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If your dog has fleas, he may be constantly scratching and biting himself, especially along the back and around the base of the tail. Some individuals are actually allergic to the flea's saliva and for these dogs, the bite of a single flea is enough to provoke a violent skin reaction. Fleas can be hard to find on a dog. You may see the brownish-black fleas themselves, moving through your dog's hair or you may notice the presence of dark specks of material - flea dirt (faeces) - in his coat. The female flea lays her eggs in the hair coat of the animal.

Arthritis affects an estimated 10 million dogs, mostly seniors. A cold winter, damp weather only aggravates painful symptoms, making it harder for an arthritic dog to walk, run, or climb. 

While medication relieves discomfort, many vets also recognise the benefits of low-level therapeutic heat to treat joint problems.

Just as a long soak in a warm tub works for us, the same is true for our dogs. Hot baths and traditional heating pads aren’t practical or safe ways to provide heat therapy. Vets now recommend using heated orthopaedic dog beds.

More than 80% of dogs show signs of periodontal disease by the age of three. The accumulation of tartar and plaque and the resulting gingivitis can lead to more serious diseases. Without medical intervention, gingivitis or inflammation of the gum takes over and leads to bad breath. What’s worse is that it often leads to damage to the jawbones, and loss of teeth.

What should you do?

Some dogs with simple fever continue to eat and play normally, while some become lethargic and lose appetite. Therefore, regular visits to your vet for monitoring his health are essential in preventing and controlling serious ailments.

To help you figure this out, here is a partial list of signs worth reporting to your vet as soon as possible: