Sunday, March 17, 2013

The Best Ways to Deal with Dog Health Problems

By Geraldine Dimarco


Dogs are a loveable breed - the prevalent pet of choice for most people. As such, studies on dog health problems abound that will help pet owners understand potentially harmful diseases and what can be done to prevent and cure them effectively.

There is a long list of dog diseases that canines are susceptible to. Many are brought upon by infected organisms or parasites that latch themselves on the dogs system, disrupting its regular functions. There are several medicated soaps and shampoos that can combat external parasites like fleas and ticks.

Internal parasites are more dangerous and more subtle in its manifestation during the initial stages of infestation. Examples of these are the tapeworms, hookworms, intestinal worms and heartworms which are very painful for the dog. This can be avoided by ensuring a clean environment and providing a healthy diet rich in vitamins for your pet.

Viral diseases also make its way into destroying a dogs immune system. Canine viral diseases include distemper, herpes virus, parvovirus, canine influenza and hepatitis. Perhaps the most commonly known of all is rabies. Dogs catch this by being bitten by infected dogs, raccoons, bats and cats. Have your animals vaccinated for rabies regularly for you and your pet's protection.

Unless there is a change in the canines environment like the atmosphere, a new visitor (person or animal), etc., any alterations in their behavior should be observed closely. Even if there are too many dog diseases to remember, taking note of common dog symptoms will go a long way in avoiding potentially fatal diseases.

Some changes you should be alert for are anxiety, listlessness, weight loss, shaking, frequent falling and being tired all the time. When you see these symptoms, watch for a few days and make a record of your observations including the time it started and patterns of behavior. Keep the canine in a stress free environment to prevent worsening of his condition. If no improvements are forthcoming, its time to visit the vet and have him checked-up.

Canines cannot adequately communicate whatever discomfort they may be feeling. Some breeds in particular have a high threshold for pain so finding out the source of their problem is challenging to their owner. Other than crying and yelping that dogs do, see their posture and how they carry themselves. If they are stooped forward and lick at parts of their bodies, it is most likely the cause of the pain.

Other dog symptoms you should look out for are loss of appetite, bad odor from orifices, hair loss, bumps or discoloration in the skin, flu-like symptoms and vomiting. A sick dog will have trouble in his urinating; he will strain and only be able to pee in small amounts, so keep an eye on this. Check his eyes and nose for any unusual discharge as well.

Dog health problems are distressing yes, but they are often easily addressed once the condition has been correctly diagnosed. Make it a point to visit your vet regularly so any infection may be arrested in its earlier stages, thus ensuring your pet's health.




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