glucose and insulin.

Glucose is the main sugar found in your blood.  Every time your dog consumes food, the body breaks down the food into glucose, which is absorbed into a dog’s blood stream. 

At the same time, your dog’s pancreas releases a hormone called insulin. Insulin signals cells — particularly your dog’s liver, muscle, and fat cells — to uptake glucose from the blood stream.  These cells then either use the glucose for energy or store it for later use. 

What Is Diabetes in Dogs? 

Diabetes is a chronic disorder of dogs usually characterized by the inability to control the production of insulin. Without insulin, your dog is not able to use the glucose produced from the breakdown of food.  Cells are unable to adequately uptake glucose for energy, resulting in a high blood glucose level.  The cells ultimately become starved for energy, resulting in the body breaking down muscle and fat cells as a last resort.

Types of Diabetes in Dogs

Diabetes mellitus, the most common form of diabetes in dogs, is defined as increased levels of sugar in the blood (when fasted) and the presence of sugar in the urine. 

Dogs can develop Type I or Type II diabetes. 

• Type I diabetes is characterized by a loss of insulin-secreting ability through destruction of the pancreatic cells. This results in dependence on insulin administration. 

• Less commonly, dogs can develop insulin resistance or a decreased response to insulin produced by the body. This is Type 2 diabetes and almost always exists in combination with insulin deficiency.  

Diabetes mellitus in dogs is a serious condition and uncontrolled or poorly managed diabetes can be fatal. Uncontrolled diabetes can cause a variety of complications such as the formation of cataracts (cloudiness in the lens of the eye), poor haircoat, and urinary tract infections. 

Diabetes insipidus is a rare disorder in dogs that involves the body’s inability to regulate water. This is also known as “water diabetes.” Diabetes insipidus is categorized as either central (arising from the brain) or nephrogenic (arising from the kidney). Both involve antidiuretic hormone (ADH) with central diabetes insipidus causing a lack of ADH and nephrogenic diabetes insipidus lacking a response to ADH in the kidneys. 

This condition is so rare that it is almost always seen as a congenital defect (meaning dogs are born with it). Other causes of diabetes insipidus in dogs include response to drug administration, endocrine or metabolic disorders, brain trauma, or cancer. 

Causes and Risk Factors of Diabetes in Dogs

Several factors can put a dog at risk for diabetes. Risk factors for developing diabetes in dogs include:

• Genetics. Certain genetic factors predispose certain dog breeds to having an increased likelihood of developing diabetes. Samoyeds, Tibetan Terriers, Cairn Terriers, and Golden Retrievers have a higher likelihood of developing diabetes.

• Pancreatitis or other disorders of the pancreas, where insulin is produced, can cause damage to the insulin-producing cells.

• Medications such as steroids and progestins are also known to increase the chances of dogs developing diabetes. 

• Cushing’s disease. Also known as hyperadrenocorticism, Cushing’s disease causes your dog’s body to produce excess steroid hormone, which can lead to diabetes.

• Obesity is a major contributing factor to the development of diabetes in dogs, similar to people. 

• Pregnancy. Female dogs can develop diabetes while in heat or pregnant, similar to gestational diabetes in women. 

Symptoms of Diabetes in Dogs

Signs of diabetes in dogs can progress rapidly. It’s important to be mindful of your dog’s activity levels, appetite, and eating and drinking habits. If you begin to notice your dog is not her usual self, it’s important to take note of the changes you see. 

The most common symptoms of diabetes in dogs are: 

• Increased urination
• Increased thirst 
• Increased appetite 
• Weight loss 
• Enlargement of liver 
• Cataracts 
• Signs of ketoacidosis: Lethargy, depression, decreased appetite, lack of appetite, vomiting 

Sometimes it is difficult to notice these signs because they are so subtle. A few important questions to ask yourself when monitoring your dog are: 

• How many times am I filling up her water bowl? 
• Is she having accidents in the house or in the middle of the night? 
• Is she eating her food very quickly and begging for more? 
• Does she look around the same weight she was last year or 6 months ago?  

Diagnosing Diabetes in Dogs 

After noticing a few of the symptoms you might be wondering how to find out if your dog truly has diabetes. Your dog will need to go to the veterinarian to confirm a diagnosis. The veterinarian will assess your dog for the clinical signs listed above, but will also perform various tests. 

Tests performed to confirm diabetes in dogs include: 

• Complete Blood Count (CBC) 
• Chemistry Panel: to find fasting hyperglycemia 
• Urinalysis (UA): to find glucose and/or protein in the urine 
• Fructosamine Assay: for an accurate reflection of blood glucose over the last few weeks 

The diagnosis of diabetes is pretty straightforward and can usually be done in one visit to the veterinary clinic. 

The Risks of Uncontrolled Diabetes in Dogs

Your dog has been diagnosed with diabetes – now what?  It’s important to treat and manage your dog’s diabetes for your dog’s health and well-being.  Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to a whole host of other problems, including weight loss, urinary tract infections, and cataract formation. 

Uncontrolled diabetics are also at risk for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a severe, life-threatening condition caused by a deficiency of insulin and abnormal glucose metabolism. Diabetic ketoacidosis is an emergency condition and must be treated by your veterinarian right away. To prevent problems like DKA, proper dosing of insulin is necessary to manage your dog’s diabetes.

How to Treat Diabetes in Dogs 

Diabetes in dogs is very manageable and many dogs are able to live many years with controlled diabetes. 

The main treatment for diabetes is insulin. There are many different types of insulin, but your veterinarian will prescribe what is best for your dog based on her clinical signs. The insulin is administered by injection. This can be scary and comes with a learning curve for most pet parents. The most important thing to remember is that the injection is administered just under the skin and does not cause any pain when done properly. 

Your veterinarian will prescribe an initial dose of insulin, but your dog’s insulin dosage will likely need to be adjusted. After a few days of giving insulin to your dog, your veterinarian may ask you to bring your dog back for a Glucose Curve. The Glucose Curve is created by measuring blood glucose levels throughout the day to show when blood sugar spikes and plateaus in relation to insulin and eating a meal. This will help the veterinarian find the right dose of insulin to keep your dog’s blood sugar level throughout the day. 

For the first few weeks of managing your dog you may continue to see symptoms such as increased urination and drinking, but these will subside once the correct insulin dose is given. When symptoms subside and your dog’s blood sugar stays within an acceptable range throughout the day, your dog is considered to have controlled diabetes. 

In addition to insulin, diabetes is also managed with dietary changes. Many dogs diagnosed with diabetes are overweight or obese, despite having lost weight due to their diabetes. A prescription weight control diet that is high in fiber is often recommended to help your dog lose weight and maintain a stable blood sugar level throughout the day. To help regulate your dog’s blood sugar, it is also important to eliminate excess calories that often come in the form of treats and table scraps. While it’s okay for your dog to have the occasional treat, snacking between meals is generally discouraged as this can cause spikes in blood sugar. For any pet, regardless of health status, it is recommended that treats make up no more than 10 percent of your dog’s total daily calorie intake to reduce the risk of weight gain and dietary imbalance.

Just like us humans, dogs need regular exercise for their health and well-being, too. Implementing a good low-impact exercise plan such as a regular walking regimen will help your dog lose weight and maintain glycemic control. If your dog has generally been a couch potato up until this point, be careful not to do too much too quickly, as this could result in injury. Start out gradually with a few walks around the block, and slowly build up to longer sessions as your dog builds endurance.

How to Prevent Diabetes in Dogs 

Diabetes is a condition that some dogs develop no matter what type of lifestyle they live. Preventing diabetes can be impossible for some dogs and pet parents should not be too hard on themselves if their dog develops diabetes. 

There are certain risk factors for developing diabetes that can predispose some dogs. These include: 

• Age
• Gender
• Chronic or multiple bouts of pancreatitis
• Obesity
• Steroids
• Other endocrine or health conditions
• Genetics

While genetics and certain diseases may inevitably lead to diabetes in dogs, pet parents can do their part to keep their dogs at a healthy weight by giving dogs plenty of exercise and feeding a balanced diet. This may help prevent risk factors for diabetes in dogs. 

Diabetes in Dogs Infographic

Related Conditions

• Hypothyroidism
• Pancreatitis
• Cushing’s Disease (Hyperadrenocorticism)
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) 

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You might notice your dog’s nails are too long when they scratch you or when they begin to get caught on the furniture, but there are other signs that it’s time to get out the clippers or head to the groomer.

Paying attention to your dog’s nails and keeping them at an appropriate length can save you and your dog the pain of dealing with overgrown nails. 

Dog Nail Care: Why It’s Important 

Dog nail care is important because it keeps your pet walking, running, and moving around comfortably. When your dog’s nails are too long, they create an unnatural angle for the foot. This causes unequal pressure on the toes and can cause the nail beds to become sore and tender. 

Long nails on dogs are more prone to splitting and/or splintering. This is the equivalent of a human hangnail. It is not only extremely painful, but it can even warrant a trip to the veterinary clinic. The veterinarian will use sedation and pain medications to pull the hangnail and then bandage the foot to prevent infection in your dog’s nail bed.

Dogs with long nails will sometimes slip on hardwood or tile floors or walk gingerly to cope with the circumstances. Nail care is especially important in our older canine companions or pets with arthritis. 

Keeping your dog’s nails at an acceptable length also protects you and your belongings. Have you ever been scratched by your dog after he jumps up on you? Or have you seen the couch or other furniture snag when your dog jumps off? Overgrown nails can also get caught on things causing your dog unnecessary pain. 

How Long Should Dog Nails Be? 

Dog’s nails should extend enough to be seen, but should not go past the paw. If your dog has long hair, you may not be able to easily see the nails. But if the nails extend over the bottom of the paw pad you’ll know your dog’s nails are too long. 

You can also look for the nail quick and use it as a guide for how short to trim your dog’s nails. The nail quick houses nerves and blood supply. Hitting the quick on your dog is painful and will cause him to bleed, so you don’t want to cut into the quick. 

This is one reason why regular nail trims are important. When your pet’s nails grow long, the quick of the nail grows with it. In these cases, it’s easier to hit the quick and harder to trim the nails short again. 

Extremely overgrown dog nails will curl over the paw. This is when pet parents should definitely consider a mani/pedi for their pup. 

And don’t forget about the dewclaw! The dewclaw, which sits up higher on your dog’s leg, also has a nail. Since it sits higher up on the leg, the nail doesn’t get worn down on pavement or walks like other nails. This is the nail that will usually curl over and needs to be trimmed regularly.

Always keep your dog’s nails at an acceptable length to prevent the quick from growing out and to keep your dog comfortable. 

Signs Your Dog’s Nails Are Too Long 

If you’re wondering whether it’s time for a trim, here are some signs that your dog’s nails are too long. 

Your Dog’s Nails Are Scratching You

Your dog may paw at you when he wants attention, but he shouldn’t scratch you. If you are being scratched each time your dog touches you, his nails are too long. At the correct length and when nails are filed down, you shouldn’t feel his nails. 

Your Dog’s Nails Click on the Floor

You can hear your dog walking around the house: If you have hardwood floors, the sounds of screeching or clicking nails on the wood are an indicator that it is time for a nail trim. Your dog should be able to walk around the house without his nails dragging on the floor. 

Your Dog Looks Like He’s Tip-Toeing

You may notice your dog walking gingerly or “tip-toeing” with his nails on the ground and his paw elevated. This is a sign that his nails are extremely overgrown. Your dog’s paws should always be able to touch the ground when he is walking. 

Your Dog’s Nails Curl Over His Paw

A dog’s nails should sit right at the level of his paw. If they are curling over his paw or curling at all, it’s time for a nail trim. This is especially important for the dewclaw since it does not get worn down by regular walking. 

Your Dog Slides on the Floor

If your dog is sliding on the floor, his nails are probably causing a lot of instability. This usually happens when the nails are extremely overgrown, and his paw is not touching the ground for him to grip. His instability and sliding can lead to other injuries such as a joint luxation or a hairline fracture. 

Your Dog is Limping

If your dog seems to be walking gingerly or limping, check to see if his nails are at the appropriate length. He may be in pain and is favoring one leg over another. 

Your Dog Licks His Paws a Lot

Your dog may lick at his paws for a variety of reasons including pain, but if you check his nails and they are too long, a trim might solve the problem. 

Your Dog’s Nail Bed is Red or Bleeding

If your dog is bleeding or has redness at his nail bed it could signal an infection. His nails may be overdue for a trim or in need of some serious care. 

What to Do if Your Dog’s Nails Are Too Long 

If your dog’s nails are too long you can always contact your veterinarian or groomer for a nail trim. This is especially important for dogs that don’t like having their paws touched or are hard to handle during nail trims. 

You can also do at-home nail trims using nail clippers or nail grinders. For at-home nail trims you’ll want to be sure you are using clippers that are appropriate for your dog’s size or you might cut off too much of the nail too quickly. You’ll also want to have a product called Kwik Stop readily available in case you hit the quick of the nail. This stops the bleeding in a timely manner. 

Once you cut your dog’s nails to the right length, taking your pup on longer walks or allowing him to spend more time running around outside will help keep his nails filed down for longer periods of time between trims. 

The post 7 Ways to Tell Your Dog’s Nails Are Too Long appeared first on Great Pet Care.

Pets are notorious for eating plastic balls, tissues, bottle caps, stones, clothing, food wrappers, and much more. Young, playful dogs are usually the most common culprits, but older dogs may ingest foreign objects too. 

These items can become lodged anywhere in the gastrointestinal (digestive) tract, creating an obstruction. Any type of obstruction is an emergency and requires immediate veterinary attention. Most will need surgical treatment and supportive care.

What Is An Intestinal Blockage? 

Intestinal blockages are mechanical obstructions that disrupt the flow of ingesta (anything eaten) through the digestive tract. 

A dog’s gastrointestinal tract is one long tube that extends from your dog’s mouth to his anus. It takes about 10-24 hours for ingesta to move through the entire digestive tract. Anything that goes in, must come out. But when eating a non-food object that cannot be digested, it might not pass as easily. 

When items are stuck in the intestines, they cause an obstruction. Obstructions in the intestines can cause major problems for your dog’s gut. It happens as a series of events. The obstruction causes a loss of blood flow to the area that is obstructed. This disrupts the normal contractions and results in dilation and fluid buildup in the intestines. This eventually leads to fluid loss, bowel dysfunction, and overall lack of oxygen to the bowel. Dogs with an obstruction may be unable to absorb nutrients or fluids, leading to dehydration.

Some dog breeds such as Terriers, Spaniels, and Collies are predisposed to intestinal blockages.

What Causes Intestinal Blockage in Dogs? 

Intestinal blockages occur when the intestines become obstructed in any way. Foreign objects—such as pieces of toys, bones, rocks, etc.—are the most common cause of obstructions in dogs. A non-food object can become lodged in the digestive tract causing either a complete or partial obstruction. 

Blockages can occur anywhere along the digestive tract. Some may be able to pass into the esophagus, but not into the stomach. Others may pass into the stomach but not into the intestines or become lodged in the intricate twists and turns of a dog’s intestines. 

However, intestinal obstructions in dogs can also be caused by masses within the wall of the intestines and masses outside of the intestinal lumen (the opening inside the bowels) pressing on loops of bowel. Growths within the intestinal wall can be associated with different tumors. Other causes of obstruction include intussusception (where one part of the intestine slides into another), hernias, and masses originating from other organs.

Signs of An Intestinal Blockage in Dogs

For your veterinarian, the most helpful information in diagnosing a foreign body or blockage is a good history from you as the pet parent. 

Questions for parents to think about include:

• Have you noticed any missing cloth? Destroyed chew toys? Opened garbage?
• Did you watch your dog eat something? Such as a hotdog or bait off a hook? 

Other signs you may notice are your dog straining to defecate or producing small amounts of feces. Behavioral changes such as growling or biting when being picked up or having their abdomen touched are signs that your pet is in pain.  

The main signs of bowel obstruction in dogs are consistent with gastrointestinal upset. Acute vomiting is a common sign, but other signs include: 

• Dehydration 
• Vomiting 
• Anorexia (refusal to eat)
• Weight loss 
• Lethargy 
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea 

Diagnosing an Intestinal Obstruction 

Intestinal obstructions can be diagnosed in a variety of ways. Your veterinarian may be able to feel an obstruction during your dog’s physical exam by palpating (feeling) the abdomen, but this will not confirm an intestinal blockage. Therefore, the veterinarian may want to use other diagnostics such as bloodwork, radiographs, or ultrasound to obtain more information. 

Foreign objects such as metal, porcelain, bone, or dense rubber can be seen on X-rays, but other objects may only be visible on ultrasound. Partial obstructions may be missed on radiographs if the object is not easily visible and is not giving the signs of an obstruction such as fluid or dilated intestines. A contrast study can be used to highlight obstructions that are harder to diagnose.

How to Treat Dogs for Intestinal Blockages 

Treatment for intestinal obstructions can be surgical or non-surgical. Many factors go into this decision including:

• The location and duration of the obstruction
• The size, shape, and characteristics of the foreign object

Making sure your dog gets veterinary attention in a timely manner is very important if you suspect an intestinal obstruction. 

Your veterinarian may want to take a series of X-rays to determine if the foreign object is moving easily through the gastrointestinal tract. If an object reaches the colon, it will usually be passed within a bowel movement. Smaller items that are contained in the stomach can be removed by inducing vomiting. You should always consult with your veterinarian before inducing vomiting in your dog.

For objects that cannot readily move through the digestive tract or are causing damage, surgery is the preferred treatment. 

The surgery is as simple as removing the object and suturing the stomach or intestines back together. Foreign body removal can also be performed endoscopically without open surgery. If an intestinal blockage has compromised blood flow to an area, the surgery may include removing dead tissue. 

Complications can arise from any surgery, but with an obstruction removal, the most common complication is leakage from the incision site. Your pet will need supportive care and may need to remain hospitalized for a day or two after surgery. Timing is one of the most important factors for determining how well your pet will do after his surgery. 

Cost to Treat Intestinal Blockages in Dogs

The cost to treat obstructions in dogs will range depending on your geographic location and the severity of the blockage. You may need to pay for an exam, radiographs, and any treatment recommendations or monitoring if the blockage is small and veterinarians believe it will pass or can induce vomiting. 

Intestinal blockage surgery in dogs, however, can cost up to $2,000. Pets may need to stay in the hospital for a few days or be on pain medications following surgery, which may add to the overall cost of treatment.  

How to Prevent Intestinal Blockages in Dogs 

The best way to prevent an intestinal blockage in your dog is to limit their chances of ingesting non-food material. 

Tips include: 

• Putting things your dog may eat out of his reach.
• Being vigilant about items in the house and tracking when they are missing. 
• Keeping an eye on your dog while he is playing with his toys or chewing on rawhide or bones. 
• Keeping your dogs from scavenging through garbage and debris (outside and inside the house).

Related Conditions 

• Pica
• Pancreatitis
• Gastroenteritis
• Stomach Ulcers
• Hernias 
• Neoplasia

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Your dog’s ears look clean when you inspect them. So now you’re wondering, “Why do my dog’s ears smell?” 

Normally, dog ears do not have an odor. But smelly ears are a common problem most pet parents experience. 

Dog Ear Anatomy: A Quick Overview

A dog’s ear canal is made up of three parts: the external, middle, and inner ear. The external ear—the part of the ear we can see—is called the pinna and protects the inner parts of the ear that house the important structures our dogs use to hear. 

Important nerves and blood vessels also run through the inner part of the ear and must be protected. Diseases of the ear can compromise these structures and cause permanent damage. This is why keeping your dog’s ears as healthy as possible is so important. 

Why Do My Dog’s Ears Smell? 

Inflammation of any parts of the inner ear in dogs can cause irritation and lead to changes that cause a malodorous smell. Sometimes the smell is foul—like garbage or morning breath. Other times, it may smell pungent like cheese or sweet like caramel. 

Ear infections are the most common culprit of smelly ears in dogs, but can occur for many different reasons. Infections are most often caused by bacteria or yeast and often occur secondary (or in response to) a primary factor. 

Signs of ear infections in dogs include:

• Pain
• Itchiness
• Redness
• Discharge (with or without an odor)
• Rubbing ears on the ground or furniture

Some dog breeds, such as those with floppy ears, hair in the external ear canals, and narrow ear canals, are more likely to have smelly ears than others. Dog breeds more susceptible to ear problems and ear odors include Bulldogs, Spaniels, Retrievers, Terriers, and Poodles. 

Below are some common reasons your dog’s ears may smell unpleasant. 

Bacterial Ear Infections 

These types of ear infections usually involve more than one type of bacteria. These bacteria can cause ears to smell sweet like grapes or caramel or rancid like rotten chicken or bad breath. Dogs with bacterial infections in their ears may rub their ears on the ground or on furniture to relieve itchiness. Bacterial ear infections often have white or yellow discharge. Other signs include head shaking or tilting and shying away from having their ears touched. 

Yeast Infections 

Smelly yeast infections in a dog’s ears are caused by Malassezia, a type of yeast. You might smell an odor similar to bread baking or beer. These types of ear infections are the itchiest for dogs. You may notice your dog rubbing his ears along the floor or scratching intensely at them. Yeast ear infections often have dark brown discharge.

Allergies 

Allergies are another very common cause of ear infections and odors in dogs— responsible for almost half of ear infection cases. Your dog may be allergic to something in the environment such as pollen or food; come into contact with an irritating substance; have generalized allergies, or experience a local drug reaction. Infections caused by allergies may not have a smell or may take on the smell of a yeast or bacterial infection.

Common signs of allergies include ears that are red or warm to the touch, rubbing ears along the floor or scratching at ears, discharge from the ears or sores/scabs on the ear. For severe or chronic cases, the ear canal may become firm and thickened. 

Ear Mites 

Ear mites are tiny and hard to see with the naked eye. Otodectes cynotis, Demodex, and Sarcoptes are the most common ear mites in dogs. They are very itchy and uncomfortable for dogs. Oftentimes, you will see build up in your dog’s ears that resemble coffee grounds. This build up can cause your dog’s ears to smell foul, but not rancid. This smell is usually similar to old trash. 

Ear mites should be treated immediately as they are able to spread from dog-to-dog. You might notice signs similar to ear infections such as ear scratching, head shaking, redness and head tilting. 

Foreign Objects

Surprisingly, it’s not uncommon for dogs to get things in their ears that don’t belong there. Plant awns, hair, grass seeds, or anything else your dog may have gotten into can end up in their ear. Your dog may also develop a mass or growth in his ear. Growths, polyps, or enlargement of the glands that secrete ear wax can also create the same trouble. 

Changes like these decrease ventilation to the ear. The ear canal cannot dry properly and humidity within the ear canal increases, which favors overgrowth of yeast and bacteria. 

Your dog may be more likely to get things stuck in his ear during the summer months. You may see him scratching his ears, shaking his head and—depending on where the object is—there may be a small amount of blood. 

How to Treat Smelly Dog Ears 

You should see your veterinarian in order to resolve the smell coming from your dog’s ears. Long-term ear infections can lead to a rupture of the eardrum and consequently a loss of hearing. 

Your veterinarian will do a number of things to obtain an accurate diagnosis of why your dog’s ears are so smelly. 

First, your vet will use an otoscope to examine the inside of the ear. Here the veterinarian will be able to see redness, discharge, or a mass or foreign object inside your dog’s ear. 

During the exam, your veterinarian may also take a swab from your dog’s ear to examine under the microscope. This will show whether your dog has mites, bacteria, or yeast in his ears. Bacterial cultures are necessary for dogs whose ear infections have not responded to previous treatments in order to choose the most effective antibiotic. 

Further diagnostics such as radiographs, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be necessary to examine the extent of disease in your dog’s ear. 

Surgery may be recommended for certain diseases such as chronic ear infections or masses. 

Medications to Treat Ear Infections in Dogs

Your veterinarian will prescribe either topical medications (such as ear drops for dogs) or systemic treatment (usually given orally) depending on the severity of your dog’s symptoms. 

The most common topical treatments are combination products that contain a steroid to decrease inflammation and itchiness, an antibiotic, and antifungal to control the infection. 

In the case of ear mites, medications such as ivermectin, selamectin and moxidectin can be used to kill the parasites. 

How to Clean a Dog’s Ears

Ear cleaning is an important step in treating and preventing ear infections—and ear odor—in dogs. 

Debris in the ear canal can inactivate some topical medications and prevent medications from reaching the ear canal. Debris can also protect microbes and retain bacterial toxins that worsen infection. 

When cleaning your dog’s ears, it’s important to prepare your area and set up all of your supplies beforehand. Make sure that you have: 

• A small, easy-to-clean location in which to clean your dog’s ears (such as a bathroom, laundry room, or even your back porch)
• A tasty treat to reward your dog (peanut butter works great!) 
• Dog ear cleaning solution 
• Cotton balls or tissues 
• A towel 

While many pet parents view ear cleaning as a chore that they should “push through,” the best way to clean your dog’s ears is to make it enjoyable. This can alleviate a lot of stress for both you and your dog. 

Here are some steps for ear-cleaning success, shared by Catherine Barnette, DVM:

Step 1: Select a quiet location that is free of distractions and easy to clean up. Ensure that your dog can’t get away from you, because chasing your dog around your house is a surefire way to increase everyone’s stress level!

Step 2: Place a tasty treat in an area where your dog can eat it as you’re cleaning the ears. If you’re in the bathroom, for example, consider placing a long trail of peanut butter along the side of the bathtub. You could also place peanut butter or dog-safe cheese spread on a treat dispensing mat like the Aquapaw and stick it to the bathtub. Eating the treat will distract your dog from the ear cleaning and encourage him to hold still. 

Step 3: Lift your dog’s ear flap (the pinna) and squirt dog ear cleaner into the ear. The amount of cleaner that is required will vary between dogs, but your goal is to fill the ear canal until the cleaner is about to overflow out of the ear. 

Step 4: Massage the base of the ear gently (about 60 seconds). You should hear a “squishing” sound as the ear cleaner works its way throughout the ear canal.

Step 5: Let go of your dog’s ear. In most cases, your dog will shake at this point, which forces wax within the canal to rise up to the surface of the ear (due to centrifugal force). 

Step 6: Use a tissue or cotton ball to clean out the wax that has risen to the surface of the ear. Note: Don’t use cotton swabs, which can push debris further into the ear and even injure your dog’s eardrum. 

Step 7: Repeat as needed, until you are no longer removing a significant amount of debris from your dog’s ear.  

Step 8: Perform the same process on your pup’s other ear. 

Step 9: Use a towel as needed to dry your dog’s ears and coat. 

Dog Ear Cleaning Tips

Commercial pet ear cleansers have compounds such as cerumenolytics and drying agents that soften and breakdown the ear wax, slow the growth of bacteria, decrease secretions, and reduce moisture. 

If your dog’s ears have sores or scabs due from rubbing and scratching, you can try an over-the-counter wound care product to soothe the skin and promote healing.

How often you clean your dog’s ears will depend on a number of factors. For an average healthy dog, with no history of ear infections and no swimming, every 3-4 weeks is a good baseline. 

If your dog has floppy ears and/or has recurrent ear problems, however, your veterinarian may recommend cleaning your dog’s ears on a weekly basis. More consistent cleaning can help keep the ears clean and dry and facilitate early detection of infections. 

Dogs that spend a lot of time in the water should also have their ears cleaned frequently. Your veterinarian may recommend weekly ear cleaning or may recommend cleaning your dog’s ears after every swim. 

Not cleaning prior to applying medicine and cleaning too much are the most common reasons for treatment failure in dogs with ear infections.

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