Many dog parents think that a veterinarian is the only one who can tell if there is anything wrong with the health of their dog. However, this is not the case in every case. Dogs do not speak by themselves, but they are very expressive of their behavior and emotions.  Therefore, everyone can assess when their dog is sick, though the definitive diagnosis will be made by your pet’s vet.

In this article you will learn how to tell if your dog is sick, the signs of a sick dog, the chances for your dog to get sick from humans, and what to feed a sick dog.

Why is it necessary for me to know when my dog is sick?

You need to know when your dog is sick because if you suspect something is wrong with your dog, you may not be able to tell your vet what you have actually felt that was weird. There might be any health issue that you didn’t notice in your dog, and you may feel guilty later that you were unaware of the pain that your dog was suffering from.

Sick dogs may show some prominent symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. On the other hand, there are some behaviors in sick dogs that you need to notice and it may not be possible unless you know about them. So that’s why you need to know all the major signs and behavioral changes that your dog might have when he is sick.

What are the common symptoms when my dog is sick?

 There are some noticeable symptoms of a sick dog, however, some of the symptoms may not be visible. Therefore keen attention to your dog and knowledge of sick dog symptoms are needed.

Dullness or Over-excitement

Whenever a dog gets sick, the first and most noticeable symptom is behavior change. Dull and depressed behavior is prominent in most diseases in dogs except the over-excitement in rabid dogs.

Your dog may be sluggish enough that he is not wagging his tail even you talk to him. He may not be excited to go out for a walk even in daylight. Apart from any sickness in your dog, the change in the behavior may be due to over-tiredness, change in the feed, or not seeing his favorite person or toys.

So, whenever, you feel that there is a change in your dog’s behavior, always look for these aspects too. When you are sure that the change in the behavior is not related to these aspects, always seek consultation from your pet’s vet.

Vomiting

One of the most noticeable symptoms in a sick dog is vomiting. Vomiting can be mild or may be life-threatening. There are some frequent causes of vomiting in dogs which include

• Eating from scrap
• Food poisoning
• Eating not edible things
• Motion sickness
• Diseases such as parvovirus infection, canine distemper

Diarrhea

When your dog is having loose, watery, and more frequent poop, your dog likely has diarrhea, a notable symptom of a sick dog. Diarrhea may be due to

• Going to trash
• Change in the feed
• Ingesting foreign objects
• Bacterial or viral infections

If your dog has only one episode of diarrhea and is acting normal, you can wait and look for any progression. If there is no further progression in the symptoms, there is nothing to worry about the health of your dog, and if vice versa, immediately visit your pet’s vet.

Change in Eating Habits

Dogs have their set eating habits and may eat more or less on different days. However, when you notice that your dog has not eaten for 18-24 hours, there might be a problem with your dog. Try to offer some of his favorite foods and treats in this condition. If nothing works and there are some associated symptoms (weakness, lethargy, vomiting diarrhea, salivation) too, you should get your dog examined by a nearby vet.

On the other hand, when your dog is eating too much without gaining weight or he is losing weight instead of normal eating, your dog may have a problem with his stomach. You may have skipped the usual deworming schedule for your dog and he may have a worm in his stomach.

Change in Drinking Habits

Your dog may change his water intake according to the weather i.e.,

• More water intake in dry and hot weather
• Low water intake in cold and humid weather

However, drinking too much water or too less irrespective of weather conditions may depict some problems with your dog. Drinking too less water indicates that your dog is not well because he is not interested in eating or drinking. If your dog is drinking too much water, this may be an indication of

• Fever
• Diabetes
• Hormonal issue
• Feed issue
• Kidney issues

Changes in Eyes

Normally dogs have clean, wet, and shiny eyes. If you observe any of the following signs, you need to take your dog to your dog’s vet.

• Runny or dry eyes
• Pale or red eyes
• Squinting eyes
• Sunken or cloudy eyes

Runny Nose, Sneezing, and Coughing

The dogs usually have wet and non-runny noses. Some people think that a dry nose is not normal, in fact, a dry nose is not always associated with any problem. However, a runny nose depicts that your dog may have got a cold, pneumonia, or any bacterial or viral infection.

Your dog may have a cough when eating fast and anxiously or may sneeze when exposed to certain irritants such as smoke, perfumes, etc. Excessive coughing and sneezing are something to worry about because these are associated with infections (bacterial or viral) that need medical care.

Excessive Urination

Dogs usually urinate when you take them for a walk. When you notice that your dog started urinating at various places in your house, there must be health issues with your dog.

Be aware of the following:

• Difficult urination
• Any changes in the volume of urine
• Signs of blood in the urine

Frequent urination with an increased urine volume may be related to kidney issues or diabetes mellitus. Bloody urine may be due to infections in the urinary tract, stones in the kidney or bladder, tumors in the urinary tract, or any problems in the blood of your dog. These signs are important to be observed in elder dogs as compared to younger dogs. If you notice any of these signs in your dog, immediately take your dog to your dog’s vet so that proper treatment can be started.

Unexplained or Sudden Changes in Weight

All dog breeds gain body weight according to the bread’s characteristics and age progression. When there is a sudden gain or loss in the weight of your dog, there must be an underlying cause for this. Your dog might be suffering from diabetes mellitus or having intestinal or blood parasites or some other health issues.

Hair Fall or Itchy Skin

A healthy coat is an indication that your dog is also healthy. If you feel hair fall or itchy areas on the body of your dog, this can be due to skin issues. Hair fall can be in the form of patches or diffused forms. The reasons for hair fall may include

• Fungal infection
• Flea infestation
• Hormone issue
• Skin allergies

Hypersalivation or Excessive Drooling of Saliva

In summer, dogs dissipate heat from the body by producing more saliva which is normally observed after playing or exercising in summer. However, if there is excessive drooling of saliva, there may be issues with the gums of your dog or he may have any kind of obstruction in the feeding tube.

General Lethargy

Lethargy is one of the common symptoms of a sick dog. If your dog is playful and active normally, but suddenly he looks energy-drained and dull, this may be an indication of a health issue. Lethargy can be due to overexertion or a serious health issue. If the lethargy remains for 24 hours and no other signs of any sickness develop, there is nothing to worry about your dog. However, if you notice that lethargy is persistent with progressing signs of sickness, you need to consult with your vet.

Fever

The normal body temperature of dogs is slightly higher than the human body temperature. So when you pet your dog, he may feel a little warm. However, if you feel that your dog is much warmer, he might have a fever. Fever in your dog can be due to a tumor, or bacterial or viral infection.

Head shaking

Dogs do not shake their head in normal conditions. When you observe that your dog is shaking his head vigorously and repeatedly, this can be an indication of infection in the head area or the ears of your dog.

What to feed a sick dog?

If the dog is sick and has no appetite, it is always advised to offer liquid or semi-solid feed that can be easily digested. Here are some ideas:

Boiled chicken and Rice

This is an easy-to-digest meal. You can prepare it at your home by boiling boneless chicken and rice (combined or separately). You can offer this meal to your sick dog to stimulate hunger.

Bone Broth

Bone broth is also a nutritious and delicious feed for sick dogs to stimulate their appetite. Boil the chicken bones, turkey bones, or beef bone marrow for 24 hours, then remove the bones and offer the broth to your sick dog after cooling it down.

Commercial foods

You can also use some commercially made jellies that either contain chicken broth or turkey broth. Sick dogs like the aroma of jellies and start eating them.

Can my dog get sick from humans?

Dog diseases and human diseases are usually caused by different causes, so there are very less chances that your dog may get sick from sick humans. However, there are some reports in which some diseases were reported from humans to dogs. These diseases include salmonellosis, MRSA, tuberculosis, ringworm, and COVID-19.

While scientists are still learning about the new coronavirus, they’ve made steps in figuring out how pets are affected. Keep reading for the information you need to keep your pooch safe and healthy.

What is Canine Coronavirus Disease (CCoV)?

Interestingly, there are several different types of coronavirus. Many of them are species-specific, meaning they only cause illness in certain kinds of animals. One of these is Canine Enteric Coronavirus or CCoV.

This incredibly contagious disease only affects dogs. It spreads through contact with Fido’s favorite thing to sniff: poop. Your dog could also contract CCoV from an infected canine playmate.

Loose, orange, foul-smelling stool is a telltale sign of CCoV. Other symptoms include fever, fatigue, and loss of appetite.

While most dogs bounce back from CCoV, some contract or develop additional ailments while having this disease. Just like humans, dogs that have to fight off multiple infections have a harder time recovering.

Additionally, studies indicate that younger puppies may be less likely to overcome CCoV. To give your dog the best shot at a full recovery, call your vet right away if you suspect they’ve contracted CCoV, or if you notice your doggo showing even one sign of the symptoms mentioned.

Should your pet show signs of infection and you can’t reach your vet, you can still take steps to ease their stomach upset:

• Avoid feeding your dog for 24 hours after their diarrhea ends.
• Keep fresh water available at all times. (This is super important to combat dehydration!)
• When they’re ready, feed them small portions and slowly build-up to their regular amount of food.

Thankfully, there is a vaccine available for CCoV. If you haven’t already done so, reach out to your vet to discuss if this preventive measure is best for your pooch.

Is CCoV different from other coronaviruses?

CCoV is one of many common coronaviruses, and it can be easy to confuse the different types. Here are some of the more prevalent:

Canine Respiratory Coronavirus (CRCoV) causes respiratory infection in dogs. CRCoV primarily spreads through the air, placing boarding facilities and kennels at risk for outbreaks. Currently, there is no vaccine available for CRCoV.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a fatal coronavirus that affects cats. It can present with a variety of symptoms, including fever and difficulty breathing. Technically, there is a FIP vaccine, but it isn’t regularly recommended.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV) may sound familiar. In 2003, a SARS epidemic erupted in over 8000 cases worldwide. SARS most likely originated in bats before spreading to civet cats and, ultimately, humans.

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a coronavirus that can spread from camels to humans. MERS infections can be severe. Fortunately, no cases have been reported in the US since 2014.

What is the 2019 Novel Coronavirus?

Also called COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2, the virus was first detected in Wuhan, China, in 2019.

You may be surprised to learn that the coronavirus behind the current pandemic has actually been around for some time. It wasn’t until the virus made the leap from its original animal host to humans that we took notice of it.

The first infected patients could all be linked to the same local seafood and animal market. Soon, however, COVID-19 spread through communities, countries, and entire continents. This ultimately led the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare the disease a global pandemic.

SARS-CoV-2 is highly contagious and can be deadly for some people. Because the virus was so recently discovered, scientists are still working on a vaccine.

Can dogs get the coronavirus from humans?

After tigers and lions at a New York City zoo tested positive for COVID-19, pet parents began wondering if their fur babies could also become infected. It’s a valid concern as a total of three dogs and four cats (spread out between Hong Kong, Belgium, and the US) have since tested positive for the virus.

While almost all of these pets lived with people with COVID-19, the human-to-pup transmission isn’t a sure thing.

By March 31, only 3 dogs tested positive for COVID-19 in Hong Kong. Additionally, two veterinary diagnostic labs in the US tested thousands of samples from dogs and cats and didn’t have any positive results.

Also, in the US, a pup named Winston famously became the country’s first COVID-positive dog. If you haven’t seen the little guy on the news, take a second to get acquainted with his story:

What isn’t mentioned, however, is that the amount of virus in Winston’s initial tests was low enough that he didn’t technically meet the criteria for a positive test. And following tests actually came back negative.

Given these numbers, it seems possible that Fido could contract COVID-19 from an infected human, but not likely. Still, it’s important to note that there’s a great deal of mystery surrounding COVID-19 and that it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Coronavirus cases surged faster than researchers could study the new disease, resulting in many more questions than answers. What makes things more complicated is that scientists haven’t been able to conduct the autopsies critical to understanding COVID-19’s impact on the human body.

Between lockdowns and the high-risk nature of the disease, opportunities for research have thus far been limited. Be prepared for information to change as we learn more.

Can I contract SARS-CoV-2 from my pet?

The WHO and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) both state that humans don’t need to worry about getting COVID-19 from their animals. There simply is no evidence that household pets can infect humans with the virus.

Still, you should wash your hands regularly, including after scratching your dog’s ears, getting your hand licked, or rubbing their belly. It may be wise to practice social distancing with other people’s pets, too.

Can I travel with my dog to or from regions with COVID-19?

Because the coronavirus situation looks different from place to place, there’s no uniform answer to this question. The general consensus, though, is that traveling during the coronavirus pandemic is not recommended.

If you can, reschedule your trip. If travel is unavoidable, try to find care for your pup while you’re away. This will keep both of you safer and make your trip much simpler.

If neither of these is possible, check with local travel authorities in the areas you want to visit. Contact travel agencies, embassies, and airlines to determine exactly what you need to do to import and export pets during the pandemic.

How can I keep my pets safe from SARS-CoV-2?

While the risk to pets seems minimal so far, it’s still wise to play it safe. One of the best ways to protect your dog (and yourself) during the pandemic is to keep them away from other people and animals.

Skip visits to the groomer and cancel upcoming doggy daycare appointments. Make this situation positive by grooming and playing your canine buddy by yourself – some sort of bonding moment.

You should also avoid crowded parks, and leave your pup at home if you go to the pet store.

For those who are near hiking areas, or have a spacious backyard, wipe down your pet’s paws and fur after going for walks or playing outside before they step back inside the house.

If you want to be extra careful, wash your hands before and after petting your dog. You may also choose to wear a face mask around your dog, but this isn’t necessary if you don’t have the virus.

Note that animals should never wear face masks. Even if there are masks explicitly created for pets with different muzzle sizes, it can lead to breathing difficulties and induce distress in some dogs. Besides, they aren’t guaranteed to prevent your dog from contracting SARS-CoV-2.

And even if your pet does contract the virus, they probably won’t experience severe symptoms. On the off chance that they do become symptomatic, separate them from other pets, and limit their exposure to uninfected humans.

This is particularly important for cats, as felines can spread COVID-19 to each other. Dogs should be kept away from feline companions and sick family members, but don’t need to be isolated themselves unless they show symptoms.

If you suspect your pet has COVID-19, contact your vet right away. Do not go to the veterinarian’s clinic in person. Your vet will likely direct you to track your dog’s symptoms and monitor their health. After all, a lot of medical health concerns are assisted online now.

COVID-19 tests are available for pets, but they aren’t always necessary. Your vet can help you determine if your dog needs to have his COVID status officially confirmed.

If I am diagnosed with COVID-19, how do I protect my pet?

Finding out you have the Novel Coronavirus can be terrifying. Figuring out how to care for your pet while you’re sick can feel even scarier.

If you’re diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2, you’ll want to limit contact, not only with people but with your pet as much as possible. Depending on your symptoms, it may be challenging to walk your dog or take him out to go potty.

The best course of action? Draw up an emergency care plan now, even if you aren’t sick.

Start by identifying 1 to 3 people who can take care of your pup if you can. They will serve as your care team.

Ideally, you won’t have physical contact with these people regularly, but they’ll still be familiar faces to your pooch. If your dog doesn’t know them well, consider using socially-distant introductions to ensure your pet is comfortable with their new sitters.

Next, determine what “care” looks like for your pet. Will Fido need to be exercised? Fed? Taken to appointments? Swept away on a doggy vacation while you recover? Iron out those details as early as you can.

You can also divide these duties between your team to lighten the load. Perhaps Person A takes care of feeding and brushing Fido, while Person B takes Fido for a daily jog.

You should also move pet supplies like leashes or treats near your main door. Making these easily accessible keeps your care team from interacting with you or touching surfaces in your home to find what they need.

Lastly, share the care plan with your team, your family, and your vet. Make sure everyone is on the same page. Don’t forget to provide information on how much food, exercise, or medication your dog needs and how often.

You can also inform them of the details about your pet’s personality and behaviors, which is particularly crucial for less-than-social pups!

Then, provide a list of contact information for everyone involved in your pet’s care.

If you can’t find alternative care for your pup while you recover, adopt the same behaviors around them as you do in public. Avoid contact as much as possible, wear a mask, and wash your hands before touching or petting your dog.

Should dog owners be worried about the coronavirus?

Technically, dogs can carry the coronavirus, but it’s rare. Additionally, there’s no evidence that dogs can transmit the virus to people.

As we mentioned earlier, the key here: it’s always better safe than sorry. Social distancing applies to your pup, too, so keep them out of range of other people and pets as much as you can.

What other questions do you have about the coronavirus and dogs? Tell us in the comments and let’s discuss with fellow pet parents!

Read below as I cover everything you need to know about this topic in detail.

What is dog abortion?

It is a procedure that a female dog (bitch) undergoes to terminate the pregnancy before she reaches full term or gives birth.

There are two kinds of abortion for dogs: planned and unplanned. An unplanned or spontaneous termination of pregnancy is also called a miscarriage.

We get that accidents happen, but why would a dog’s pregnancy need to be terminated early?

Why do dogs need an abortion?

Pregnant Chihuahua

One health-related reason for the procedure is that the dog is too young to be having puppies.

Mismating or accidental breeding is another reason why owners want to terminate their dog’s pregnancy.

Accidental mating could result in unwanted puppies that commonly end up in shelters.

The mother’s health can also be put in danger because her body won’t be able to carry the pregnancy due to her size or age. In the worst-case scenario, it can cause death.

Regardless of your reasons for wanting to end your pet’s pregnancy, don’t hesitate to talk to a veterinarian about your options.

Is dog abortion legal?

Yes, the procedure is completely legal. Most veterinarians will offer you safe options to terminate your dog’s pregnancy. Unfortunately, not all of them will have the drugs needed to complete the procedure.

It’s crucial to discuss the topic with your vet as early as possible, so you’ll know if you need to find a new clinic for your dog should the need for abortion arise.

What are the signs that a dog is pregnant?

If you’re worried and you suspect that your dog might be pregnant, keep a close watch on her body and behavior. She will undergo some significant changes around 4 to 5 weeks into pregnancy.

Aside from the obvious swelling of the stomach, some signs of pregnancy in dogs include:

• Teats that are enlarged or discolored
• Increased appetite
• A sudden decrease in activity
• Nesting behavior

Here’s a video of a vet is explaining signs that would indicate that your dog is pregnant.

Be more watchful of your dog this is her first potential pregnancy. If she seems to be quieter and more reserved, make sure that it’s not a sign of sickness.

Of course, your best option would be to take your dog to a vet to confirm the pregnancy.

As soon as 3 to 4 weeks after the suspected breeding, a vet can perform standard vaginal cytology on your dog to see if she’s in heat or to confirm the presence of sperm cells.

How long can I wait to terminate my dog’s pregnancy?

If you want an abortion for your dog, bring her to the vet as soon as you suspect that she’s pregnant.

The earlier the vet confirms that your pet is pregnant, the more options you have in terms of safely ending the pregnancy. Only a specialist or a vet can advise what option is better.

It’s best to take action as soon as you can. The longer you wait, the more stress is involved for you and your dog. You may not even have a choice but to bring the litter to term.

Where can my dog have an abortion and how much does it cost?

A Cockapoo getting an ultrasound to confirm pregnancy

The safest place for your the procedure is at the vet’s clinic or an animal hospital.

A vet knows how to evaluate and handle the situation properly. He’ll also be able to inform you of the possible risks of the procedure.

The procedure tends to more affordable during the earlier stages of the dog’s pregnancy.

If your dog had an accidental mating within the first 15 days of her heat cycle, the costs of abortion may range from $45 to $175, depending on where you live.

Drug-induced methods are around $100 to $700. Factors that affect these procedures’ costs include your dog’s size and how far along she is in the pregnancy.

If the pregnancy is too advanced, the price goes up, costing between $2,000 to $3,000. In some clinics, these expenses include hospitalization and medication needed after the procedure.

What are my dog’s options for pregnancy termination?

There are several drugs that your vet can administer for ending your dog’s pregnancy.

Prostaglandin F2 Alpha is a natural hormone that can terminate the pregnancy as long as medical professional monitors your dog during the procedure. It has mild side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, panting, and trembling.

Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid that can be injected into your dog to terminate its pregnancy. Side effects include panting, polyuria (excessive urination), and polydipsia (excessive drinking).

Surgical abortion and abortifacient medications are severe options that you should choose with caution. These are mostly used for late pregnancies and dogs that undergo these methods take a longer time to recover.

After surgery, she will likely stay at the hospital or clinic for recuperation and observation by a vet or a specialist.

Yorkshire Terrier getting an injection

Can my dog take a morning-after pill?

If you’re wondering whether a morning-after pill designed for humans would work on your dog, the answer is, it won’t.

In fact, you shouldn’t give your pets any kind of medication intended for humans unless a vet prescribes it. Giving your dog human medicine can result in overdosing to the point of toxicity or cause problems in the dog’s reproductive system.

In some cases, a vet can terminate the pregnancy with abortion pills specifically for canines.

What about mismate injections?

Also known as misalliance treatment, canine pregnancy can be terminated using injectable estrogens, which need to be administered within the first 22 days of the suspected conception date.

Two mismate injections are given 24 hours apart into the scruff of your dog’s neck. The shots are generally effective and the termination can occur within 7 days of administering the injections.

Some bitches can have fetal expulsion or only partially reabsorb, so you have to take your dog to get a scan 4 weeks after taking the injections. If the pregnancy continues, she has to be monitored as the viability of her puppies may be compromised.

Side effects of mismate shots include anorexia, vomiting, or mammary congestion.

Aside from the potentially serious side effects, these injections aren’t cheap. You’d have to be ready to pay for two consultations, two shots, and the scan to make sure the procedure is successful.

Your dog’s recovery from abortion

This can be a stressful procedure for your pet, especially if complications arise.

No matter what pregnancy termination method you choose, you can expect her to be in recovery for weeks, sometimes even months.

You can either keep your dog confined in the clinic until she has fully recovered.

If you want to take her home as soon as possible, don’t forget to schedule follow-up appointments with the vet.

Before your dog comes home from the hospital or clinic, make sure that your dog has a clean, quiet, and cozy area where she can rest and recuperate. Give your pet supplements for nutritional support, but consult your vet first.

Watch out for other changes in your dog’s body and behavior. If certain side effects seem unusual to you, don’t hesitate to contact your vet.

If you’ve opted to have your pet spayed after ending her pregnancy, make sure you monitor her stitches for signs of infection such as swelling.

Preventing unwanted pregnancy in your dog

Sutures on the belly of a spayed dog

The best way to prevent unwanted pregnancy for your dog is to have her spayed.

It’s safe for her to undergo this procedure once she turns six months old.

Aside from preventing unexpected pregnancy, the procedure will also help your dog avoid mammary cancer and uterine infections such as pyometra.

If you don’t want to have your dog spayed, don’t let her wander off when she’s in heat.

Keep her at home, where she’s not likely to attract the attention of male dogs.

What are your thoughts on dog abortion? Share your opinions and stories with us by leaving a comment below.

One question that should at the top of your mind, though, is “How can I find the best veterinarian near me?” Having a vet nearby helps you keep your dog in the best health possible and ensures that he gets expert care when needed.

Of course, it’s equally important that you find a good veterinarian. The right vet will make you feel confident that your canine pal is good hands.

Is it time to visit the vet?

Delaying a visit to the vet is never a good idea, though it’s understandable to feel a little anxious about going to the animal clinic. If your dog is showing obvious signs of sickness or injury, going to the clinic should be your first priority.

Pack up and head for the vet if:

Your dog shows sudden changes in behavior, like if he loses his appetite or he’s excessively sluggish.

You discover physical irregularities on your pet. Unusual bumps and lumps could be symptoms of more serious conditions.

Your pet has vomited blood or is suffering from diarrhea. These are classic signs of poisoning that need immediate attention from a veterinary expert.

Your dog is panting more than usual and has a dry nose and gums. These symptoms may indicate that your pet is dehydrated.

If you’re a new puppy owner, you want your dog to have his first vet visit when he’s between 8 to 10 weeks old. This first visit should include a full-body exam and the administration of vaccines for rabies, distemper, and other illnesses. Bring your puppy to see the doctor every month until he’s 6 months old.

Look at this cute little puppy handling his first vet visit like a champ:

Aside from urgent situations, your dog will also need routine veterinary check-ups throughout his life. An annual check-up should be enough for most canines aged 1 to 10 years old. These visits will include blood tests to check for heartworms as well as rabies booster shots and shots for parvo.

As your pup becomes a senior (10 years or older), he’ll likely need to be checked twice a year so the veterinarian can check on his kidney and liver, among other things.

How do I find the best veterinarian near me?

Finding the best veterinarian in your area can be tricky, especially if it’s your first time owning a pet. One way to get ideas about the vet practices and clinics near you is to ask around. Your neighbors may know a reliable veterinarian in the neighborhood. Your friends and family members can also offer great insights on which animal clinics in the area can be trust.

Do more than just enter ‘best veterinarian near me’ into that search bar. Look through review sites and read up on the feedback provided by the clients of the veterinarians and animal clinics in your area. This way, you get an idea of what to expect from vets and clinics you’re considering.

Have a purebred dog? Try asking local breed clubs for recommendations on veterinary practices. Many of these clubs will have established working partnerships with vets who are familiar with breed-specific health problems.

Rescue organizations may also have ties or affiliations with local veterinarians, who will have completed health clearances for dogs available for adoption.

Lastly, don’t forget to check the websites of veterinary practices and animal clinics. Find out how many veterinarians and veterinary specialists are on staff. Many clinics have short descriptions of their doctors on their websites, so you can easily get an idea of each vet’s expertise and experience.

No photos on the website? The clinic may be hiding a less-than-ideal environment that could be dangerous for your dog.

Once you have a short list of veterinarians to consider, it’s time to pick up the phone to ask more questions.

Important questions to ask the vet

The best veterinarian in your area won’t mind giving you the answers to all these:

What are your office hours?
The right vet will have office hours that are compatible with your schedule. This makes visiting the vet more convenient for you. The good news is that most practices, especially those in big cities, are open until 7 or 8 PM. This means you can swing by the clinic with your dog after work.

You also want to ask about the veterinarian’s after-hours policy. Most practices have partnerships with 24-hour animal care facilities. Such policies will ensure that your dog will still get the urgent care he needs even when the clinic is closed.

How busy are you on a typical day?
It’s always a good sign if a veterinarian accommodates a lot of clients on any given day. This shows that the he or she is well-liked in the community. You might be able to get a better idea of a clinic’s popularity if you go for a visit. A full waiting room is sometimes a good sign of a hardworking, popular veterinarian.

How do I contact you between appointments? Do you make home visits?
It’s important that you can contact the vet between appointments, whether via phone call or email.

This way, you can get answers to non-emergency questions about your pet. Will you be able to reach him if you think your dog’s sudden lameness is caused by Lyme disease?

You also want to know if the veterinarian is available for home visits. Home visits are crucial for situations where your pet becomes difficult to transport to the clinic, like when he reaches old age.

What are your philosophies on pet care?
Understandably, you want to take your dog to a vet who shares the same philosophies with you when it comes to animal care. This would make it easier for you to make difficult medical decisions when needed.

How important is the pet’s quality of life? Let’s say your pet gets terminal cancer or a chronic disease. What would be the vet’s treatment plan? What’s his opinion on euthanasia? Your vet’s opinions on all these matters should be in line with yours.

Do you know any specialists?
Sometimes, your dog will need a veterinarian who has expertise in a particular specialty, like ophthalmology or surgery. Ask the vet if he knows any veterinary specialists and if he will be able to refer you to them if the need arose.

Do you offer any payment plans? What payment methods do you accept?
The truth is that owning a pet and keeping it in good health can be expensive. Expenses and veterinarian bills can add up quickly. This is why you want to ask the vet if he offers any payment plans, so unexpected procedures don’t make a mess of your budget. Many vets are open to splitting up payments; all you have to do is ask.

It would also be helpful to ask which payment methods (like credit cards) are accepted so you can prepare accordingly before each visit to the clinic.

Do you have any accreditations?
In your search for ‘vets near me’, you’ll encounter practices that are accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Veterinary hospitals and clinics with this accreditation have met or exceeded over 900 standards in areas such as emergency services, pathology services, and surgery and anesthesia.

AAHA accreditation is a good gauge of the standard of care a veterinarian will provide. However, it’s also not mandatory for veterinary hospitals to have this accreditation. So don’t worry if searching for ‘veterinarian near me’ doesn’t turn up any AAHA-accredited vets

Can I stop by for a visit?
The right veterinarian won’t have problems with you visiting his clinic. A visit is the best way to assess the clinic’s facilities and overall environment. You’ll also be able to personally experience the overall attitude and personality of the vet and his staff.

Finding low cost vets near me

No matter how prepared you are, sometimes you’ll need some financial help in taking care of your pet. It’s always helpful to know your options when it comes to low-cost veterinary care.

Your best bet to save money on routine procedures is to approach the local chapter of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) or Humane Society. In many cases, you can also get help from animal shelters. Many of these organizations offer free preventative care like vaccines or deworming for pets. Some will even neuter or spay your dog for free.

Local veterinary schools may also have low-cost clinics for pet owners who have limited income. Search for veterinary schools in your area and ask if they offer discounted services for pets.

In some cases, you’ll be able to find breed-specific programs that offer financial assistance for various medical procedures for your dog. If you own a Labrador Retriever, for instance, you can apply for aid from organizations like LABMED and Labrador Life Line, Inc.

Do I need a veterinary specialist?

Sometimes, a veterinarian won’t have enough expertise to diagnose or treat a condition that your dog may have. In these cases, your pet will need veterinary specialists that can provide more specific treatments or do procedures that require additional training. Your general practicing vet will most likely refer you to a specialist if needed.

The American Veterinary Medical Association currently recognizes 41 distinct specialties in areas such as behavior, nutrition, surgery, and dentistry.

Internal medicine specialists have additional training and certification in cardiology, neurology, and oncology. These vets will be of great help for dog breeds that are prone to cancer (Rottweilers) and cardiomyopathy (Boxers).

Veterinary ophthalmologists can lay out more effective treatment plans for terriers that are carriers for the genetic mutation that causes primary lens luxation. Meanwhile, veterinary dermatologists can help owners of American Bulldogs deal with their pets’ skin allergies.

Does your canine pal need a new hip due to severe hip dysplasia? A veterinary surgeon can probably help you out.

Theriogenelogists, on the other hand, specialize in animal reproduction. Your vet may refer you to this specialist if you need an abortion for your dog or if your pet is experiencing a complicated pregnancy.

And if you’re looking for a vet who knows everything about dogs, you want a veterinary practitioner specializing in canine practice.

What do I need to do before visiting the veterinarian near me?

Once you make a short list of potential new vets from the results of your search for ‘vets near me’, you need to prepare yourself and your dog for your first visit to the practice.

Make sure you make the most of each vet visit by giving yourself enough time to prepare for the appointment. You probably have some documents and notes to bring along to give the veterinarian complete information about your pet.

If you’re visiting a new practice, bring along notes on your pet’s eating habits and toilet habits. You also want to note down medication he’s taking as well as the dosage. Traveled with your dog recently? Write that down, too, so you don’t forget to tell the vet.

Prepare and bring your pet’s past medical records. This is especially important if your dog has undergone treatment and procedures. This way, the vet can get a more accurate medical history of your pet.

Keep your pet calm by bringing along his favorite toys and a blanket. Make the visit to the veterinarian as stress-free as possible. Distract your dog with his favorite chew bone or rope toy. Treats also work great for getting your pet to behave.

Put your dog in a carrier or use a leash. A new environment may make your dog anxious or overly excitable. A carrier or a leash makes it easier for you to keep your pet under control and helps prevent accidents.

Get your dog used to being handled. The vet will touch your dog a lot, especially during a routine physical exam. You can train your pet to keep calm and still during handling by regularly touching his paws, mouth, ears, and tail at home. Make sure to reward positive behavior so it sticks.

The best veterinarian near me: the only list you need

Finding the right veterinarian can be a little overwhelming, but a better quality of life and professional healthcare for your pet are definitely worth the effort.

According to market research, there are over 73,000 veterinarians in the US as of 2018 (and that’s just for the private practice sector). You’ll definitely find a local veterinarian that meets your and your pet’s needs.

We’ve searched for the most reviewed, most popular veterinarians in each state and put them all in this handy list. So you won’t have to do the search for the ‘best veterinarian near me’ again.

Alabama

Kendall Harris, DVM, Hospital Owner
Avondale Animal Hospital
3624 5th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35222
Phone: (205) 236-2100
Email

Taylor Crossing Animal Hospital
6897 Atlanta Hwy, Montgomery, AL 36117
Phone: (334) 260-8787
Email: tcah@svp.vet

Small Animal Clinic
804 Downtowner Blvd, Mobile, AL 36609
Phone: (251) 342-0823
Email: smallanimaldt@yahoo.com

Alaska

Alaska Veterinary Clinic
300 E Fireweed Lane, Anchorage, AK 99503
Phone: (907) 277-3224
Email

Golden Heart Veterinary Service
615 University Avenue, Fairbanks, AK 99709
Phone: (907) 479-4791
Email: reception@goldenheartvet.com

Juneau Veterinary Hospital
8367 Old Dairy Rd., Juneau, AK 99801
Phone: (907) 789-3444

Arizona

Irvin Ingram, DVM, Clinic Founder
All Creatures Animal Clinic
4022 East Greenway Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85032
Phone: (623) 349-7376
Email

Central Animal Hospital
4020 E Speedway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85712
Phone: (520) 323-9912

Jack Adkins, DVM, Diplomate ABVP, Clinic Owner
Brown Road Animal Clinic
1140 N Higley Rd Ste 107, Mesa, AZ 85205
Phone: (480) 981-8387
Email

Arkansas

Shackleford Road Veterinary Clinic
11601 Kanis Rd, Little Rock, AR 72211
Phone: (501) 224-6998
Email: info@shacklefordvetclinic.com

Rick Hittmer, DVM
Arkansas Veterinary Clinic
5701 S 28th St, Fort Smith, AR 72908
Phone: (479) 646-3478
Email

Family Pets Veterinary Care
125 E Township St, Fayetteville, AR 72703
Phone: (479) 521-7387
Email

California

Victor Ramirez, DVM
Los Angeles Veterinary Center
109 N Boyle Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90033
Phone: (323) 685-7131
Email: info.laveterinarycenter@gmail.com

Kristen Van Maele, DVM, Hospital Founder
San Diego Bay Animal Hospital
3681 Sports Arena Blvd, San Diego, CA 92110
Phone: (619) 481-3007
Email: sandiegobayanimalhospital@gmail.com

Bridgett Higginbotham, RVT, Clinic Owner
Sirius Canine Fertility Clinic
12444 Nevada City Hwy, Grass Valley, CA 95945
Phone: (530) 273-9123
Email: info@siriuscaninefertility.com

Colorado

Urban Vet Care
2815 Clay St, Denver, CO 80211
Phone: (303) 477-1984
Email

Corrina and Scott Hamann, DVM, Clinic Owners
Yorkshire Veterinary Hospital
1815 Dublin Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80918
Phone: (719) 598-3192
Email: yorkshirevets@hotmail.com

Aurora Animal Hospital
20250 East Smoky Hill Road, Centennial, CO, 80015
Phone: (303) 680-7305
Email

Connecticut

Kris Hansen, DVM, Hospital Owner
Ash Creek Animal Hospital & Spa
3290 Fairfield Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06605
Phone: (203) 333-2195
Email: acahospital@gmail.com

Veterinary Wellness Center of New Haven
686 State St., New Haven, CT 06511
Phone: (203)-867-5181
Email: mackaylisad@gmail.com

Michelle Miller, DVM, Hospital Manager
High Ridge Animal Hospital
868 High Ridge Road, Stamford, CT 06905
Phone: (203) 322-0507
Email: clientcare@highridgeanimalhosp.com

Delaware

Windcrest Animal Hospital
3705 Lancaster Pike, Wilmington, DE 19805
Phone: (302) 998-2995
Email: info@windcrestanimal.com

Governors Avenue Animal Hospital
1008 South Governors Ave Dover, DE 19904
Phone: (302) 734-5588
Email: annettevonstetten@gaahde.com

Loving Touch Animal Clinic
155 Stanton Christiana Road, Newark, DE, 19702
Phone: (302) 861-6291
Email

Florida

Baymeadows Animal Hospital
8505 Baymeadows Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32256
Phone: (904) 733-5100
Email

Miami Animal Hospital
4701 West Flagler Street, Miami, Florida 33134
Phone: (305) 443-4777
Email: yami@miamianimalhospital.com

Tampa Veterinary Hospital
2517 Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33609
Phone: (813) 254-3031
Email

Georgia

Pharr Road Animal Hospital
553 Pharr Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30305
Phone: (404) 238-7438
Email: info@prahvet.com

Curt Garner, DVM, Practice Owner
St. Francis Animal Hospital
2647 Perimeter Parkway, Augusta, GA, 30909
Phone: (706) 860-6617
Email: appts@sfah.net

Northside Animal Hospital
5360 Veterans Parkway Columbus, GA 31904
Phone: (706) 324-0333
Email

Hawaii

Hawaii Kai Veterinary Clinic
7192 Kalanianaole Hwy #G102, Honolulu, HI 96825
Phone: (808) 395-2302

Jacob Head, DVM, Practice Owner
Keauhou Veterinary Hospital
78-6728 Walua Rd., Kailua Kona, HI 96740
Phone: (808) 322-2988
Email

Darin Kamiya, DVM
Newtown Veterinary Clinic
98-1247 Kaahumanu St, Aiea, HI 96701
Phone: (808) 488-3667

Idaho

Ada Veterinary Hospital
4204 W. Overland Rd., Boise, ID 83705
Phone (208) 344-5900
Email: info@adavethospital.com

Idaho Veterinary Hospital
1420 N Midland Blvd, Nampa, ID 83651
Phone: (208) 466-4614
Email: reception@idahovethospital.com

Brad Francis, DVM, Practice Owner
Countryside Veterinary Hospital
3120 S Woodruff Ave, Idaho Falls, ID 83404
Phone: (208) 522-8010

Illinois

Medical District Veterinary Clinic at Illinois
2242 W. Harrison St., Suite 101, Chicago, IL 60612
Phone: (312) 226-2588
Email: gethelp@medicaldistrictvet.com

Eola Point Animal Hospital
1242 N Eola Rd, Aurora, IL 60502
Phone: (630) 236-8730
Email

Essington Road Animal Hospital
1914 Essington Rd, Joliet, IL 60435
Phone: (815) 439-2323
Email: info@essingtonroadanimalhospital.com

Indiana

Sarah Tieman, DVM
Irvington Pet Clinic
6738 East Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46219
Phone: (317) 357-6148
Email: irvingtonpetclinic@gmail.com

Northeast Indiana Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital
5818 Maplecrest Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46835
Phone: (260) 426-1062
Email

Village East Animal Hospital
1305 South Green River Road, Evansville, IN 47715
Phone: (812) 477-2131
Email

Iowa

T. Peterson, DVM, Practice Owner
Ingersoll Animal Hospital
3009 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
Phone: (515) 274-3555
Email

Edgewood Animal Hospital
3434 Midway Dr NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405
Phone: (319) 396-7800
Email: contactuseah@gmail.com

Bell Animal Hospital
1316 W Locust St, Davenport, IA 52804
Phone: (563) 322-4901

Kansas

Pet Haven Veterinary Clinic
2518 W 13th St N, Wichita, KS 67203
Phone: (316) 942-2531
Email

Les E. Pelfrey, DVM, Clinic Owner
Stanley Veterinary Clinic
8695 151st St, Overland Park, KS 66223
Phone: (913) 897-2080
Email

University Veterinary Care Center
2619 SW 17th St, Topeka, KS 66604
Phone: (785) 233-3185
Email: Staff@universityvetcare.com

Kentucky

Springhurst Animal Hospital
9909 Brownsboro Rd, Louisville, KY 40241
Phone: (502) 326-2975
Email: springhursthosp@bellsouth.net

Richmond Road Veterinary Clinic
3270 Richmond Rd, Lexington, KY 40509
Phone: (859) 263-5037
Email

All Creatures Animal Hospital
942 Lovers Ln, Bowling Green, KY 42103
Phone: (270) 843-9776
Email: acahalerts@gmail.com

Louisiana

Lakeview Veterinary Hospital
3040, 6245 Memphis St, New Orleans, LA 70124
Phone: (504) 482-2173
Email: info@lakeviewvet.com

Donna Kleinpeter, DVM, Hospital Owner
Kleinpeter Veterinary Hospital
9766 Barringer Foreman Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70809
Phone: (225) 756-0204
Email

Companion Animal Medical Center
7025 Pines Rd, Shreveport, LA 71129
Phone: (318) 688-0642
Email

Maine

Brackett Street Veterinary Clinic
192 Brackett St, Portland, ME 04102
Phone: (207) 772-3385
Email: clientcare@brackettstveterinaryclinic.com

Lisbon Road Animal Hospital
1981 S Lisbon Rd, Lewiston, ME 04240
Phone: (207) 784-5421
Email: info@lisbonroadanimalhospital.com

Penobscot Veterinary Services
411 Davis Rd, Bangor, ME 04401
Phone: (207) 947-6783
Email

Maryland

Doc·Side Veterinary Medical Center
1705 Bank St, Baltimore, MD 21231
Phone: (410) 522-0055
Email

Cat & Dog Hospital of Columbia
7276 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, MD 21045
Phone: (410) 995-6880

Germantown Veterinary Clinic
19911 Father Hurley Blvd, Germantown, MD 20874
Phone: (301) 972-9730
Email

Massachusetts

Brian J. Bourquin, Owner
Boston Veterinary Clinic
363 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116
Phone: (857) 362-8672
Email: info@bostonveterinary.com

Westside Animal Clinic
262 Mill St, Worcester, MA 01602
Phone: (508) 756-4411
Email: westsideac@gmail.com

East Springfield Veterinary Hospital
525 Page Blvd, Springfield, MA 01104
Phone: (413) 739-6389
Email: info@esvhospital.com

Michigan

Jefferson Veterinary Center
11300 E Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48214
Phone: (313) 822-2555
Email: frontdesk@jeffersonvet.com

Lynn Happel, DVM, Clinic Owner
Eastown Veterinary Clinic
1350 Lake Dr SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Phone: (616) 451-1810
Email: info@eastownvet.com

Julie Cappel, DVM, Practice Owner
Warren Woods Veterinary Hospital
29157 Schoenherr Rd, Warren, MI 48088
Phone: (586) 751-3350
Email: general@wwvhcares.com

Minnesota

Lake Harriet Veterinary
4249 Bryant Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55409
Phone: (612) 822-1545

Eric Ruhland, DVM, Owner
St. Paul Pet Hospital
377 Dayton Ave, St Paul, MN 55102
Phone: (651) 789-6275

Heritage Pet Hospital
2117 US-52, Rochester, MN 55901
Phone: (507) 288-2050
Email: info@heritagepetvet.com

Mississippi

Jackson Animal Clinic
1740 S Gallatin St, Jackson, MS 39201
Phone: (601) 355-5113
Email: jacksonanimal@bellsouth.net

Gulfport Veterinary Hospital
204 Pass Rd, Gulfport, MS 39507
Phone: (228) 865-0575
Email

Brandy Ellis, DVM, Owner
Elmore Road Veterinary Clinic
6145 Elmore Rd, Southaven, MS 38671
Phone: (662) 253-0274

Missouri

Kansas City Veterinary Care
7240 Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO 64114
Phone: (816) 333-4330
Email: info@kcvetcare.com

Webster Groves Animal Hospital & Urgent Care Center
8028 Big Bend Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63119
Phone: (314) 968-4310
Email

Deerfield Veterinary Hospital
2850 S Ingram Mill Rd, Springfield, MO 65804
Phone: (417) 889-2727
Email: info@deerfieldvet.com

Montana

Best Friends Animal Hospital and Urgent Care Center
1530 Popelka Dr, Billings, MT 59105
Phone: (406) 255-0500
Email

Missoula Veterinary Clinic
Address: 3701 Old U.S. 93, Missoula, MT 59804
Phone: (406) 251-2400
Email

Great Falls Veterinary Services
115 37th St N, Great Falls, MT 59401
Phone: (406) 453-1629

Nebraska

Fort Street Veterinarian
14345 Fort St, Omaha, NE 68164
Phone: (402) 884-3383
Email: staff@fortstreetvet.com

Pitts Veterinary Hospital
Address: 2225 Highway 2, Lincoln, NE 68502
Phone: (402) 423-4120
Email: staff@pittsveterinaryhospital.com

Bellevue Animal Hospital
10410 S 25th St, Bellevue, NE 68123
Phone: (402) 291-1255
Email

Nevada

Durango Animal Hospital
3615 S Durango Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89147
Phone: (702) 242-9044
Email

Green Valley Animal Hospital
6150 S Mountain Vista St, Henderson, NV 89014
Phone: (702) 795-4440
Email: GVAnimalHospital@gmail.com

Klaich Animal Hospital
1990 S. Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89502
Phone: (775) 826-1212

New Hampshire

Lockridge Animal Hospital
1153 Hanover St, Manchester, NH 03104
Phone: (603) 624-4378
Email

All Pets Veterinary Hospital
25 Riverside St, Nashua, NH 03062
Phone: (603) 882-0494

Tom Heck, DVM, Owner
Cilley Veterinary Clinic
37 Iron Works Rd, Concord, NH 03301
Phone: (603) 224-9549
Email: cilleyveterinaryclinic@aol.com

New Jersey

East Orange Animal Hospital
152 Central Ave, East Orange, NJ 07018
Phone: (973) 676-7799
Email

Jersey City Animal Hospital
603 West Side Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07304
Phone: (201) 435-6424
Email

Blue Cross Dog & Cat Hospital
470 McLean Blvd, Paterson, NJ 07513
Phone: (973) 881-0430
Email

New Mexico

Southwest Veterinary Medical Center
10141 Coors Blvd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114
Phone: (505) 890-8810
Email

Nancy Soules, DVM, Owner
Jornada Veterinary Clinic
2399 Saturn Cir, Las Cruces, NM 88012
Phone: (575) 382-1710
Email: vetclinicjvc@aol.com

George Abernathy, DVM, Practice Owner
Sunrise Veterinary Clinic LLC
132 Rio Rancho blvd NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124
Phone: (505) 892-6538
Email: gabernathy@sunriseveterinary.com

New York

Carnegie Hill Veterinarians
1707 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10128
Phone: (212) 369-5665
Email

City Creatures Animal Hospital
2113 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14216
Phone: (716) 873-7000
Email

Ami Maloco, DVM, Owner
Midtown Veterinary Hospital
85 University Ave, Rochester, NY 14605
Phone: (585) 546-1550
Email: mveterinaryhospital@gmail.com

North Carolina

Independence Veterinary Clinic
2328 Crownpoint Executive Drive, Charlotte, NC 28227
Phone: (704) 841-1313
Email: info@independencevet.com

Joseph Gordon, DVM, Founder
Care First Animal Hospital
1216 Oberlin Road, Raleigh, NC 27608
Phone: (919) 832-3107
Email

Lawndale Veterinary Hospital
4314 Lawndale Dr, Greensboro, NC 27455
Phone: (336) 288-3233
Email

North Dakota

Two Rivers Veterinary Hospital
3306 Sheyenne St #200, West Fargo, ND 58078
Phone: (701) 356-5588
Email

Bismarck Animal Clinic & Hospital
1414 East Calgary Ave., Bismarck, ND 58503
Phone: (701) 222-8255
Email: bismarckanimalclinic@gmail.com

Peterson Veterinary Clinic
1525 Central Ave. Northwest, East Grand Forks, MN
Phone: (218) 773-2401

Ohio

Beechwold Veterinary Hospital
4590 Indianola Ave, Columbus, OH 43214
Phone: (614) 268-8666
Email: bvh@beechwoldvet.com

Gateway Animal Clinic
1819 Abbey Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113
Phone: (216) 771-4414
Email: clientcare@gatewayanimalohio.com

Red Bank Veterinary Hospital
3838 Red Bank Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45227
Phone: (513) 272-1395

Oklahoma

Quail Creek Veterinary Clinic
2915 NW 122nd St, Oklahoma City, OK 73120
Phone: (405) 755-0746
Email

Woodland West Animal Hospital
9360 S. Union Ave, Tulsa, OK 74132
Phone: (918) 299-1208
Email

Jennifer L. Schoonover, DVM, Owner
Sooner Veterinary Hospital
107 Vicksburg Ave., Norman, OK 73071
Phone: (405) 364-2197
Email: soonervet@yahoo.com

Oregon

Kristin Sulis, DVM, Practice Owner
Mt. Tabor Veterinary Care
4246 SE Belmont St., Suite 1, Portland, OR 97215
Phone: (503) 200-5555
Email: info@mttaborvetcare.com

Kathleen Hanifen, DVM, Owner
Salem Park Veterinary Clinic
2532 19th St SE, Salem, OR 97302
Phone: (503) 588-1151
Email: vet@SalemParkVet.comcastbiz.net

Jonathan Williams, DVM, Owner
Four Corners Veterinary Clinic
2575 Roosevelt Blvd, Eugene, OR 97402
Phone: (541) 688-5521

Pennsylvania

World of Animals at Rittenhouse
408 S. 20th Street Philadelphia, PA 19146
Phone: (215) 732-7321
Email: rittenhouse@wofainc.com

East End Veterinary Medical Centre
5875 Ellsworth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15232
Phone: (412) 361-5000

Walbert Animal Hospital
2061 Walbert Ave, Allentown, PA 18104
Phone: (610) 434-7469
Email

Rhode Island

Providence River Animal Hospital
131 Point St, Providence, RI 02903
Phone: (401) 274-7724
Email: email@providenceriveranimalhospital.com

Warwick Animal Hospital
1950 Elmwood Ave, Warwick, RI 02888
Phone: (401) 785-2222
Email: clientcare@warwickanimalhospitalri.com

Courtney Rebensdorf, DVM, Owner
Oaklawn Animal Hospital
655 Oaklawn Ave, Cranston, RI 02920
Phone: (401) 943-0500
Email

South Carolina

Patrick Veterinary Clinic
667 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29403
Phone: (843) 722-4470
Email: Info@PatrickVet.com

Shandon-Wood Animal Clinic
912 Daly St, Columbia, SC 29205
Phone: (803) 254-9257

Charleston Heights Veterinary Clinic
2124 Dorchester Rd, North Charleston, SC 29405
Phone: (843) 554-4361
Email: admin@charlestonheightsveterinaryclinic.com

South Dakota

Prairie Creek Pet Hospital
2525 Westlake Dr, Sioux Falls, SD 57106
Phone: (605) 339-8900

Animal Clinic of Rapid City
1655 S Valley Drive, Rapid City, SD 57703
Phone: (605) 342-1368
Email

Cooper Animal Clinic
39224 133rd St, Aberdeen, SD 57401
Phone: (605) 225-3500
Email: rdcooper@nvc.net

Tennessee

Mobley Veterinary Clinic
4709 Gallatin Pike, Nashville, TN 37216
Phone: (615) 398-6415
Email

Memphis Animal Clinic
733 E Pkwy S, Memphis, TN 38104
Phone: (901) 272-7411
Email

Central Veterinary Hospital
1212 W Clinch Ave, Knoxville, TN 37916
Phone: (865) 525-1167
Email: info@centralvethospital.com

Texas

VCA Ashford Animal Hospital
12633 Whittington Drive, Houston, TX, 77077
Phone: (281) 497-3917
Email

Town & Country Veterinary Hospital
10350 Bandera Road,San Antonio, TX 78250
Phone: (210) 684-1448
Email: tcvet@vitalpet.com

Hillside Veterinary Clinic
6150 E. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, TX 75214
Phone (214) 824-0397

Utah

Sugar House Veterinary Hospital
2206 S. McClelland St, Salt Lake City, UT 84106
Phone: (801) 487-9981

West Valley Veterinary Clinic
3875 West 3500 South, West Valley City, UT 84120
Phone: (801) 966-4219
Email

All About Pets
2255 North Freedom Blvd., Provo, UT 84604
Phone: (801) 375-5300

Vermont

Old North End Veterinary Clinic
57 North Champlain Street, Burlington VT 05402
Phone: (802) 658-2202

Orchard Veterinary Hospital
1333 Shelburne Road
South Burlington, VT 05403
Phone: (802) 658-2273

Riverside Veterinary Care and Dental Services
159 River St, Rutland, VT 05701
Phone: (802) 773-4771
Email

Virginia

Kimberly G. Key, DVM, Owner
Bay Beach Veterinary Hospital
2476 Nimmo Parkway, Unit 101, Virginia Beach, VA 23456
Phone: (757) 427-3214
Email

Ghent Veterinary Hospital
939 W 21st St, Norfolk, VA 23517
Phone: (757) 351-0167
Email: welcome@ghentvet.com

Geoff Campbell, DVM, Practice Owner
Edinburgh Animal Hospital
141 Hillcrest Pkwy Suite 106, Chesapeake, VA 23322
Phone: (757) 432-0488
Email

Washington

Madison Park Veterinary Hospital
4016 E Madison St, Seattle, WA 98112
Phone: (206) 324-4050
Email: info@madisonparkvet.com

Hunter Veterinary Clinic
933 N Washington St, Spokane, WA 99201
Phone: (509) 327-9354
Email

Soundview Veterinary Hospital
2719 N Pearl St, Tacoma, WA 98407
Phone: (253) 759-4001
Email: soundviewvet@gmail.com

West Virginia

Thomas Isaac, Jr., DVM, Practice Owner
Valley West Veterinary Hospital
201, 2210, Virginia St W, Charleston, WV 25302
Phone: (304) 343-6783
Email: staff@elkvalleyvets.com

Mark A. Ayers, Owner
Ayers Animal Hospital
1336, 1514 Norway Ave, Huntington, WV 25705
Phone: (304) 529-6049
Email

Parkersburg Veterinary Hospital
3602 E 7th St, Parkersburg, WV 26104
Phone: (304) 422-6971

Wisconsin

St Paul Veterinary Clinic
431 N 27th St, Milwaukee, WI 53208
Phone: (414) 342-7800

Lakeview Veterinary Clinic
3518 Monroe St, Madison, WI 53711
Phone: (608) 236-4570
Email: mailbag@lakeviewvetclinic.com

Gentle Vet Animal Hospital & Cat Care Clinic
1476 University Ave., Green Bay, WI 54302
Phone: (920) 435-5000
Email: petcare@thegentlevets.com

Wyoming

Gary Norwood, DVM, Founder
Frontier Veterinary Clinic
501 E Riding Club Rd, Cheyenne, WY 82009
Phone: (307) 634-7255

Casper Animal Medical Center
4700 S Valley Rd, Casper, WY 82604
Phone: (307) 237-8387
Email: camc@caspervets.com

Gem City Veterinary Services
3025 Fort Sanders Rd, Laramie, WY 82070
Phone: (307) 755-5469

I gather some information and compiled a detailed article on this disease, learn more about it below.

What is Leishmaniasis in dogs?

Pronounced “leash man eye a sis” and also known as CanL, Canine Leishmaniasis is a medical term for the disease that comes from a sandfly that is infected with Leishmania infantum (L infantum).

Female phlebotomine sandflies transfer protozoan parasites by biting the skin of the host.

Although Leishmaniasis thrives in warm, tropical climates, it’s a concern in both endemic and non-endemic countries.

It’s prevalent in Africa, Asia, Southern Europe, as well as South and Central America. Affected canines in the US are often found to get the disease in another country such as Spain, Portugal, Greece, Brazil, and more.

Even dog shows can be a source of unknown illnesses that we haven’t heard of around here. As more competitors from foreign countries join and breeding canines and champions are imported, you can never be too careful.

The Cause: Transmission of Leishmaniasis in dogs

Leishmaniasis is a zoonotic infection that is contagious and can be fatal. It can be transmitted to other animals and humans, but dogs are the main reservoir host and there’s no breed, gender, or age predilection.

The diphasic parasite completes its life cycle in two hosts:

1. Sandflies that harbors the flagellated extracellular promastigote form
2. A mammal where the intracellular amastigote parasite form develops.

Canine Leishmaniasis’ transmission to dogs is a complex process.

Congenital vertical transmission is possible, where an infected mother dog would pass the disease to its offspring, but it’s rare. Others get Leishmaniasis through blood transfusion, as well as dog-to-dog transmission.

Direct transmission is seen as an explanation with regards to infected kenneled Foxhounds in the USA.

A dog can contract parasitic diseases through ingestion or sniffing of soil, feces, food, as well as infected water. So be very careful where your pet goes where he points his sniffer whenever visiting a tropical travel destination.

Before we continue and for you to have an idea of what a dog with Leishmaniasis goes through, watch Moon’s journey:

Forms and symptoms of Canine Leishmaniasis

It’s important to note that the transmission of Leishmaniasis in dogs can come from both symptomatic and asymptomatic canines.

The incubation period for Leishmaniasis can range from a month to years. It’s possible for some dogs to have the parasite on them for long periods of time before any clinical signs or symptoms show up (asymptomatic).

The disease will lay dormant until an illness or stress triggers it.

Generally, the incubation period in humans is around 2 to 6 months. In dogs, it can take as early as three weeks to seven years.

If your pet is a healthy pooch, then it’s likely that you won’t notice any early symptoms. But once he gets sick, his immune system may continuously fail. What will happen is the parasite will multiply and attack its host which will lead to Cutaneous or Visceral Leishmaniasis. These two types affect the different parts of a dog’s body.

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) is an infection of the skin, while Visceral (VL) affects the organs of a dog’s abdominal cavity and is the most severe form of Leishmaniasis. Visceral Leishmaniasis is also known as black fever.

Here’s a table showing the different clinical symptoms under each form of Leishmaniasis.

Aside from those, here are other symptoms related to Canine Leishmaniasis:

• Lymphadenopathy (most common)
• Emaciation
• Neuralgia – a painful disorder of the nerves
• Joint pain and inflammation of the muscles
• Osteolytic lesions
• Fever with an enlarged spleen
• Inflammation of the covering bones

Renal Failure has signs of excessive urination, extreme thirst, and vomiting. With a serious infection, your pet’s overall health has already declined and the prognosis wouldn’t look very good.

Once you notice any signs and you feel that your dog is a carrier of Leishmaniasis, take him to the vet right away for a possible chance that he’ll recover.

How to diagnose Leishmaniasis in dogs?

The first thing a veterinarian would ask is your dog’s medical history, and that includes any background about travels. Any possible information that could have led to your pet’s current condition is important.

A physical exam and a complete blood test will also be performed. It will help the vet rule out evidence of diseases like cancer or lupus, among other illnesses with the same symptoms.

Aside from those and a urinalysis, smears or biopsies and tissue samples will be taken from the skin, lymph nodes, spleen, and bone marrow for laboratory culturing and fluid aspirates. These general examinations are effective in diagnosing Leishmaniasis if there are organs that are affected.

Canine Leishmaniasis can also be diagnosed with a test called ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). It’s a test to measure the levels of antibodies. If it’s high, then infection or CanL is present.

Last but not least, is the polymerase chain reaction or PCR test. It’s the most effective way for specialists to diagnose Leishmaniasis as they can directly see your dog’s DNA and any changes happening within him.

An existing parasitic infection altering the DNA of its host through its cells and tissues will let veterinarians see what exact disease is in the animal.

In the US, any canine diagnosed with CanL should be reported to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention by vets or animal specialists. For those in Canada, Leishmaniasis has no reported occurrence and it’s listed as a “non-reportable list B” disease as per the CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency).

Treatment: Can Leishmaniasis be cured in dogs?

Yes, and there are different ways of treating Canine Leishmaniasis depending on its severity.

If your dog is not extremely infected, the veterinarian will prescribe a high-quality diet where mostly are designed for renal insufficiency.

Since this is a zoonotic infection, the parasites in the lesions may transfer to humans. Those organisms will never be completely eliminated. Relapse and treatment are inevitable.

The good news is, there are medications to address the symptoms and the disease itself. Again, depending on how severe your dog’s condition is, the vet can give the best course of treatment.

A special drug from the CDC is available for treating Leishmaniasis in dogs called sodium stibogluconate.

Allopurinol and meglumine antimonite are an alternative in treating this disease. They’re strong, anti-parasite medication. They’re taken daily for 28 days, then continuing with just allopurinol from up to 6 or 12 months.

Miltefosine (Milteforan) or amphotericin B are other drugs that can be combined with allopurinol and taken for the same time frame as above. The amount of medication given would also depend on how the Leishmaniasis is progressing in your pet.

To support the treatment, your dog will be put on intravenous fluid support and a special diet.

If skin lesions are infected, they’d either be removed surgically or the canine has to take antibiotics as well.

Sadly, if an animal is chronically infected and emaciated from Leishmaniasis, the prognosis is very poor and euthanasia has to be considered as a solution.

You might have heard of natural treatments for leishmaniasis in dogs, but be cautious. Avoid further risks by consulting with a veterinarian or animal doctor first. This disease is dangerous as it is, and even if your intentions are good – to help your pet get better – it may cause more harm.

Living with and caring for a dog with Leishmaniasis

With a lot of medications involved, you would have to give your time and effort in monitoring your dog throughout the treatment.

The veterinarian will want to observe your pet to continue identifying organisms in repeat biopsies and check for any improvement. After the initial therapy, expect a relapse within a few months to a year.

You have to bring your dog for a check-up every 2 months after the initial treatment is completed.

If your pet is diagnosed with Leishmaniasis, the prognosis is very guarded to grave.

Some are too ill that they die from organ failure, while others won’t even be able to undergo any treatment.

Prevention and control of Canine Leishmaniasis

According to the CDC, there is no way for preventing your pet from getting infected with Leishmaniasis. As always, prevention is better than cure.

As much as possible, do not allow your fur baby from getting in contact with either a dog or a spot that seems questionable. If you suspect that another animal might be sick, keep him away from it.

You should also avoid traveling to locations anywhere in the world that has a record of Leishmaniasis.

In the UK, you may find a vaccine. It won’t prevent your dog from contracting the disease, but it can help reduce the risk of clinical signs from developing.

Other owners use all sorts of prevention such as insect repellents and keeping their pets indoors if they have to go to a place where Leishmaniasis is active. Culling is a recommended control strategy for infected dogs in some endemic areas.

These parasites are more frequent during the rainy season and the risk of transmission is highest from dusk to dawn.

Share your story or treatment methods with us and our fellow pet owners by commenting on the box below!

Further Reading:

• Can dogs get the Coronavirus?

You have to take care of your dog’s hygiene, including her private parts. And we’re going to discuss one of the problems that female dogs may have – vaginitis. Let’s dive more into detail.

What is Vaginitis?

It is a condition where your dog has a swollen vaginal area with discharge or also called inflammation of the vagina.

It can occur in female dogs – both puppies and adults.

Types of Vaginitis

Always remember that you’d have to consider things, like your dog’s age, when dealing with their health and illnesses.

It will help you narrow down what you should be looking out for and what you can do to help your puppy or dog to feel better.

That is why there are two classifications of vaginitis, and it depends on how old your pet is – a pup or an adult.

Puppy Vaginitis

Also known as Juvenile Canine Vaginitis, this only happens to dogs who haven’t reached puberty yet.

Vaginitis in puppies may be caused by urinary tract infection, a congenital defect in the female dog’s private part (like inverted vulva), or even feces contamination.

Pups who are suffering from this condition may have a swollen vaginal area. You may also notice that your dog has been licking herself more often or there’s discharge from her vagina.

This type of inflammation is not usually life-threatening, but it can develop into a bacterial infection. Take care of your pet by gently wiping the vulva or vaginal area of your puppy using unscented baby wipes or mild soap and water. This will help relieve her of any irritation or discomfort.

Puppy vaginitis usually goes away on its own as your pup matures. But if it’s getting or worse or the condition is persistent, the vet may prescribe an antibiotic to help treat the symptoms of the vaginal inflammation.

A simple test, such as a urinalysis, can help find out if there are any underlying concerns or you would just have to deal with the cause(s) of vaginitis in your puppy.

Adult-Onset Canine Vaginitis

Vaginitis in adult dogs can be caused by a uterine or yeast infection, or be the result of a disorder in the urinary tract.

Adult-onset vaginitis is more common in spayed dogs who have already reached maturity, compared to females who are still intact.

Aside from the common signs like frequent licking and discharge, your dog will experience urinary problems such as peeing more than usual or having accidents indoors.

If your dog has an existing medical condition such as diabetes or liver disease, the symptoms she experiences can be more severe.

Although there is a broad spectrum of nondairy probiotic for dogs out there, have your dog checked by a veterinarian first. Generally, vaginitis can mask other illnesses so you have to be sure you’re giving the right medication and amount.

You also have to avoid wiping or cleaning your dog’s vaginal area as it may worsen the problem.

Symptoms and Causes of Vaginal Inflammation

It is evident that your dog is showing you that something’s wrong. She’s obviously uncomfortable with all the constant licking and frequent urination, but there are a lot of factors to consider. Is your dog’s vaginitis temporary or chronic?

It can be hard to pinpoint the exact reason why your dog has vaginitis, that’s why you have to watch out for more symptoms that your pet is displaying.

Take note of the color of the discharge (if there’s any) – it can be whitish-yellow, or it can contain blood which rarely happens.

Not only will you notice that your dog is in pain because her vagina is red and swollen, but she would also scoot her bottom across the floor, and male dogs are showing interest in her, too.

And here are the possible causes of vaginitis in your puppy or dog:

• Irritation from fecal matter or urine
• Foreign body migration
• Vaginal Neoplasia
• Anatomical anomaly
• Urinary incontinence
• Bacterial Infection (canine Brucellosis)
• Canine Herpesvirus
• Ectopic Ureter
• Vaginal Abscess
• Uterine Stump Pyometra (where there’s residual tissue after an ovariohysterectomy)
• Ovarian Remnant Syndrome (when your dog still goes into heat despite being already spayed)

Here’s a short video of a vet explaining some possible causes of urinary infections in dogs.

Diagnosis of Vaginitis in Dogs

Just like with the symptoms and causes, diagnosis and treatment will also vary and depend on the age of your dog and how severe the inflammation is.

As we mentioned earlier, go and talk to your vet before you try any home remedies or homeopathic cures. Keep in mind that the common symptoms of vaginitis might be masking other health concerns in your dog.

Get a professional opinion before treating your pet on your own. All you have to do is be ready with all the information your dog’s medical history and other essential details about the current condition – when it started, how it looks like, how the dog behaves, and more.

The vet will then conduct diagnostic tests which include physical exams, blood tests, fecal tests, urine tests and culture, antibiotic sensitivity tests, vaginal cultures and vaginoscopy, and cytology studies.

Vaginoscopy or x-ray may be required if there’s a concern that the vaginal inflammation developed because of tumors or cysts.

Treatment options for vaginitis in dogs

If you have a puppy who is suffering from juvenile vaginitis, she doesn’t need to undergo surgery or get hospitalized. It’s just a phase she’s going through. The inflammation and other symptoms would go away on its own after her first heat or estrus.

But if the vet prescribed a topical medication to relieve your pet from discomfort, she might have to wear a neck cone.

The cone, also called Elizabethan collar, would not only stop your dog from licking, but it will also let the cream work and let the skin heal undisturbed.

If you want her to get spayed, it’s best to wait for her first estrous cycle is over before making her go through the procedure.

If bacterial infection caused the inflammation, the vet would prescribe antibiotics, and if needed, he or she might also require you to administer antiseptic to control the disease.

Other than that, some dogs would have to have their ovaries and uterus completely removed as the condition is not treatable anymore. Older female dogs may benefit from getting spayed if they get vaginitis while they are still intact.

Helping your dog recover from vaginal inflammation

Your beautiful dog can still feel sore for a few more days or longer.

As a loving owner, we would do anything to speed up our pet’s recovery and prevent her from getting vaginitis again.

You can help your dog get better by making sure she has a stress-free and clean area or space.

If she was sent home to take medications such as anti-inflammatories or estrogen therapy, adhere to the vet’s instructions.

And whether your dog has undergone surgery or not, don’t ever stop administering her treatment and medicines in the middle of the course! Even if you think that your dog is back to normal and feeling better.

Your vet might also recommend that you change the last soap or shampoo you are using on your dog. He or she would probably advise that you switch to a milder one to reduce and prevent irritation, especially when cleaning your dog’s vaginal area.

Just be patient, and your dog would be back to her bubbly, healthy self, generally around two to three weeks from the time she started her treatment.

If your pretty doggo has experienced vaginal inflammation or currently have this condition, let us know about it. Share your story, ask questions, or give tips to help fellow dog parents by leaving a comment below!

If you suspect your pet is suffering from Lyme disease, don’t panic. We’ll tell you all about this disease and its symptoms and effects so you’ll have the information you need before bringing your pet to the vet.

What is Lyme disease in dogs?

Deer ticks

Discovered in Lyme, Connecticut, this illness is also called Borreliosis.

It’s caused by the bite of a deer tick, which transfers Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria to the dog’s bloodstream and causes infection.

The insect can latch onto your dog’s skin while your pet is playing in tall grass, thick brush, or in the woods.

The infection usually occurs after the tick has been attached to your dog for at least 48 hours.

A lot of people think that all ticks cause the disease, but not all of these insects are carriers of the Borrelia bacteria. Depending on where you live, the disease may be spread by deer ticks (mid-Atlantic, northeastern, north-central US) or the western blacklegged tick (Pacific coast).

What are the symptoms of this disease?

Unlike humans, the disease can be a little tricky in dogs since they don’t show that telltale bull’s-eye rash that humans do.

The first symptoms you’ll see in your dog are usually lethargy, fever, and stiffness or lameness in one or more limbs. You may also notice that his lymph nodes and joints are inflamed.

Here’s a video that discusses some signs that your dog is infected with Lyme disease.

In its advanced stages, the infection will cause issues with your pet’s nervous system, heart complications, and liver damage.

The key to bringing your pooch back to health is taking him to the vet as soon as you suspect that he’s suffering from the disease. The longer that the infection or the disease is left untreated, the more problems it will cause for your dog’s health.

Can the infection be transmitted to humans?

Lyme disease in dogs is rarely contagious to humans. You’ll get the disease from your pet only if the infected tick that has been feeding on your furry buddy latches on to you, as well.

You can avoid this by always checking your dog’s coat if you’ve been playing in potentially tick-infested areas.

If you find ticks attached to your dog, avoid directly touching them. Use gloves and tweezers (or other dog tick removal tools) to detach them from the coat. Make sure you get the whole specimen, especially the head, and place the tick in a jar of rubbing alcohol to kill it.

You can also get your dog some vet-recommended tick control products like collars and topical medication to repel these insects and kill any present on the coat.

How does this disease affect dogs?

The effects depend on your dog’s immune system and how severe the infection is. In some cases, the symptoms don’t manifest until a few weeks after the bacteria infects the dog.

There are three states or levels of Lyme disease:

• Acute – At this stage, you’d see common symptoms such as depression, pain, fatigue, and the other general signs of illness we mentioned earlier. Aside from lameness, the swollen joints may feel warm to the touch.

• Subacute – This is where you’d see persistent lameness in your pet, as opposed to the shifting lameness of the earlier state. Your dog may also experience transient or persistent arthritis.

• Chronic – At this state, the disease can have effects on your pet’s cardiac and neurological systems. Your vet may discover arrhythmia and kidney damage as well.

You may see the signs of any of the three states in your dog. Sometimes, you can see symptoms that indicate the subacute state, then the disease may progress to the next level within a few days.

Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers may also be predisposed to Lyme nephritis, which can occur due to the kidney damage caused by the disease.

Signs of Lyme nephritis include vomiting, weight loss, muscle wasting, stinky breath, and edema or excess fluid. This condition is usually fatal, so if you suspect your Golden or Lab has Lyme disease, make sure you take him to the vet as soon as you can.

The infection can also be more dangerous for pregnant dogs, as treatment can cause miscarriage. Certain tick control products are not recommended for expecting mothers, too, so you’ll want to take extra caution in protecting her from the disease.

How is Lyme disease in dogs diagnosed?

A Husky getting a physical exam from a vet

Diagnosing this disease can be challenging as the vet would have to rule out other conditions.

Symptoms of the disease can be similar to some signs of orthopedic conditions or even cancer.

The vet will have to take into consideration the history of your dog’s health, his recent activities, and the signs that first manifested in your pet.

Your canine buddy will also undergo a thorough physical examination, especially if he’s showing signs of stiffness or lameness.

An x-ray will help the vet determine if your dog has spine or joint injuries or other abnormalities that can be causing the symptoms.

Once all other possible conditions are ruled out, the vet will test for Lyme disease using the C6 or Snap 4Dx test and the Quantitative C6 test.

The Snap 4Dx detects antibodies against a protein that can be found only in Borrelia bacteria. These antibodies may be present in your dog’s bloodstream even before he shows any signs of illness.

If antibodies are found in your dog’s blood, the Quantitative C6 test will be performed. This test determines if antibody levels are high enough to require treatment.

Treating canine Lyme disease

Antibiotics are commonly prescribed to treat this disease. Usually, your dog can complete his or her treatment at home. You can expect an improvement in his health within 3 to 5 days.

Sometimes, it would be a 2 to 4-week course, depending on the severity of the disease. If you notice that your dog’s symptoms are getting worse after a week, bring your pet back to the vet for another analysis.

If your pet is suffering from extreme pain and swelling in his joints, he will also need anti-inflammatory medication.

While your dog is undergoing treatment and recovery, make sure that he has a quiet and calm space where he can rest without being disturbed.

Since lameness and incoordination are symptoms of Lyme disease, make sure that your dog won’t need to use the stairs to move around.

Even if the treatment is going well, a follow-up appointment should be made to make sure that the medications are effective.

Keeping your dog safe from this disease

One of the best ways to avoid this disease is to stay away from wooded areas, places with tall grass, or anywhere that can have an infestation of ticks.

Make it a routine to check your pet’s coat, particularly between his toes, in his ears, and in his armpits.

The good news is that there are a lot of collars, topical products, and sprays that you can use to keep ticks away from your dog.

You can ask your vet about a Lyme disease vaccine for your dog. It’s usually given twice at a 2 to 3-week interval, with an annual booster. The vaccine will not prevent your pet from getting this disease, but it lowers his risk of getting infected.

Keep an eye on your canine buddy and take into account all precautions to prevent your dog from getting this disease, or other illnesses from insects such as Leishmaniasis.

Is your dog a survivor of Lyme disease? Is he currently undergoing treatment? Tell us about your experience with this disease by leaving a comment below.

Breeders and dog owners would do anything to take care of their pregnant dog. And of course, you’d do everything to make sure all her puppies are okay.

But there’s always the possibility that some pups will make it, and others won’t. So, why do some puppies die all of a sudden? One thing’s for sure, it’s not a diagnosis, and there are a lot of reasons behind it.

What’s fading puppy syndrome?

This is not just a term, but more of a catch-all phrase. It is used to describe neonatal puppies that are born healthy but gradually fade and die of uncontrollable and unknown causes.

Fading puppy syndrome is most common during the first week of life, but may occur up until ten weeks of age.

Is fading puppy syndrome inherited or genetic?

No, it’s not. Newborn puppies, or most mammals, are vulnerable creatures since they are born with incomplete immune systems. Since they are born blind and deaf, they rely on their instinct and sense of smell to learn to feed.

The litter would rely on passive immunity to survive. Puppies are not capable of developing resistance to illnesses on their own that they will need an external source to thrive.

Dogs have their own, natural way to grant passive immunity to their puppies.

Although the pups get little to no antibodies while developing inside the womb, they would need to absorb essential nutrients by drinking their mother’s milk called colostrum. It’s the first milk that the mother dog produces after whelping.

One of the colostrum’s principal functions is to pass the bitch’s maternal antibodies to the puppies and boost their immune system. It will also help them to fight illnesses until they get the necessary vaccinations they need.

As a breeder, your goal is to get each puppy to nurse within their first 24 to 48 hours of life. This stage is when their intestinal lining would be able to absorb it best.

Once a fading puppy (also known as fader or runt) “misses” his or her golden window to ingest colostrum, then the risk is getting higher. You’d even be playing catch up with intensive care and tools that are not 100% proven to help the pup.

Symptoms: What are the signs of fading puppy syndrome?

The clinical signs in a fading puppy are insidious and vague. Once the symptoms are apparent, it’s often too late for you to save the little pup.

The common and noticeable signs are weight and decreased activity.

It’s either the puppy came out with low birth weight or is not gaining weight at the same rate as its siblings. The runt is also not that active and has trouble latching.

Faders also tend to separate themselves from their mother and other pups. They’re also criers in a weak, high-pitched tone that some refer to as seagulling (since it’s similar to a seagull’s cry).

Most of the time, fading puppies progress quickly to the loss of muscle tone, severe lethargy, and death.

Causes: Why does fading puppy syndrome happen?

There are numerous reasons why a puppy “fade.”

Aside from immune systems that aren’t fully functioning, limited protection from infections, and being unable to regulate their temperature and fluid, here are some other causes:

• Chilling
• Constipation
• Congenital abnormalities
• Hypoglycemia (low glucose levels in the blood)
• Insufficient maternal care
• Lack of milk production or poor quality of milk
• Infectious causes such as septicemia.
• Complications and trauma during the birth process that can affect a puppy
• Low birth weight

Since puppies would rely on their mother for colostrum, it’s crucial to have her examined immediately after whelping.

The vet would check for any abnormal discharge, mastitis (breast infection), metritis (urine infection), or other illnesses that would affect her offspring.

Viral infections such as canine parvovirus can also cause fading puppy syndrome.

If the mother dog isn’t appropriately vaccinated or is carrying a virus, the pups can contract the infection from her.

The Big Four

Some of the most common reasons behind early neonatal death are called the Big Four: E-Coli, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Herpesvirus.

Most puppies are exposed to these infections, whether in the birth canal or after they’re born. Staph, strep, and E-Coli do occur naturally in the birth canal of a healthy mother dog. Even their umbilical cords are hosts for bacteria.

You can give all your effort in making sure that you provided your female canine a clean whelping area. But it’s not possible to give her and the puppies a genuinely sterile environment.

That means fading puppy syndrome can be congenital or infectious.

If it’s infectious, then it’s more concerning since it can put the other members of the litter in danger.

If it is congenital, then the runt can be underdeveloped at birth or has a congenital disability. These two types usually overlap since the mother would often fail to care for small or weak puppies.

Diagnosis and Treatment: Can you save a fading or dying puppy?

It is possible. Bring your pup to a veterinarian right away if you notice that a puppy is:

• not growing at the same rate as its siblings
• not latching
• always crying
• always trying to separate itself

The vet will do a physical examination for birth deformity, signs of infections, or other problems.

They’d also have to get blood, urine, and feces samples.

Aside from those, be prepared with the medical history of the mother and the father of the puppies. That includes a record of recent vaccinations and pregnancies.

Your vet would need to examine the dam to see if there are signs of uterine or breast infection.

Glandular problems may have affected the quality and quantity of her milk.

To make sure the veterinarian did not miss anything, they would also have urine tests and blood work done for the mother dog.

If the puppy has low body temperature, the vet will have to warm the pup back to its average body temperature slowly. It can last for several hours to avoid shocking the puppy’s system.

The puppy won’t be allowed to eat if the body temperature is lower than normal and has no nursing reflex. But once it’s warmed, the pup is then encouraged to try nursing.

Intravenous fluid therapy and oxygen supplementation will be provided to correct fluid deficits.

For cases where the runt has hypoglycemia, you will need to use fluids with glucose for the therapy.

The puppy needs to go under antibiotic therapy if bacterial infections are present.

But most of the time, death happens too quickly for diagnosis and treatment to take place. It’s a good idea to have a posthumous examination for the puppy anyway.

The exam will help see what caused fading puppy syndrome since some conditions can affect other members of the litter.

How to help a pup with fading puppy syndrome

The best thing you can do is care for the runt or fader with the veterinarian’s help or advice. Although good home care will give him or her the best chance of recovering and surviving, it’s still crucial to have the puppy checked.

Always follow the guidelines to make sure that the puppy is adequately fed and medicated at home.

It’s very crucial to give medications at the exact time and prescribed dosage due to the pup’s immature stage. Even small changes in dosage can be dangerous to the puppy’s recovery.

Faders who are under therapy should be fed and medicated at a frequency specific to their size, age, and breed.

Their needs are relatively simple – heat, calories, and fluids to support the puppy for the first 2-4 days of its life.

So, proper care of the puppies and their surrounding and strict hygiene is also critical.

And make sure that the fading puppy has its own box that has a heating pad and is partially covered.

Help the puppy find a comfortable spot by providing different amounts of padding over the heating pad on different parts of the box.

The most effective technique that you can do if you need to provide water and sugar is by injecting subcutaneous fluids. You’ll have to insert it under the skin on top of the neck of the puppy every 2 hours.

You must talk to your vet about this so that you can be instructed on how to do this safely.

The fluid is dextrose in saline to prevent dehydration and provide energy since the dextrose part is sugar.

This method will help satisfy any fluid requirements in a dehydrated pup. You can also leave a repository of fluid for the puppy to draw on for the next two hours.

Aside from managing other vital factors such as stimulation to urinate and defecate, any pup undergoing this technique should be strong enough after 48 hours. The puppy would be able to rejoin the litter!

Just watch this video on how SubQ fluids are injected in fading puppies, how to take their temperature, and how to feed them:

Give a drop of Karo syrup to the puppy every couple of hours. After 5 minutes or so, place the puppy on the mother dog’s nipple to nurse.

Choose a good nipple where other puppies won’t get in the way while the recovering pup tries to latch. You can place the rest of the litter in a box or crate and leave them aside for as long as the fading puppy will nurse.

If you’re using oxytocin, put the fader or slow gaining puppy on its mom for at least 15 minutes after taking its oxytocin shot.

Are you thinking or were advised to tube the puppy? Don’t! Read on why you shouldn’t feed newborn puppies using a tube.

Preventing fading puppy syndrome

Prevention is better than cure – this is a famous saying that also applies when taking care of our dogs. To avoid risking the health and life of the puppies, we should make sure that we’ve done our part in taking care of our female dog, their mother.

From the moment you decide to breed her to choosing a mate, and from your bitch’s overall care to the pregnancy and giving birth.

Keep in mind that each stage and event in your dog’s life would have an impact on her future offspring.

If you currently have newborn puppies to take care of, they need to get colostrum from the mother dog within their first 12 hours of life. If necessary, express the milk from the bitch’s breasts and feed a fader using a dropper.

Practicing cleanliness and proper management of your dog and her offspring will go a long way in avoiding losing a puppy to fading puppy syndrome.

Do you have other advice for new dog owners or breeders on how to deal with a fader or fading puppy? Just leave a comment on the box below!

Stay tuned to learn all about umbilical hernias in dogs so you know what to expect from this fairly common and curable condition.

What in the World is an Umbilical Hernia?

Let’s start with the umbilical cord, the tissue that connects at the navel of the puppy while in the womb. It supplies the developing fetus with oxygen and nourishment until the puppy is born.

After birth, the umbilical cord will fall off on its own and the umbilicus should close up without any issue.

When the umbilicus fails to heal and close, a protrusion of the abdominal lining, organs or fat against the skin can occur, pushing out the naval area. This creates the unnatural bulge that can be minor or, depending on the circumstances, life-threatening.

Types of umbilical hernias in dogs

If your beloved pup has a bulging belly button, your main concern is probably going to be whether or not an umbilical hernia is dangerous or not.

To answer this, we must first look at the different types of umbilical hernias. After all, this is a condition that can crop up due to a diverse range of factors, which we will touch base on later.

A large or irreducible umbilical hernia is the most serious type, and the name pretty much says it all. This is where a loop of the intestine slips through an opening in the abdominal cavity and becomes stuck, pushing against the navel.

An irreducible hernia can result in strangulation or organ damage, in which case blood flow is blocked off from tissue. It’s rare but potentially life-threatening. Emergency surgery is required immediately.

A reducible umbilical hernia is a smaller tear where the intestine cannot pass through. This type is less alarming, often resulting in minor swelling around the naval area.

The size of the swelling varies, and in some cases will come and go on its own. In most cases, it can be left untreated with the affected pup going on to live a normal life without pain.

What Causes Umbilical Hernia in dogs?

The majority of umbilical hernia cases result from a malfunction during the healing process after the umbilical cord shrivels and falls off following the birth. The reason for this is unknown.

There are other factors that can cause umbilical hernias in both puppies and adults. Let’s break it down, shall we?

Umbilical hernias in puppies

Umbilical hernias are the most common type affecting newborn puppies. There are 3 main ways in which this congenital hernia will develop.

• The puppy was born with the umbilical hernia.
• The hernia developed due to a spontaneous issue during early development.
• It is hereditary, passed from one of the parents to the puppy.

In this video, a vet talks about umbilical hernias in puppies.

Umbilical hernias in adult dogs

Adult dogs can develop hernias as well. Unlike puppies, blunt force trauma is the main cause.

If a dog gets hit by a car or receives a severe blow to the stomach, a rip in the abdominal wall can occur, causing the organs to push out or “herniate”.

Disease and aging are also factors that cause hernias in adult dogs.

Common breeds that have hernias

Some purebred dogs are predisposed to umbilical hernias. Here is a list of some breeds that are known to have umbilical hernias in their genetic makeup.

• Basenji
• Pekingese
• Airedale Terrier

How to tell if your dog has an umbilical hernia

Remember, small umbilical hernias are usually nothing to worry about and will go away as the puppy matures.

If you suspect that your puppy or dog may be suffering from an irreducible umbilical hernia, keep an eye out for symptoms such as a noticeable swelling at the umbilicus or belly button and the area is warm to the touch.

When you touch the area and your dog yelps or growls, it’s obvious that it causes pain so you should be concerned about that. Another thing is if your dog displays a lack of appetite or anorexia, as well as vomiting and depression.

Make an appointment and visit your vet so you know what’s the next course of action to help your dog.

Diagnosis of Canine Umbilical Hernia

The size and contents of an umbilical hernia are the two main factors that will be considered by the veterinarian before treatment is determined.

The vet will begin by asking questions about the symptoms you noticed, then your dog will undergo a physical examination. He or she will gently push the organs that have fallen out of the abdominal cavity back inside. This is imperative in order to determine how large of a tear they are dealing with.

If a loop of the intestine has fallen through, this means that the tear is large. Your dog is at risk of strangulation, and the tear needs to be repaired immediately via surgery.

If the hernia is large, the vet might use an abdominal radiograph to better diagnose whether or not it is strangled.

In order to determine the size of a hernia, the vet may suggest an abdominal ultrasound.

How is an umbilical hernia in dogs treated?

If an umbilical hernia is small, treatment is not necessary. Your dog is not in pain and the tear is so tiny that the intestine, fat or other organs can’t pass through.

The best course of action is to wait and watch, especially if you have a puppy. Usually, the hernia will go away on its own by the time the pup is 6 months old. If not, consult your vet.

If you’re dealing with a large hernia, surgery is required to avoid strangulation. Luckily, this is not a complicated surgery.

The vet will make an incision in the hernial sac and push the contents back into the abdominal cavity. Hernia border tissue is removed and the opening in the abdominal cavity is sealed.

Tip: If your pup needs to be spayed or neutered, inquire about having the umbilical hernia repaired at the same time. It is common to do this since the dog will already be under anesthesia.

Home Remedies for umbilical hernias in dogs

ATTENTION: There are no home remedies to cure an umbilical hernia.

But, if you are confident that your essential oil collection has the healing powers to make your dog’s umbilical hernia naturally disappear, please note that home remedies SHOULD NOT be undertaken until you have had your fur baby examined by a vet.

Helping your dog to have a smooth recovery

Umbilical hernias in dogs can be scary, but in truth, the surgery is standard procedure with optimistic results. You can expect your dog to make a full recovery and go on to live a normal life.

Of course, the risk of complications is present with any type of surgery. When you bring your dog home, follow the vet’s care instructions carefully, not missing a day of medication, if it is prescribed.

Prepare your dog’s crate or bed so she has a comfortable, familiar space to rest and heal.

If you have other pets, keep them separated for the time being to reduce physical strain and stress. Avoid any type of physical activity for at least 10 days. Take your dog outside for toilet breaks, but keep her on a leash. She should not run around or jump in her fragile state.

Your dog’s stomach will be sensitive after surgery. She might vomit from eating straight away or she might not have an appetite at all. This is normal as her body stabilizes after surgery. If she is vomiting, do not feed her for a day.

The most important factor is to carefully monitor the abdominal area and your dog’s behavior for signs of an adverse reaction to the surgery.

During the first few days of recovery, obviously your dog won’t be her usual self. If she displays signs of exhaustion, coughing, lack of coordination or whimpering, know that this is normal because she is feeling uncomfortable from the surgery.

Seek medical attention for your pup if there’s no progress during recovery and if there are problems with the incision or infection. This can include, redness, swelling or abnormal discharge.

It’s also an emergency if the sutures are not holding the incision together or it is falling apart, and in extreme cases, the intestines fall through again, pushing through the incision.

How much does it cost to fix or treat umbilical hernia in dogs?

The cost of surgery for a dog with an umbilical hernia will depend on the size and severity of the hernia. But, the good news is, this standard surgery isn’t that expensive.

Excluding the initial physical examination and potential lab work, the cost of umbilical hernia surgery is between $150 to $400.

What is the prognosis for an umbilical hernia?

Umbilical hernias are considered to be a mild health issue unless strangulation is diagnosed.

If the hernia is small, your dog will be just fine. You’ll only need to keep an eye on the naval swelling and know what symptoms to look for if medical attention is needed.

After surgery, recurrent umbilical hernias in dogs is extremely rare. If symptoms surface again, take your dog to the vet for further treatment.

Prevention: Purebred standards & breeding practices

A survey undertaken by veterinarians concluded with 90% agreeing that umbilical hernias in purebred dogs are inherited.

There are mixed attitudes towards breeding dogs with a predisposition to the condition.

Some believe that you should not breed the affected dog to stop the passing on of the hernia gene to future generations.

Also, there is fear surrounding a pregnant dog with an umbilical hernia. Professionals argue that weight bearing down on the abdominal tear from a growing uterus can cause the tear to stretch out and become irreducible.

Others simply do not see it as a major issue, especially since umbilical hernias can occur spontaneously with no known cause. The American Kennel Club allows purebred dogs to perform in shows with no-fault given in regards to the hernia.

If you are worried about purchasing a puppy with an umbilical hernia, the best preventative measure you can take is to check with the breeder. Ask about the medical history of the parents to see if hernias are present in the gene pool.

Note that this will only rule out congenital hernias, but it doesn’t mean your dog can’t still develop one due to healing malfunction or disease.

Have you dealt with umbilical hernias in dogs? Tell us about your experience in the comments!

Don’t fret. We’ve prepared a thorough guide on what this rare condition is and how you can properly treat your pup to give her the best outcome possible for a long, happy life.

What is Swimmer Puppy Syndrome?

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Swimmer Puppy Syndrome is a developmental deformity that results in a puppy having a flattened thorax/chest.

Noticeable just a few weeks after birth, the front, and hind limbs grow out to the side of the body, keeping the puppy in a permanent swimming position where the limbs can only move in a paddling motion.

Weak muscles make standing, walking, and running virtually impossible. If left untreated, this condition can lead to breathing and eating issues, joint problems, constipation, aspiration pneumonia, Patellar Luxation, as well as early death.

Fortunately, with early intervention, a dog with Swimmer Puppy Syndrome can overcome the physical challenges and grow up to walk, run, and live a mostly normal life.

You can get some inspiration from Starfish! With hard work, this dog overcame Swimmer Puppy Syndrome and won the hearts of many.

Symptoms & Causes of Swimmer Puppy Syndrome

This is a fairly uncommon syndrome, with little research and understanding in terms of what causes it in the first place.

Some medical professionals believe that Swimmer Puppy Syndrome is hereditary. If this is the case, an affected puppy should not be used for breeding purposes.

Others believe that it is not genetic at all, but merely congenital. This means that the deformity happens at random, in-utero-carriage via infection or due to some other abnormality.

Environmental factors are also of debate. It is said that by keeping a room too warm, a puppy will become overheated and lazy. The pup remains in a lying position for long periods of time nursing, devoid of regular movement to foster healthy muscle development.

If you notice the following symptoms, contact your vet immediately. The sooner you start therapy, the better chance your pup has of a full recovery.

• The puppy has a flat chest with the forelegs and hind legs permanently splayed out of the sides of the body. This is usually evident a week after birth.
• The puppy is unable to stand or walk by three weeks of age
• Because the chest flattens, the heart and other organs are pushed up into the pleural cavity. This makes breathing difficult, so the puppy will lack energy and appear lethargic.

Swimmer Puppy Syndrome is most commonly seen in small or dwarf dog breeds. Here is a list of notable breeds that have recurrent cases.

• Yorkshire Terriers
• English Cocker Spaniels
• Pekinese
• West Highland White Terriers
• English Bulldogs
• French Bulldogs
• Basset Hounds
• Dachshunds

Treatment Options for Swimmer Puppy Syndrome

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Once upon a time, a wee little pup diagnosed with Swimmer Puppy Syndrome was viewed as a lost cause. It wasn’t (and still isn’t) uncommon to be told by a veterinarian that euthanization is the only course of action.

Don’t give up! There are now many innovative techniques and home therapies that can help an affected puppy overcome this unusual syndrome.

All she needs is for you to believe in her, and you’ll be surprised to see the fighting spirit in a dog hungry for life and the love of her owner.

The first step to treatment is beginning as soon as possible. The earlier you treat the symptoms, the more promising the outcome for your pup to live a healthy adult life.

Be prepared to dedicate a lot of time to rehabilitating your swimmer pup. Most importantly- and this one is crucial- stay CONSISTENT.

Home-care treatment is recommended, which involves three methods:

1. Environmental control

You’ll need to adjust your home to help foster a safe, muscle-strengthening environment for your little swimmer. The idea is never to lay her on a flat surface.

Keep your puppy on a non-slippery surface, so she can practice standing without falling about. Laying down carpet is one solution.

If you don’t have a carpet, egg crate liners have been shown to help promote ease of balance and increase traction. As well, you can confine your swimmer pup to an area where towels have been bunched up to prevent sliding.

Use cotton pads for the puppy to relieve herself on and change them frequently to keep the area clean.

Swimmer puppies tend to develop painful lesions on their bodies from laying in their urine and feces. Wipe her down regularly and apply baby powder to dry up any existing rashes.

2. Healthy diet

Watching your swimmer pup’s diet is necessary to ward off obesity. Too much weight gain will put unnecessary pressure on the joints. Do not allow her to nurse excessively.

You’ll have to help your pup to swallow food or milk by propping her up after eating and gently rubbing the belly to prevent regurgitation.

Ask your vet about introducing helpful supplements, such as Vitamin E or Selenium. I stress talking to your vet about this first because Selenium can be toxic if overdosed.

3. Physiotherapy

Physical movement has been shown to be a huge factor in healing Swimmer Puppy Syndrome. If not done, there is a slim chance that a swimmer pup will survive past eight weeks old.

There are many successful methods to try out- devise a plan with your vet for what works best for your pup- and then stick to it every day.

Massage therapy: Beginning each treatment with a full body massage will help relieve tension in the muscles and coaxes proper body alignment.

Supervision: Discourage positioning that promotes flatness. When the pup is sleeping, move her onto her side, so she is not splayed out. This also makes breathing easier for her.

Turn her over from time to time while she sleeps and eats when you can’t be with her. Strap a swimmer puppy syndrome harness on your pup to keep her chest well-suspended from the flat ground.

Swim sessions: Hit the pool three times a day. Swimming will help strengthen muscles without added pressure on the joints.

Stimulate: Those paw pads need stimulation! As mentioned, sling suspension helps the pup to get her paws on the ground, but you can also use a toothbrush to tickle those nerves and increase tactile sensation.

Sock method: This is similar to putting a life vest or harness on the pup. The idea is to keep the chest from being on a flat surface.

Take a sock and cut holes where the legs can come through, then let your pup wear it like a sweater. Stuff the chest area with foam to keep it elevated.

Sling & tape: Suspend your puppy in a sling, so she is kept in a standing position with her paw pads in contact with the floor.

Tape the legs in the correct position to encourage proper growth and put a cone on her neck if she tends to chew at the tape. This should be done from 15 to 20 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day.

Helping Your Dog Recover From Swimmer Puppy Syndrome

The prognosis for Swimmer Puppy Syndrome can seem scary, and in hindsight- it is a severe abnormality.

Remember, the earlier you notice symptoms, take her in for a diagnosis. The sooner you can start therapy, the better your pup’s chances of living a normal life!

If your vet tells you there’s no hope, get out of there and find a new vet! Swimmer Puppy Syndrome can improve with therapy, a proper diet, a safe environment, and an owner that has a lot of love to give.

You’ll need to devote a lot of time and energy to ensure your fur baby is comfortable. Aside from that, make sure she gets the exercise and hands-on massage she needs to help her breathe, swallow, and grow properly.

It’s up to YOU as the owner to jump into therapy and keep it up every day.

It may take hours, days, and weeks, but the payoff will be worth it when you see your pup stand and take her first steps after all of that dedication and hard work.

Share your stories about Swimmer Puppy Syndrome and help fellow dog owners! Just type it all on the comment box below.