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SINGAPORE – In this 14-day column, National Parks Board veterinarians answer questions about pet health and behavior.
Pomeranian licks traces of urine
Our Pomeranian Jacky is two years old this month and seems to be healthy. We take him to a nearby park three times a day. I’ve noticed that he has a tendency to lick traces of urine off the floor, leaves, or lampposts left behind by other dogs. Sometimes he will lick his own urine off the surface after urinating. I know animals use their urine to mark areas. Is this a normal habit? Should I advise against it? I am afraid he could contract illness, particularly from other dogs’ urine.
Jason Ng
While the exact cause of urine leakage is unknown, there is a long-standing theory that licking other dogs’ urine can be a way for them to be more aware of their surroundings, as dogs primarily use their senses of smell and taste to explore their surroundings.
Licking urine can lead to some diseases such as leptospirosis, which affects dogs and can be transmitted through infected urine.
Infection in dogs can occur when their mucous membranes or broken skin, e.g. B. by a cut or a scratch, come into contact with infected urine.
Jacky is unlikely to get sick from licking other dogs’ urine if he receives regular preventive medical care, such as keeping up to date with vaccinations and parasite control.
However, it is best to prevent him from licking other dogs’ urine if he is sick or has a weakened immune system.
Dog has persistent rash problem
Reddening of the skin is a common sign of skin inflammation. PHOTOS: PIARAH BHANGI
My dog is around five years old and kind of a mixed breed. I’ve had him since he was three months old. I found him in the forest around Lim Chu Kang. Since then he has been chipped and given medical care. He regularly eats canned chicken, beef, and regular rice. In the past few months he has developed severe rashes and seen the vet twice without much improvement. The vet had initially prescribed 500 mg of Clavamox and 20 mg of prednisolone. During the last visit, he was prescribed 26 mg of Apoguel, a tube of Combiderm, and a bottle of medicated shampoo. What’s wrong with him and what can I do?
Piarah S. Bhangi
Reddening of the skin is a common sign of skin inflammation. Some of the most common causes are parasites, bacterial or fungal infections, irritation, and food and environmental allergies.
The causes can be different, so a step-by-step procedure is needed to diagnose the root cause. Several follow-up exams with your veterinarian may be needed to identify the problem.
You should see the same veterinarian or clinic as your pet’s medical and treatment history to resolve the problem.
In addition to pinpointing the cause, your veterinarian will also provide appropriate medication needed for treatment and advise you on ways to relieve the itchiness, as well as how to reduce the recurrence of such problems.
In the meantime, keep your dog from licking and biting the area, which will reduce further skin irritation.
The Elizabethan collar, also known as the e-collar, buster collar, or tapered collar, is a helpful method and can be cleaned if necessary.
Answers from Dr. Shawn Chia, a veterinarian with the Animal & Veterinary Service. He has owned a dog, a bird, and a fish.
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