Sunday, March 29, 2009

Identifying Common Forms Of Dog Health Problems

By Chris Channing

If you have a dog, you should at least have basic experience in diagnosing the most common ailments. Doing this will enable you to better care for your dog, and save it should it come down with an illness or a problem otherwise. In addition, it doesn't take much to get the generalities down.

Arthritis is a common illness that affects both dogs and humans alike. It is actually one of the more common ailments a dog will experience in its later years in life. Under this problem, the dog will likely have pains in joint movement- such as running or walking. This may make them not want to play or exercise. Some prescriptions may help ease the pain for the unfortunate canine.

Ticks are a problem among canines, who may obtain a disease that the tick is carrying if the dog isn't careful. You should help your canine out by searching for ticks regularly. This is almost mandatory in areas where there is dense foliage or vast amounts of trees. Ticks have been known to carry Lyme Disease- a particularly devastating disease that can cripple your canine, so be proactive about the situation.

If you suspect your dog of having worms, you should immediately seek out treatment. It is possible for humans to catch worms from dogs if they are not careful. The side effects of worms can vary, but typically you will notice a change in appetite, exercise, or general behavior of the dog. A veterinarian can help you decide on solutions if you do suspect worms.

A house full of fleas can be a prison- a particularly painful and itchy one at that! Fleas are easy to spot, and their bites are easy to identify. The real problem is getting rid of them. Fleas are best circumvented by constant vacuuming, washing your canine, and spraying insecticide in appropriate places. Some medications are available that can help repel fleas from your canine, making risk of infection much smaller.

Even something as seemingly menial as bad breath can adversely affect dogs. Bad breath can be a clear sign of gum disease or decaying teeth. You should give your dog treats that clean the teeth. Some owners even go as far as using toothbrushes for dogs, but this isn't always required. If the problem persists, you should see a veterinarian to see if there is indeed and decay to worry about, or other illnesses to consider.

Final Thoughts

Taking care of a dog is a fun yet trying process. You should read up more on the subject with books and literature. You may also ask your veterinarian about some reading material next time you go in for a check up on your canine friend.

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