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10 Most Common Reasons Dogs Go To The Vet

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1. Ear Infections

The most common cause of vet visits last year was ear infections.

That’s unfortunate, as it’s pretty unpleasant to both dog and owner when a pooch has an ear infection.

Some common symptoms of ear infections include:

  • Scratching at the ear or surrounding area
  • Brown or yellow discharge from the ear
  • Redness
  • Unpleasant odor in ear
  • Head tilt

Infections in your dog’s ear can have a few causes, such as allergies, foreign matter in the ear, yeast, and ear mites.

Dogs with long hair in their ears or ears that don’t stand erect may be more prone to ear infections.

The diagnosis and treatment is usually fairly simple.

The vet will examine the dog’s ear, and then clean it out.

Your dog will usually have some medicated ointment that you can use at home to make sure the infection is entirely gone.

To cut down on your dog’s chances of getting an ear infection, clean them out every so often with a cotton swab and a cleaning solution.

Your vet can usually recommend one, or you might find one at your pet store.

Be sure to keep your dog’s ears dry as well as clean.

And, if your dog does have hairy ears, ask a groomer or your vet to keep them neatly trimmed.

10 most common reasons dogs go to the vet

Dogsaholic

Sources:

http://www.petinsurance.com/healthzone/pet-articles/pet-health/Top-10-Reasons-Pets-Visit-Vets.aspx

http://thebark.com/content/relieving-arthritis?page=2

http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/dog-joint-health-pain-osteoarthritis-and-other-joint-problems

Written by Flo

I am a writer and pet lover living in the Pacific Northwest. I own 2 cats, Bella and Junior, and they are adorable :) I have been an animal advocate and human companion for several dozen animals over the years. I have raised Cockatiels, cats, dogs, rabbits, chickens, and a tortoise. Writing is my second passion and writing for Funny Pet Stop is a fantastic match for me.