Do healthy dogs normally shed hair?

Yes, they do. Dog hairs undergo a cycle of growth, unlike the claws which grow continuously. In the first stage the hair grows by the multiplication of cells at the bottom of the hair follicle deep in the skin; this phase is called anagen. This is followed by a period when the growth stops and the hair is retained in the follicle; this phase is called telogen. These non-growing or dead hairs, called ‘club’ hairs, are less firmly anchored than the growing hairs and consequently are more easily removed. Removal may be by grooming or simply by friction from sitting or lying. Eventually the cells which produce the hair begin to multiply again and a new hair is formed. This new hair grows up the follicle, alongside the old club hair if this is still present, though as the new hair emerges at the surface the old hair becomes detached and is shed.

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Should a healthy dog have a wet nose?

This certainly seems to be the case with most normal healthy dogs. However, there is no evidence that the skin on the nose contains any special moisture-producing glands. The moisture on the nose seems to come primarily from a large gland, the lateral nasal gland, at the back of each nasal chamber. The watery secretion from this gland passes down a narrow duct which opens about l/4 inch (2cm) inside the nostril. The ‘tears’ (lacrimal fluid) from the surface of the eyeball drain into another duct (nasolacrimal duct) which opens a little in front of that coming from the lateral nasal gland. In addition, there are other glands in the lining of the nasal chambers. Licking (which dogs can only do upwards, towards the nose, never downwards, towards the chin) also serves to wet the nasal skin.

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What signs indicate good health in a dog?

The healthy dog should appear alert and interested in what is happening in its immediate vicinity, moving its eyes and ears in response to movements and sounds. It should be eager to exercise and play and to explore new territory with its owner, and it should not become tired easily. The dog should present a well-groomed appearance with a clean, glossy coat and bright, sparkling eyes which have no evidence of discharge at their corners. The skin should be pliable and unbroken, the nails not overgrown and the ears clean. The body should be firm and well muscled and warm to the touch with no sensitive areas.

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Should I always take my dog to the vet at the first sign of illness?

Generally speaking yes, and certainly if it is causing you anxiety. Most owners would prefer to know what, if anything is wrong with their dog as soon as possible, and most vets would prefer owners to bring their animal for examination even for some trivial condition rather than to let a major illness go untreated.

Sometimes it is very clear from clinical signs that the animal is ill; for instance, when there is a sudden change in temperament from an alert dog, keen to exercise, to one that is listless and interested only in sleeping; or where blood is being passed (in the motions, urine, or vomit); or where there is a persistent discharge from the eyes or nose, or, in the case of a bitch, from the vulva when she is not in heat.

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As animals can’t communicate their feelings in words, how would I know if my dog was suffering?

In acutely painful conditions the dog resents being lifted and will flinch, cry, growl or even attempt to bite when the painful pan (often an ear or limb) is handled. In many illnesses the dog does not experience any severe pain but nevertheless is obviously feeling unwell or uncomfortable.

The general signs of illness to watch for are as follows:

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What signs and symptoms are the most serious and require immediate professional attention?

In human medicine the term symptoms is usually reserved for sensations apparent only to the patient (i.e. which are purely subjective) such as feeling dizzy or having a painful knee; whereas signs are features which can be detected by an external observer, including the doctor. In veterinary medicine the inability of patients to communicate means that only signs are available for diagnosis; any sensations that are felt but produce no external manifestation remain hidden from us.

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What are the common signs of ill-health in dogs and what causes them?

Ten of the most common signs of ill-health in the dog, and some of the commoner causes of these. It must be emphasized that none of these signs is attributable to a specific illness with a single cause. Each has a variety of causes which will usually require individual treatment. Obviously some causes of illness occur more frequently than others, although to some extent this depends on where the dog lives, i.e. whether in the town or country, and whether in a temperate or tropical climate. Other signs of illness, such as apparent anaemia and high temperature, are discussed later, in this and other chapters. Some causes, such as cancer, may affect the dog in a number of different ways. Only a few of the conditions listed in the table require further explanation here.

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