When it comes to dog health problems, there are many potential ailments that can catch you and your dog off guard. The results can be both emotionally devastating and expensive if they are not dealt with quickly and effectively.
Instead of responding to potential health problems as they arrive, a proactive approach can help you spot potential problems before they become major issues.
Like humans, dogs suffer from similar health problems. One of the major difference between humans and dogs is that dogs cannot tell you where they are hurting and how much pain they are feeling.
They will often suffer in silence until there is very real pain that needs to be treated. So, it’s important to recognize these symptoms and take the appropriate actions to prevent minor issues from becoming major health problems in the first place.
Infections – Dogs can suffer from a number of potential infections in their ears, on their skin, in their eyes and their teeth. Ear infections are the most common problems for dogs that is cause due to a foreign body or bacteria getting in the ear.
Check your dog’s ears frequently for red spots, swelling, excess moisture, or dirt. Of all dog health problems, infections are the easiest to prevent. Clean your dog’s eyes, brush their teeth and brush their hair regularly to avoid any potential bacteria build up.
Obesity – Obesity is also one of the most common and deadly dog health problems and is directly caused by eating too much and not exercising enough.
Obesity itself doesn’t lead to mortality, but the higher rates of heart failure, tumors, liver disease, and skin problems are all health issues that should be dealt with immediately. Obesity can be treated with a careful diet and keen eye on your dog’s activity levels.
Allergies – Dogs have many forms of allergies. By far the most common is a flea allergy that can cause hot spots and lead to infections. Make sure you get flea medication for your dog on a regular basis and have a vet examine them regularly to ensure they are healthy. Additionally, if their skin problems lead to ear infections or other hot spots, it may be a food allergy – a more severe issue that should be addressed by a veterinarian.
Diabetes – Excess rich, fatty and sugary foods can result in pancreatic issues that cause diabetes. To avoid diabetes, keep your dog on a strict diet of dog foods with minimal table scraps or excess meals. If your dog is diagnosed with diabetes, you’ll need to see a vet regularly and may need to administer regular shots.
Arthritis and Dysplasia – Some dogs are highly susceptible to joint problems. Pure breds especially have a long history of arthritic dog health problems due to their longer, narrower joints. Make sure your dog receives the necessary vitamins and minerals they require each day and that your vet checks the joints for degeneration at least once a year.
If your dog eats well every day, gets plenty of exercise , are keep clean and well groomed, then these health problems will never be an issue. Even then, you should make sure you visit their vet annually to check for any potential issues. The earlier you catch these diseases, the better it can be treated.
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