Spot may never have any of the following problems, but it’s sensible and safe to be aware of them.

Sarcoptic Mange

Saracoptic mange is caused by mites. It will make Spot itch, and you will see tiny red bumps and patchy, crusty areas on his body, legs, and/or stomach. Take Spot to the veterinarian. The condition is treatable and will respond to topical medication.

Follicular Mange

Follicular mange is caused by a different type of mite. It’s also called demodectic mange or red mange, and it may or may not make Spot itch. Whether it bothers him or not, you’ll notice small, circular, moth-eaten-appearing patches, usually on his head and along his back, sides, and neck. Juvenile cases, involving a young dog with only a few patches, might be stress-related. Perhaps Spot recently was in a boarding kennel for the first time. Some females, for example, get a patch or two of mange when they come into season for the first time. Your veterinarian has medication to clear this condition, but if Spot ever gets a generalized case of mange (covering much of his body)- be sure to have him neutered (if he isn’t already). Dogs with generalized cases of mange should never be used for breeding as they can pass the misery on to their young.

Ringworm

In spite of its name, ringworm is a fungus infection, not a worm. Carried more often by cats than dogs, ringworm causes small, round, itchy, bald patches, which are often inflamed because Spot can’t help but scratch them. They are easily cured by the fungicide your veterinarian will recommend.

Just as these skin problems have similar symptoms, so do several others that Spot might encounter. Since it’s difficult to determine which condition is making Spot itch, and each one requires a different medication, leave diagnosis and treatment to your veterinarian.

Clogged Anal Glands

If Spot is scooting along the floor on his haunches, he probably has clogged anal glands. His anal glands are located on each side of his anus and they secrete a substance that enables him to pass his stool. When clogged, they are extremely uncomfortable, smell bad, and could become infected. Your veterinarian can quickly unclog Spot’s anal glands, or you can do it yourself. Use one hand to hold his tail up and hold a soft cloth in your other hand. Take the skin on either side of the anus, just below the middle, between your cloth-covered thumb and forefinger. Then push in slightly and squeeze gently. If you succeed, a brownish, nasty-smelling substance will be on your cloth and Spot will stop scooting. Blood or pus in the secretion is a sign of infection, so if either one is present, take Spot to the veterinarian.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is caused by an abnormality of one or both hip joints. If Spot has a borderline case, it may never be noticeable to him or to you, and only a hip X-ray would tell for sure. In more severe cases, HD causes lameness in the hindquarters, ranging in severity from a slightly odd gait to barely being able to stand. Hip dysplasia is incurable, but there are several ways to lessen its pain, including surgery in some cases. If Spot is lame and HD is suspected, your veterinarian will X-ray him before determining the best treatment.

Lyme Disease

Transmitted by the deer tick, Lyme disease attacks humans as well as dogs. Symptoms include fatigue, loss of appetite, fever, and sometimes swollen glands in the neck. In areas where the deer tick is prevalent, avoid those wonderful walks in the woods, keep your own lawn well trimmed, and take precautions to keep field mice from nesting in your home. A vaccine is available for Lyme disease prevention. Since it’s a must in some parts of the country and unnecessary in others, discuss it with your veterinarian. Don’t forget to mention any trips you and Spot will be taking to other locales.

Heat Stroke

A dog suffering from heat stroke must have immediate attention. Sometimes only a cold water enema, applied by a veterinarian, will save him. Symptoms include some, but usually not all of the following:

• Rapid or heavy breathing with the mouth and tongue a very bright red
• Thick saliva
• Vomiting
• Bloody diarrhea
• Unsteadiness on the feet, and possibly falling
• A hot, dry nose with legs and ears hot to the touch
• In extreme cases the dog may be glassy-eyed and his lips may appear gray

When a dog’s rectal temperature is 104° or more, he is in serious trouble. If you suspect heat stroke, immediately take Spot somewhere cooler, and wet him down gradually with cool (not ice cold) water. Give him cool water to drink, but in small amounts at a time, never all at once. Apply cold compresses to his belly and groin area, but do not suddenly place your overheated dog in extremely cold water. While cooling Spot, make preparations to get him to the veterinarian.

Be especially cautious if Spot has already suffered a heat stroke and survived. After a dog has one heat stroke, he’s prone to getting another.

Snake Bite

Symptoms of snake bite include swelling, labored breathing, glazed eyes, and drooling. The best first aid you can give while rushing your dog to the veterinarian, is to keep him warm, and as calm and inactive as possible.