Dog Health Problems
In the case of dog health problems, there are many issues that can suddenly pop up and catch you unawares. To have this happen can be both expensive and emotionally traumatizing if not dealt with at once, and dealt with well. It’s much easier to try to prevent most of these issues instead of waiting until they occur. Learn what you can, and keep your dog healthy.
Potential Dog Health Problems
Dogs are susceptible to any number of health problems, just like their owners. Unfortunately, unlike humans, dogs can’t tell us “I’ve got a killer backache.” They frequently suffer silently until pain is severe and the situation causing them pain has become acute. Be observant, and try to become aware of any dog health problems, and what you can do to avoid these problems in the first place.
Infections – Dogs can get infections, especially in their ears and noses, skin, eyes, and teeth. Ear infections are by far the most common. These are often because bacteria or a foreign object gets in his ears. It’s quite easy to check your dog’s ears for swelling, too much moisture, dirt, or red spots. Infections are the very easiest of all dog health problems to prevent. Also, hygiene makes a big difference. Clean your dog’s eyes to rid them of any discharge, brush his hair and teeth regularly to avoid any potential build-up of bacteria and other unwelcome things.
Allergies – Just like humans, dogs have many forms of allergies. Hands-down, the most common is caused by fleas, whose bites can lead to “hot spots”. When your dog repeatedly scratches or chews on these, they can lead to bald spots and infections. Remember to use flea medication on your dog monthly, and have a vet examine your pet regularly. Also, if skin problems lead to ear infections, perpetual ear scratching, or other “hot spots”, it could be a food or grass allergy. This is a serious issue which should be checked by your veterinarian.
Diabetes – Dog health problems tend to be somewhat similar to human health issues, and diabetes is no exception. Feeding your dog excess fatty, rich, sugary foods can cause pancreatic problems leading to diabetes. To prevent diabetes, keep your dog on a strict diet of dog food, with no more than 30% “people food” ever. If your dog develops diabetes, you’ll need to schedule regular veterinarian visits, and may have to administer daily shots to your dog.
Arthritis and Dysplasia
Some dogs, especially large, purebred dogs, are highly susceptible to joint problems. Pure breeds have a history of arthritic-type dog health problems, due to longer, narrower joints. Ask your vet what kind of vitamin and mineral supplements can help prevent and control these conditions.
Obesity – Just as with humans, obesity is one of the most common and deadly dog health problems, and just as with humans, it is directly caused by eating too much and exercising too little. While obesity itself doesn’t technically cause death in dogs, but leads to far higher rates of heart disease, tumors, liver disease, and skin problems, all of which are potentially deadly if not dealt with as soon as possible. Obesity can be treated with a careful diet and exercise. In fact, it’s a great way for humans to lose, too – exercising with your dog.
If your dog gets plenty of exercise, is kept clean and well-groomed, and eats a balanced diet daily, most of these health problems will probably never affect your dog. Even so, you should make annual visits to your veterinarian to check for any potential dog health problems. As most of us know, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
Don’t stop here, you must do everything you can to cure and learn more about dog health problems.
Tags: Dog Health Problems, Stop Dog Health Problems
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