A Guide to Dog Health Problems

Common Dog Illnesses

Dogs, just like people, are susceptible to a vast array of illnesses and potentially devastating health problems. Unlike people, however, dogs can't tell us how they're feeling or if they're in pain, other than to whimper, howl or bark. So, it's up to you and I, their trusted Alpha leaders, to ensure that we do everything possible to prevent problems from arising in the first place.

You don't have to be caught off guard, or suffer the emotional and financial distress that often accompanies your dogs discomfort. By taking the time to research your chosen breed, BEFORE taking your cute bundle home from the pet store or breeder, you can avoid the majority of potential health crises. For instance, proper research will fore-warn you of the pre-disposition of Dachshunds to serious degenerative disc problems in their backs, or of an inherent tendency toward obesity of Golden Retrievers, Labradors and Basset Hounds. You need not be put off your chosen breed just because of your research, but by being aware of that breeds individual needs, you will be better equipped to make your choice.

Infections - again, just like people, dogs can suffer from various infections which can become more serious if left unattended. Rather than having to treat the symptoms as they arise, it is far better to take preventative measures wherever possible. As unpleasant as it might be for you to have to treat an ear mite infestation, imagine how miserable your dog will be while you wrestle him to squirt cold, wet, smelly stuff in his ears and then invade his sacred ear space with wads of cotton wool. Skin infections left to fester can become unbearably painful and even the application of topical cream can be unpleasant for your dog. Swollen, infected gums.... well, let me remind you of the last time you had a tooth or gum problem! Then there are the particularly serious varieties of eye infections! It's a sad fact of life that many dog owners simply don't make time to maintain their dogs good health - they just take it for granted. By regularly checking and cleaning your dogs eyes, teeth and gums, hair and skin, you can greatly reduce the build-up of bacteria, and the risk of infection to your dog.

Allergies - whether you're dealing with the common flea allergy, or the less common food allergy, you really need to take immediate steps to treat your dog. Flea allergies can so easily be prevented with regular, readily-available treatments. Food allergies are not so easy to prevent... the first time around! However, if your dog is diagnosed by a vet with a particular food allergy, you can obviously take steps to minimise the risk of your dog coming into contact with that specific allergen.

Diabetes - this is not just a human disease. Diabetes is becoming more and more prevalent in the canine world as dog owners, oblivious to the dangers of feeding dogs on a human diet, are loading their dogs down with fatty, sugary foods, leading to a long list of problems including damage to the pancreas and eyes, to name just a couple. Resist the temptation (and your dogs longing looks) to feed them table scraps and keep them on a healthy, nutritionally balanced "dog" diet! You will add years to your dogs life and they will be far happier and healthier in the long run. If you need an incentive to feed your dog correctly, just close your eyes and imagine having to administer an injection to your dog each day for the rest of his life.

Obesity - this is simply another term for an unhealthy, over-weight condition in dogs. By making sure that your dog has a healthy, balanced diet and gets adequate exercise, you won't usually need to worry much about this condition. However, if you allow your dog to eat too much and exercise too little, you will not only end up shortening your dogs life span, you will more than likely subject it to a life at risk of heart failure, liver disease, skin problems and tumors. This can so easily be avoided by committing to a sensible diet and exercise plan.

Dysplasia & Arthritis - it's so heart-breaking to see a dog suffering from either of these conditions and it is true that some breeds are, in fact, more susceptible than others to these painful conditions. However, being fore-warned is being fore-armed. If you ensure that you stick to the aforementioned healthy diet and exercise regime, you can pat yourself on the back for doing a great job in helping your dog have the best quality of life possible. If your particular breed of dog is particularly prone to these conditions, then it really boils down to you, keeping a close eye on the daily condition, keeping an eye out for any tell-tale signs of pain, change in mood, energy levels or general condition, and taking the time to have your dog checked by a vet as often as necessary for any degeneration of the joints. Your dog will love you all the more for taking good care of him.

Accidents and First Aid - of course, there will always be a risk of accidental injury requiring immediate first aid and these can only be prepared for so much. By being consistent with your dog training, with the boundaries you set for your dog within the home and out on walks, you can greatly minimise the risk of accidental injury to your four-legged friend. Having the phone numbers and details of local 24 hour veterinary care nearby is definitely a must do when caring for your dog.

After all that, if you give your dog plenty of love, exercise, healthy food, grooming and an opportunity to mix with other dogs, you can be quite pleased with your efforts. But don't forget that your dog will still need annual checkup (just like we do) to make sure there isn't anything nasty in its early stages. Remember, if you catch it early, you will greatly improve your dogs chances of being treated successfully.

Are you worried that your dog may be suffering from one of many Dog Health Problems? Get more tips and advice here today. While you are there, you can pick up a free report on How to be the Alpha dog. This report will show you how to take control of your home, and become the master of your house.

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