Most common dog health issues are easily preventable or can be treated if they are recognized in time. Remember a bit of protection is worth a pound of treatment. Provide your dog with a healthy diet and make sure he gets a bunch of exercise daily.
- Use this advice to watch for common dog health issues and understand treatment choices you can use to keep your furry pup happy and healthy
Fleas and ticks
These annoying, blood-sucking parasites are most common and dangerous, too. Fleas and ticks weaken your furry dog’s immune system and are likely carriers of other diseases like Lyme’s disease.
- After spending time outdoors, especially in wooded sites, check your dog’s neck, armpits, and between your furry friend’s toes. Use Hank Flea Comb to squeeze the tick’s body around its head. Remove ticks straight out slowly. Then wipe the bite area with alcohol or 3 percent hydrogen peroxide.
Diabetes
If your dog is unusually thirsty or often urinates, is grumpy, tires easily, and is losing weight and eyesight, he may have diabetes. Other caution signs include infections or other wounds that won’t recover.
- If your furry dog suffers from diabetes, that represents his pancreas cannot make enough insulin to help transport energy-giving glucose from the bloodstream to the cells. Consult your vet. If your dog has diabetes, you likely will need to change his diet and may need to start giving him insulin injections.
Joint pain
Dogs, specifically larger dogs, are more prone to joint pain and arthritis. When pups are young, they tend to be playful and spirited. As they age, they lose some of their power. But don’t just accept a quiet dog is just revealing signs of his age. If your dog becomes hesitant to play, go for walks or climb stairs, he may be experiencing joint aches.
- Other caution signs, dogs howl if you touch affected joints. The joints also may swell or become rigid. These could be indications of something more serious, as many dog breeds are prone to tearing the canine counterpart of the ACL. This type of tear needs surgery, and you’ll need to consider options such as TPLO vs lateral suture.
- Appropriate rest, warm massage, and supplements can help supply natural joint pain relief for dogs. Again, talk with your vet. Changing your furry dog’s diet or helping him lose weight also can help ease joint pain.
Obesity
Obesity is becoming a common dog health issue because owners overfed their furry dogs and don’t allow them to get enough exercise. Obesity also leads to other issues including kidney and heart disease and joint pain. Your best chance to prevent problems due to obesity is to keep your dog at a healthy weight.
Tooth abscess
Your furry dog eats clumsily, sometimes by leaning his head to one side. He may also fall for food or refuse to eat. If that occurs, check inside your furry dog’s mouth. If you see swelling and redness localized in the gums, your dog may be suffering from an abscess on the root of one or more of the teeth.
- Another caution sign, her face may have bulged. A tooth infection also can cause an inflamed eye. Getting this state confirmed can require X-rays to ensure and antibiotics to treat. See your vet before the infection extends.
Cataracts
Blindness is expected in senior dogs. A cataract is a white, opaque film that coats the dog’s eye and harms her vision. Notice signs include your dog walking clumsily, bumping into things, moving in the incorrect direction, or falling over.
- Cataracts are usually hereditary and may happen in one or both eyes. Diabetes, another eye rash, or electric shock can cause cataracts. Speak with your vet to resolve if removing the cataract can prevent further eyesight damage. At best, you can comfort your dog with caresses and extra loving care.
