If you are searching for dog health advice, you are someone who loves their dog and who wants to give it a long, happy and healthy life. Perhaps you need advice because your pooch isn’t feeling quite right. Maybe your dog is aging and you’d like to keep it as healthy and happy as possible during its senior years.
Young or old, most dogs enjoy a pretty good life. With nutritious food, ample exercise and healthy doses of love and attention, (including discipline and training), your dog will love you unconditionally. Dog owners will, in general, be sure to do all they can for their beloved pet.
It is important to find a caring veterinarian with a good reputation and boarding privileges or at least able to recommend a good boarding facility. Routine visits to the vet twice a year are recommended; however, puppies, older dogs, and those with failing health might need to visit more often. Your dog will trust the vet over time and the vet will provide proper advice about caring for your pet.
Nutrition plays a vital role in healthy lifestyles. All dogs benefit from good diets. An unbalanced or unhealthy diet will affect your dog’s energy, coat, digestive system and weight.
Extra weight loss or gain might be caused by diet. If changes in diet are made gradually, your dog’s system will adjust. Food does not have to be expensive but it should be of high quality. Your dog might even enjoy some homemade recipes.
Sufficient exercise is crucially important. Dogs should be allowed to exercise at least 2 – 3 hours everyday to stretch muscles and release energy which, if unreleased might cause them to misbehave. Consistent exercise routines will be happily anticipated by your pet and you can benefit from them together.
Taking care of your dog’s teeth is also important. Tartar, food build-up, and bad breath are easily taken care of by introducing dental treats, teeth brushing, or professional cleaning by a veterinarian.
Brushing your dog’s coat is important. Quiet, quality time in each others company daily or weekly, can be a pleasant experience for the both of you. Regular grooming is great for aesthetics and for your dog’s health regime. Trimming nails, bathing, or styling a coat can be done at home or by a professional and your pet will be very happy.
Canine’s might instinctively try to hide an illness. Observing if symptoms are mild and fleeting or more serious would be prudent. When a dog shows signs of illness, pain or lethargy, it is time to consult a veterinarian.
Aging dogs might develop arthritis, poor eyesight, loss of hearing, teeth and gut problems, kidney or liver failure, a weakened gait, etc. Elderly dogs often develop cataracts and diabetes.
Common sense will let you know how to treat a dog to keep them healthy. A bed that is clean and comfortable, good nutrition, lots of water and plenty of play and exercise are basic provisions. Love and petting are extra joys that will ensure your canine companion loves you unconditionally.
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Top 5 Dog Health Problems
by: Chris Suckow
Dog Owner’s commonly ask me the same questions repeatedly. This article aims to help dog owners prevent and find information about the most common dog health problems. Understanding the basics of these problems will go a long ways to helping your canine friend live a long healthy life.
1. By far the most common question I get asked from dog owners is a desperate call about their dog’s vomiting. Vomiting can have many causes, but the most common cause is eating garbage, or wolfing down food. In most cases the easiest cure is to withhold food from your dog for 24 hours, but continue to give water. Then after 24 hours, start by giving small meals again. This rest period will allow the stomach to heal. If vomiting continues after this you should see your veterinarian.
2. The next most common question I get asked are reproduction questions. These questions range from breeding their dog, questions about whelping, and about raising puppies. While it is beyond this article to cover everything, here are some basics to keep in mind. Dogs come into heat every 6-7 months which is the time to breed them. The gestation length ranges from 59-63 days. Breeds that can have trouble with whelping are the pug, bulldog, Chihuahuas, Boston terriers, and the Pekingese. Whelping, the act of giving birth, can take from 2 to 24 hours. With several hours in-between the time puppies are passed.
3. Third, are questions about skin problems. These questions range from masses and bumps, to scratches and rashes. Whenever you find a mass on your dog it is important that you show it to your veterinarian. Most masses are benign lipomas, which are fatty tumors. Another common tumor of female dogs are tumors of the mammary gland. You can greatly decrease the risk of your female dog getting a mammary gland tumor by spaying your dog. One of the most common skin tumors owners are likely to see are Mast cell tumors. Mast cell tumors can appear anywhere on the body, and can range from benign to very aggressive.
4. Fourth are questions about the musculoskeletal system. Two possible causes of limping in dogs are arthritis and torn anterior cruciate ligaments. Arthritis is common in older dogs. To treat arthritis try some joint supplements like chondroitin. For dogs with torn anterior cruciate ligaments, surgery is needed. The anterior cruciate ligament is a ligament in the knees of dogs. Signs of this injury is when the dog is running and all of a sudden the dog whimpers in pain and starts to limp on its rear leg.
5. The fifth most common question is about allergies. Many dogs suffer from allergies. The most common clinical signs are the dog chewing its paws, reddened skin, and scratching. For a definitive diagnosis allergy testing can be done by your veterinarian. Allergies are often treated by antihistamines and in severe cases steroids.
With a little knowledge pet owners can be more proactive in the health care of their pets. With greater knowledge you can help your veterinarian come up with the best treatment plans for your pet, and are able to give a more complete history on your pet which can lead to a quicker and more accurate diagnosis.
For the complete top 10 list visit my website: http://www.free-online-veterinarian-advice.com/doghealth.html
About The Author
Dr. Chris Suckow, DVM lives and works in Los Angeles, CA.
To get answers for all your dog questions visit him at http://www.free-online-veterinarian-advice.com/doghealth.html .
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