subject: Dog Health Problems Unravelled [print this page] 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 warrant more concern as they are often more dangerous and less evident in the initial stages. Hookworms, tapeworms, intestinal worms and heartworms cause severe discomfort for the canine that has been infested. You can avoid this primarily by maintaining as clean an environment as you can for the dog and providing a nutritious and good diet for him.
Herpes virus, parvovirus, distemper, influenza and canine hepatitis are viral diseases that canines are susceptible to. The most commonly associated of all viral diseases is rabies. Rabies is contracted when another infected mammal bites your dog. Prevent rabies from becoming a possibility by enlisting your dog with regular vaccination shots.
Any alterations in your dogs behavior that is not brought about by natural conditions, like the atmosphere or presence of a new animal or person-- must be observed very closely. There are many dog diseases; but if you can take note of common dog symptoms correctly and in a timely manner, you may save your dog from a lot of pain.
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.
Other dog symptoms you should look out for are loss of appetite, bad odor from orifices, hair loss, bumps or discoloration in the skin, flu-like symptoms and vomiting. A sick dog will have trouble in his urinating; he will strain and only be able to pee in small amounts, so keep an eye on this. Check his eyes and nose for any unusual discharge as well.
Dog health problems are unfortunate but most are easily addressed and treated when you have correctly diagnosed the condition. Visit your veterinarian regularly to arrest any infection in the beginning stages and ensure your dog's well-being.
