Animals: Large and Small

Some veterinary problems are surprisingly seasonal in nature. On one hand, this is a good thing because it means your dog likely won't have to struggle with these issues all year long. On the other hand, it can be frustrating because once the problem disappears, it's harder for the vet to pinpoint what was wrong. This spring, keep an eye out for these common dog health problems. If your pup develops any of them, seek vet care. Even though these issues come and go with the seasons, there's a lot your vet can do to make your dog feel better in the meantime.

Itchy Paws 

Does your dog come in with paws that look irritated? Their paws may be red and even a little swollen, and your pup may lick their paws seemingly incessantly. This issue is usually caused by allergies to pollen. Grass pollen, in particular, can bother dogs' paws as they walk through it. Have your vet take a look. If they agree that allergies are to blame, they can prescribe an antihistamine cream for you to apply to your dog's paws. That will control the itching and redness while grass pollen is out in full force.

Joint Stiffness

Does your dog seem like they are extra stiff in the spring? They may struggle to jump onto furniture or go up the stairs, and you may notice that they become less active in general. It's possible that your dog is just overdoing it outside in the yard because the warmer weather has them so excited. But it is also possible that they have the beginnings of arthritis, and its symptoms become more severe when the weather is damp.

A vet can prescribe an anti-inflammatory medication to reduce the symptoms of arthritis and keep your dog more comfortable. They may even show you some exercises you can do with your dog to keep their joints looser and more limber.

Excessive Drooling and Nausea 

If your dog seems to be drooling extensively, and if they are also dealing with some bouts of nausea in the spring, they may be consuming toxic plants in the yard. Plants that are toxic to dogs include tulips, daylilies, morning glories, and azaleas, all of which flower in the spring. A vet can run some tests to determine whether plant toxicity is, in fact, to blame. If it is, they can advise you on what plants to remove from your yard. They may also prescribe your dog some medications to ease their symptoms in the meantime.

Contact a local veterinary hospital, such as Murrells Inlet Veterinary Hospital, to learn more.