Monday, March 25, 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.

Any change in the dogs behavior should be monitored closely. Unless it is brought about by natural circumstances like the atmosphere, environment or having a new visitor, you must watch out for any changes because this will be indicative of canine sicknesses he already has. Correctly reading dog symptoms will help your dog immensely.

Some of the changes you should watch out for are depression, anxiety, sudden weight loss, excessive trembling, frequent loss of balance, fatigue and sleepiness. When these symptoms occur, monitor their behavior for a few days and ensure that no further stressful factors enter into the equation. If there are no improvements after a few days, have him checked up. Take note when the changes started and the pattern of it for the record of your veterinarian.

Dogs that are in pain are not always able to vocalize and appropriately express their discomfort. Especially for some breeds that have a higher tolerance for pain - locating their problems is not particularly easy to do. Other than yelping and howling, notice their posture and how they position themselves. If they are hunched over and lick at some areas, it may be that it is where the soreness is.

Some other dog symptoms you must be aware of are hair loss, loss of appetite, discoloration, lumps and crustiness in the skin, coughing and vomiting. Sick dogs strain to urinate and when they do, it is only in small amounts so look out for this. Inspect the canines eyes and nose for discharge and foul smell.

Dog health problems are a cause of concern but can be addressed easily once the correct prognosis has been confirmed. Take regular trips to the vet to make certain that any infection is determined early on so your pets well-being is protected and safe guarded at all costs.




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