How To Recognize & Treat Common Dog Health Problems

Intestinal worms plague many dogs and cats. The more common intestinal parasites are tapeworms and hookworms. Dogs are more prone to inhalant type infections such as ringworm, whipworm, and roundworms. Cats are vulnerable to other kinds of parasites such as fleas, ticks, and heartworm. Cats can also contract seborrheic dermatitis from contact with dust or hair.

1. An intestinal parasite that is often associated with allergies is ringworm.

Dogs will develop red round patches on their skin, which may resemble dandruff. The symptoms will typically occur during hot, sunny weather. Tapeworms will cause diarrhea and cramps, and puppies may rub their anus on the ground in an attempt to scratch it out. Ringworms will cause itching and severe scratching, so it is very important to catch your dog’s symptoms early.

2. Another common intestinal infection is vomiting.

Vomit can be due to a number of different causes, including an ingested worm or bacteria, or it can be the result of an intestinal blockage or other problem. If your dog has vomiting for two or more consecutive days, it should be checked out by a veterinarian. There are several other potential causes of vomiting, including an upset stomach or vitamin nutritional deficiency. If the vomit originates from eating something that was not nutritionally balanced, it could indicate a poisoning or drug overdose.

3. Viral skin diseases are also a common cause of diarrhea and vomiting in dogs.

Be careful about treating any infections with antibiotics if your dog is on a regimen of medication because these drugs will weaken your dog’s immune system. In most cases, treating these problems with antibiotics only results in milder symptoms. If your dog has more severe diarrhea and vomiting, it might be necessary to seek treatment from a veterinarian.

4. Feline leukemia and lymphoma are also some of the more serious feline dog health problems that can strike your pet.

These infections are caused by parasites such as fleas and ticks, or by bacteria in the environment. Ticks can carry tapeworms and cause other intestinal infections. Lyme disease is another potential issue, but since this condition is mostly seen in very large, warm-blooded animals like deer, it is more difficult to diagnose and to treat. It’s highly recommended to invest in a high quality natural flea collar to keep your dog safe from fleas.

DEWELPRO is a natural flea collar that has zero side effects. It’s made from all-natural ingredients and doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals, so it won’t irritate your pup’s skin or coat. Plus, it lasts up to 8 months!

The best part about this product is that you can use it without worrying about harming your pet in the process. You don’t have to worry about them scratching themselves raw because they’re constantly being irritated by chemical treatments. And since there are no harmful chemicals involved, you can be sure that their fur will stay soft and shiny too!

5. Other common dog health issues that can affect your pet’s include diabetes and hypoglycemia.

These are both potentially dangerous conditions, but diabetes can be controlled with regular medication. Hypoglycemia, however, can be fatal in extremely rare instances.

Other common dog health problems are infections and diseases caused by stress and trauma to the animal. If your pet has been abused in any way, it is more likely that he or she will have some type of infection or disease later in life. Pets that are exposed to domestic violence are at much greater risk for infections and diseases that can come from injuries, wounds and other forms of trauma. These same pets may be at a higher risk for diseases and infections if they are living in an unhealthy environment. This includes living in a dirty yard or other unsanitary space.

6. Rabies is another potential problem, especially for canines that live in rural areas

and who are exposed to coyotes and other wild animals. Canine rabies can cause seizures, muscle weakness, difficulty breathing and sometimes, death. The disease comes from the bite of an infected mammal. Although there are vaccinations available for dogs that suffer from rabies, they will not protect them from the disease if they have no immunity at all. However, vaccination is the best way to prevent exposure to rabies, as well as several other types of infections and diseases.

Here Are Some Few Tips To Better Take Care of Your Dog:

• Never bring your dog with you while flying during the hot summer months unless the airline provides a climate-controlled cabin for him. Most of the major carriers use the same area for pets as they do for cargo, meaning your dog will have to endure some pretty high temperatures as you travel to your destination, jeopardizing his safety.
• Use flea collars with caution. A large number of them contain high doses of carcinogens and other hazardous ingredients. Talk to your veterinarian about the safest options, and don’t let your kids near the dog while you’re doing a treatment.
• Your dog needs to be secured when in a car. Not only will it make the journey safer, as it will lead to fewer distractions for the person driving the car, but in the event of an accident, it could also save your dog’s life. Look for a seat belt harness, often sold at pet stores, that you can put in your car for your pet.
• If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, he or she may eventually come in contact with a skunk. If he gets sprayed, mix together one teaspoon of dish-washing detergent, a fourth a cup of baking soda and a quart of hydrogen peroxide solution (but make sure it is no more than three percent). Apply the mixture to your dog’s coat and allow it to sit for five minutes. Wash your dog off well afterward.
• Try to always be aware of how your dog is feeling. If your dog seems to be nervous, fearful, or scared of certain things, you should take note of this and try to avoid putting your dog in a stressful situation. When a dog is stressed or afraid, you could traumatize your dog if you insist that it stays in the stressful situation.
• Pick and choose when you are going to groom your dog. You do not want to attempt grooming when your pet is in a particularly frisky mood, because the process will not go well. Instead, do so only when your dog is calm and tired, like after you have taken him for an especially long walk.
• Let your dog know who is boss! Unless shown otherwise, a dog will naturally assume that he is the leader of the pack – once this has been established it is quite difficult to persuade him otherwise! When disciplining your dog, be firm in tone, but calm. Never punish a dog in a physical manner, as this will lead to lifelong mistrust. Also, when he behaves, remember to praise him!
• Solid leash training is a must for any dog. Your dog should learn to walk by the side of you, teach them to ‘heel’. That way, your dog is safe and the walks are better for you as well. The heel command is crucial for your dog, even if a loose leash walk is being used.
• No matter what kind of dog you may have, hang up a few “Beware of Dog” signs on your property. They are known deterrents to would-be burglars and can help protect you and your family. Just the sign alone indicates probable failure of any robbery attempt and a single bark will have them running away!
• Brush your dog often, even if he’s got short hair. It’s good for his coat and skin and can alert you of possible issues like fleas, tics and eczema. The dog will also enjoy the attention and brushing him regularly will keep more of his fur from flying around the house and landing on your furniture and carpets.
• Give your dog a great place to sleep. Every dog needs a bed to call his own that is temperature controlled and comfortable. If not, the dog may alternate sleeping locations between undesirable locations, such as your sofa when you’re not watching. A bed also gives him a great sense of security and belonging.
• Always be sure that your dog understands that you are the master if you want to have a well behaved pet. This is important because if your dog believes that he is dominant over you, then you have a much smaller chance of getting it to obey your commands and behave according to your wishes.
• Keep your dog hydrated. Similar to humans, dogs need plenty of fresh water to drink. If a dog doesn’t get enough water, it can easily get dehydrated, sick, and possibly die. Provide them with a fresh water bowl every day. Always keep it filled and clean for them. Keep the bowl in single location.
• Shop carefully for a dog before you get a new one. Make sure that you have taken the time to research the breed and know how much exercise and grooming a new dog will need. If you take the time to choose carefully, you’ll find that you are naturally a better match to the dog and both of you are happier.
• You should take the time to reflect about your lifestyle before getting a dog. It’s easy to get a dog and think everything will go fine, but you have to be prepared to be a responsible pet owner.

Read more: How To Find Dogs For Adoption

Conclusion

After reading this article, you should have a better understanding of how to take care of your dog. By using this advice on a daily basis, you can enjoy many years of companionship with your furry friend. Keep your dog happy and healthy throughout its life by using these tips.

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