When it comes to a dog’s health issue it can be difficult to deal with, and unfortunately, many potential health issues can take both you and your dog completely by surprise. If you don’t deal with them quickly and effectively, they can become expensive. They might even become emotionally devastating. Don’t just react to dog health problems after they occur; instead, learn what you can do to try to prevent them to begin with. Your dog will not only be happier, healthier but may even life longer.
POTENTIAL DOG HEALTH ISSUES
Much like people, dogs can experience a wide array of health problems. Unfortunately, when dogs have a health problem they’re not able to tell us what’s wrong. This inability to communicate what hurts or doesn’t feel right means our dogs often suffer silently until their pain reaches the point where it becomes obvious and requires immediate treatment. While it’s important to recognize your dog’s symptoms, your dog’s inability to communicate makes it essential to also learn how to prevent dog health problems from occurring at all. Many potential health issue in dogs mirror those suffered by us.
ALLERGIES
Like people, dogs can have several types of allergies. The most common, however, is an allergy to fleas, which can potentially lead to skin infections and/or hot spots. Make sure you give your dog a safe but effective flea medication every month ( only when fleas are present ), and have him examined at least annually by a vet to ensure he stays healthy. If your dog’s skin problems lead to hot spots or ear infections, the real problem might be a more severe food allergy which your vet will need to deal with.
INFECTIONS
Dogs can also potentially suffer many types of infections, including ear, skin, eye and tooth infections. Ear infections are very common and typically caused by bacteria or a foreign body inside the ear. Although infections are fairly common, they’re probably also the easiest to prevent of all potential health problems in dogs. Your dog’s ears should be checked frequently for the presence of excess moisture, dirt, swelling or red spots. Make sure you also clean his ears and eyes, brush him regularly, and brush his teeth to avoid any possible buildup of bacteria.
DIABETES
Dogs can also develop diabetes, for some of the same reasons as people. Feeding your dog a diet with too many fatty, sugary or excessively rich foods could lead to pancreatic issues that might eventually cause diabetes. Feeding your dog a strict diet limited to commercial dog foods and only minimal table scraps can help avoid canine diabetes. If your dog does happen to develop it, you’ll need to take him to the vet on a regular basis, and he might need daily shots of insulin which you’ll need to learn how to administer.
DYSPLASIA
Some dogs are prone to developing problems in their joints. Many purebred dogs are particularly susceptible, but it’s possible for any dog to develop arthritis or a joint dysplasia. Give your dog daily minerals and vitamins to help forestall joint issues, and ask your vet to check your dog’s joints at least once a year for the presence of any signs of degeneration.
OBESITY
This is one of the most frequently seen dog health problems – and also one of the deadliest. Canine obesity is typically caused by overeating coupled with inadequate exercise. This health condition does not directly cause death, but is associated with higher rates of heart disease, liver disease, skin problems, and cancerous and benign tumors, all of which can be dangerous if not dealt with immediately. It can be prevented as well as treated by feeding a careful diet and ensuring your dog gets sufficient exercise.
PMany potential health problems can be prevented by making sure your dog eats properly, gets enough exercise, and is always clean and well-groomed. You’ll still need to take him to the vet at least once a year to be checked for any potential health issues. Early detection and treatment is always best.
