August 27, dog health care | Identify symptoms of diseases and health problems of dog treat

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Do you know how to spot potential health problems in your dog, treat common problems yourself and recognize when a health issue requires Veterinary care?

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Our dogs rely heavily on us to look after their health issues. Caring for our dogs is a responsibility we all take on board when we bring a dog into our lives. But dog health care is not necessarily a subject we all have expertise in - I know I didn't when I got my first young puppy.

Over the years I've put together a health care program or strategy I follow to help manage my dog's health issues. The dog health care program I have outlined below is an ongoing process of maintenance which relies on careful observation, being proactive and is designed to prevent major health issues from arising. It also addresses how to effectively diagnose and treat dog health problems when they do arise - either yourself, or by your Vet when necessary.

These Are The Steps Involved In The Dog Health Care Program I Follow To Safeguard My Dogs:

The dog health care strategy I follow is an ongoing part of what I call "responsible dog ownership" - I feel that it helps to keep my dogs happy, healthy and free from unnecessary pain or stress. What Can We Do To Keep Our Dogs In Peak
Condition & Out Of The Veterinary Office? The first step in our dog health care program is to simply make our dogs feel comfortable and safe in our home environment. This requires you to always provide your dog with essentials such as a warm, draft free and comfortable dog bed, fresh water and a couple of chew toys. It's also important that we provide an area in our homes that is off limits to everyone else except for our dogs - a place where they can have a "time out" to relax in peace and quiet.

Another proactive and preventive health care measure you can take is to "puppy proof" your home and property. Basically this means that you make your home and property a secure area, free from any hazards that may be dangerous to your dog. You can read more about this subject here - how to puppy proof your home.

The dog food or nutrition you provide to your dog is the number one factor in determining the health, wellbeing and longevity they enjoy. The nutrition your dog receives affects every aspect of his/her life. The role nutrition plays in your dog's health and behavior habits cannot be overstated. How do you provide wholesome, nutritionally balanced meals to your dog? Read this article and watch the free video for more dog food advice - what is the best dog food?. Regular bathing and thorough grooming is a crucial element to this dog health care program. A bath with a gently medicated soap has many health benefits to your dog. It assists in flea control, prevents numerous skin conditions, identifies ticks and mites plus it makes your dog look beautiful!

A good solid brushing every few days is extremely beneficial to your dog's health. It stimulates blood flow to the skin which helps to prevent eczema, hot spots and many skin related health problems. Of course it also keeps your dog's hair in peak condition and free from tangles or matting.

Every few days I like to inspect my dogs all over by running my hands over them while closely observing them. You'll find that your dog actually looks forward to these "maintenance" sessions - I'm sure my Shih-Tzu Macy simply believes she is getting a massage!

What to look out for when inspecting your dog: Check all over for cuts, lumps, bumps, hot spots or any tender areas. To fully understand what these symptoms mean and most importantly how to properly treat, them you may require a dog health care resource such as this - Veterinary Secrets Revealed. Take special notice of how your dog reacts when you run your hands over different areas - any wincing or flinching requires further attention. Be sure to check your dog's teeth and gums. Every week or so I give my dog's teeth a clean with a moist towel or doggie toothbrush. Gum disease is a serious matter so pay extra attention to this area - any changes you notice to the gums should be investigated. Check your dog's feet and nails. Make sure the pads under food are strong, clean and healthy. Look out for anything (like grass seeds) lodged in-between the toes. Also make it part of your dog's health care routine to keep the nails neat and tidy. Ears also need to be checked for any build up of moisture or infection. Any smell coming from the ears is a telltale sign that all is not well. During these inspections or other times when you are observing your dog be sure to be on the look out for any changes in behavior. Your dog cannot talk to you (not in our human language anyway!) and may even try to hide health problems from you, so it's up to you to observe him/her closely for any signs of discomfort.

Some early signs or symptoms which may point to a potential health problem could be vomiting, lack of energy, shaking, diarrhea, drinking more water than usual or lameness. To properly diagnose and deal with these early symptoms you may need a good resource to guide you such as Veterinary Secrets Revealed. One of the most valuable topics covered in this health guide is the clear step-by-step explanation of how to thoroughly examine your dog from tip-to-tip.

The real benefit of continually observing and examining your dog is that you will pick up on potential health problems before they escalate into something more serious. The earlier you identify any potential health problems the less your dog will experience unnecessary pain and the easier the problem will be to remedy. During these regular examination sessions you can also administer any medication that your dog may require. It's worth learning how to give your dog tablets the quick and easy way. Exercise is an absolutely essential ingredient in any dog health care program. Apart from being a whole lot of fun, exercise provides a great outlet for all of your dog's energy. Exercise keeps your dog in good physical shape and goes a long way to prevent obesity. Canine obesity is slow and painful death sentence for dogs. It greatly increases the risk of many dog health problems such as arthritis, heart disease and diabetes.

Exercise can be any number of fun activities such as long walks on leash, a trip to the beach, a game of fetch or anything else you can think of. There's no substitute for exercise. I like to play games that stimulate my dog's natural instincts and drives such as "hide n' seek" and throwing the ball at the park - they love it.

What does obedience training have to do with your dog's health I hear you ask? The answer is plenty. A trained dog who you have under voice control is in a much safer position than an untrained dog. A trained dog can be included in all family outings and activities which has got to be a good thing for their health. Plus training your dog provides unmatched physical and mental stimulation to your dog - it gets them thinking, moving and having fun. Clicker training is my favorite way to shape the behavior of my own dogs. It's one thing to recognize a potential health problem but what do you do when your dog is actually injured or sick? For common health problems such as nicks, licking problems and minor eye irritations you need to be able to quickly and confidently apply some natural home remedies. You can learn how to diagnose and treat many common dog health problems in this health care guide Veterinary Secrets Revealed. This will save you and your dog many unnecessary visits to the Vet and will save you money in the process. Being able to administer first aid to your dog (and others) is a great skill to have in your bag of tricks.

Just as important as recognizing and treating minor health problems is being able to quickly identify those symptoms that need to be brought straight to the attention of your Veterinarian. We have to be honest with ourselves, we can't do everything for our dogs - some dog health issues must be addressed by qualified and experienced professionals. This is where your Vet steps in. Your Veterinarian is a vital part of your dog's health care program. Having a good Vet in your corner, one who you know and trust is a valuable asset and is very reassuring. What dog health issues should your Vet help you with? Puppy shots or vaccinations protect your dog from many diseases such as parvovirus, hepatitis, canine distemper and rabies. The diseases you need to guard against differ depending on where you live so having a reputable Vet to advise you is invaluable.

My Vet recommends a full course of puppy shots up to 1 year of age and then a booster every 3 years - some Vets suggest an annual booster. Don't take your young dog out and about in the community before he/she is safely protected from disease - this is usually about four months of age, but once again ask your Vet.

Please neuter your dog - we have too many dogs as it is, don't add to the problem. By neutering your dog you will also help to prevent many serious health problems from arising later on in your dog's life. If you dog is pregnant read this article - dog pregnancy. Controlling fleas and worms is one of the biggest health issues we have to face as dog owners. That's why I like to put my trust in a qualified Vet when dealing with the prevention and treatment of these harmful parasites. Your Vet will recommend a suitable flea control and worming (heartworms, tapeworms, roundworms..) schedule - then it's up to you to stick with it. You will probably need to administer monthly worming tablets to your dog and maybe other medication - it's no big deal and it's more than worthwhile.

Also keep in mind that it's not only your dog who needs to be treated for the fleas. You may need a flea management program which covers your entire home, including your dog's bedding and the carpets.

As part of your dog health care program it's a good idea to schedule an annual Vet inspection or "wellness test". Your Vet will conduct a series of tests for this purpose - it's a great proactive and preventive health measure. A good Vet will be on the lookout for any irregularities in the test results and will also check your dog for any sign of breed specific health problems. In the unfortunate case of serious injury or illness you will need a Vet who you trust and can rely on to save your dog's life. It helps if the Vet is familiar with your dog. When you are first choosing your Veterinarian consider one who is open long hours and has the ability to perform emergency surgery should the need arise. If it gets to this stage hopefully you will have suitable dog insurance in place to ease the financial strain - the truth about dog health insurance.

One last thing! There have been numerous scientific studies undertaken which confirm the health benefits we receive from having a dog in our lives. So I think it's only fair that we return the favor by giving our dogs the very best health care we possibly can. Best of luck (and health) with your dog....

Additional Dog Health Care Resources

Natural Dog Health Care Guidance from Organic Pet Digest
Your complete holistic and natural dog health care adviser. Use their free dog health advice and their My Online Vet ask a veterinarian service to help ensure a long and happy life for your dog.

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Dog symptoms | Diagnose common symptoms of dog

There's a saying amongst veterinarians, and that is "common things occur commonly". Most vets would agree that most of their time is spent diagnosing and treating routine problems such as sore legs, itchy skin, ear infections and upset stomachs.
Let's have a look at some of the more common dog symptoms vets have to deal with on a daily basis, and what they may mean for your dog.
Choose your dog's symptom from the list below - and discover your best course of action:
Sometimes dogs just don't seem to want to do too much. They just want to lie around, and they don't appear very interested in what's going on around them. This is quite a vague dog symptom, and can be hard to work out what is causing your dog to feel this way. It can be associated with any number of physical conditions, such as fever, gastroenteritis, liver disease and hormonal disorders.
If your dog is lethargic, it means that there is something wrong. Make an appointment with your vet to find out what is causing it. Starting treatment early in the course of an illness often means less expense for you, and a quicker recovery for your dog.
Dogs can tremble for many reasons, both physical and emotional. They may tremble because they're in pain, or because they feel anxious or afraid. It could even be something as simple as they're cold!
Have a look around and see if you can identify what might be upsetting him. If the weather is bad, perhaps he'd appreciate a coat. A noisy environment can be scary to a sensitive dog, and you may want to move him somewhere a bit less stressful.
If there's no obvious reason for your dog's shaking, it may be that he's sore somewhere, and your Vet is the best person to work out what's happening with him.
At least one third of dogs who present to a vet are overweight and would benefit from a diet. However, dogs can also become excessively lean quite quickly, even though they're eating well. This usually indicates that there's a problem.
There's no simple solution to this; in most cases these dogs need diagnostic tests such as blood tests and x-rays to reach a diagnosis. Common causes include diabetes, difficulty in absorbing nutrients in their food, and even cancer. If your dog starts to lose a lot of weight, take him to your Vet straight away. Early diagnosis and treatment of such illnesses have a much better chance of a good outcome.
It's not unusual for dogs to go off their food on occasion. They may have eaten something that has made them feel a bit queasy, or they may have had too many between-meal snacks. If your dog isn't interested in dinner, but is otherwise bright and active, you may want to just keep an eye on him for 24 hours to see if he feels better.
If he's depressed and not acting normally, then a visit to your vet is in order. Loss of appetite is a very vague symptom and it can be associated with disease of the stomach or intestines, or problems in other organs such as liver or kidney disease. It's not fun when your dog is vomiting. Not only are you concerned about his well-being, but you've got a bit of a mess to clean up. Vomiting is often caused by problems with the gastro-intestinal tract, but it can also be associated with diseases of other organs.
Common gastro-intestinal conditions which will make your dog vomit include stomach ulcers, pancreatitis, and dietary indiscretions - dogs seem to relish eating rotten scraps, compost or horse manure, and these can make them throw up. Sometimes things they eat get stuck in their intestines, and the first sign is vomiting.
Most dog owners are familiar with parvovirus, a viral infection of a dog's intestines. Often the first sign of infection is vomiting, but these dogs are also very depressed and obviously unwell.
Liver and kidney disease are often the culprits when a dog is throwing up. These organs are involved in getting rid of toxins such as urea and ammonia from the body. If they're not working as well as they should, these toxins can build up in the bloodstream and cause vomiting, lethargy and other signs of illness.
As we've already mentioned in relation to not eating, if your dog is vomiting but otherwise appears quite well, you can skip his meals and keep an eye on him for a few hours. If he's out of sorts, or the vomiting doesn't stop, he needs to see your vet. Having said that, you can certainly visit your vet sooner rather than later if it will put your mind at rest.
Diarrhea is another extremely common reason for dogs to visit the vet, and it is usually caused by intestinal disease. Worms are often involved, particularly in young pups.
Dogs with food allergies and inflammatory bowel disease can also present with loose stools.
Sometimes a bacterial infection will lead to diarrhea, and again, eating the wrong thing will cause your dog to have runny poos.
You can manage diarrhea in your dog in the same way you would if he was vomiting - withhold food, and providing he's well, keep an eye on him. However if there is blood in his motions, take him to your vet immediately. We have already mentioned parvovirus, and one of the main symptoms of this deadly disease is foul smelling bloody diarrhea.
There is another condition called hemmorhagic gastro-enteritis, where a dog will have profuse watery diarrhea containing bright red blood. This is quite frightening to see, and an affected dog needs immediate veterinary care. This is one dog symptom that can't be taken lightly.
This is the opposite of diarrhea. Affected dogs pass very few bowel motions and the ones they do pass are small and hard. They're difficult to pass, and you'll notice your dog straining to defecate.
Dogs that eat bones have very firm feces, and may at times have trouble passing them. Other causes of constipation include physical abnormalities of the rectum and anus, and internal organ disease such as prostate enlargement in male dogs.
One condition that can look like constipation is colitis. This inflammation of the large intestine causes frequent straining, but any feces that are passed are loose, and may contain traces of blood or mucus. This can also be related to diet, but can also be caused by worms or infection.
Don't be tempted to treat your dog yourself, because without knowing why he is constipated, you're not likely to completely solve his problem. Take him to your vet for an examination and you'll be able to get started with the right treatment for him. How do you know if your dog has a tummy ache? He will be restless, and won't be able to settle down comfortably. He may turn and look at his tummy. He may also lean on his elbows and stretch out with his rump in the air.
This is a very non-specific dog symptom and on its own it doesn't give you much information. You'll need to look at what else your dog is doing to get an idea of the cause. Is he drinking a lot of water? Is he vomiting? If his discomfort persists, have a chat to your Vet. Nobody, not even your dog, enjoys having a tummy ache.
Some dogs are very active, and they can inadvertently hurt themselves as they charge through life. If your dog suddenly becomes lame but can still put a little weight on his foot, he may have strained a muscle or sprained a ligament. Both of these injuries can wait a day or two to see if they improve with strict rest. If your dog isn't using his leg at all, he will need to see your Vet straight away. He may have a broken bone or a torn ligament. An examination often reveals the likely cause of your dog's sore leg, but your vet may suggest x-rays to get an accurate diagnosis.
If your dog has a chronic limp, he may have arthritis which is a painful inflammation of his joints. Again, x-rays may be needed to confirm the diagnosis, and pain relief medication will have him feeling more comfortable in no time.
Dogs cough for many reasons, usually associated with diseases of the lungs and airways. Bronchitis and pneumonia is often due to bacterial or viral infections, such as kennel cough, but may also be caused by allergies. In most cases, your vet can make an informed diagnosis without performing further tests, for example if your dog has been playing at the dog park and there has been an outbreak of kennel cough. If it's not that easy to work out the cause of your dog's cough, then chest x-rays and blood tests are next on the to-do list.
Heart failure can also cause coughing, because as this disease progresses, your dog's heart becomes less efficient at pumping blood around his body. This means that blood moves slower as it flows through the lungs, and they become congested. This will make your dog cough.
Although some dogs only shed their hair at certain times of the year, others seem to lose hair constantly. If your dog's skin is normal and his coat is healthy, this isn't necessarily a problem. It's more of a concern if there are large patches of hair loss which show bare skin underneath. There are times where this is to be expected; dogs that have recently had a litter of puppies often lose hair on their flanks, thought to be associated with the stress on their bodies.
There are genetic causes of hair loss, such as color dilution alopecia. This leads to bald patches on a dog's blue or fawn coat, and occurs in many breeds including Doberman Pinschers and Whippets. There's no cure, and in most cases, it doesn't cause any problems.
Some young dogs have a problem with Demodex mites which lead to patchy hairloss, particularly around their head. Their skin can develop a secondary infection, and this often becomes quite itchy.
Other causes of hair loss that doesn't seem to cause itching are hormonal problems such as hypothyroidism or high estrogen levels. If your dog is looking a bit bald, it's a good idea to just have him checked by your vet to make sure there isn't a medical reason for his hair loss. It will give you peace of mind.
It's most annoying to sit on the couch cuddling your dog as you watch a movie together, and he's chewing and scratching himself. Fleas are a major problem for most dogs, their bite will have your dog chewing his back, tail and down his hind legs. Although less common, sarcoptic mange causes severe itching, and it can spread to you!
Allergies are very common in our dogs - flea allergy, food allergy and atopy (allergy to dusts and pollens) will cause itching, scratching and chewing at their skin. When the skin is traumatized, it gives bacteria the opportunity to multiply and cause infection and this makes the itching worse.
Sometimes the itching can be caused by something as simple as overuse of a harsh shampoo which dries out your dog's coat.
If you're using reliable flea control and your dog is still scratching excessively, it's time to visit your vet for an accurate diagnosis. Treatment may include corticosteroids, antibiotics, insecticides and medicated shampoos.
Both male and female dogs can have trouble urinating, and this indicates that there is a problem with either the bladder or the urethra - the tube carrying urine from the bladder to the outside. In female dogs, the urethra is relatively short, so bacteria can easily make their way into the bladder. This causes a bladder infection, or cystitis, which is very painful indeed. Symptoms include straining to urinate, trying to pass urine often and even drops of blood in the urine.
As they get older, male dogs can develop an enlarged prostate gland. As the gland grows, it presses on their rectum and makes it hard to pass feces, but it can also interfere with urination.
Minerals in the urine sometimes aggregate into little stones which irritate the bladder lining. This hurts, and if it isn't treated, can lead to blood in the urine and even blockage of the urethra. This is life threatening, and you must get in touch with your vet as a matter of urgency.
Incontinence is a relatively common problem in spayed female dogs as they age. The sphincter which holds the urethra closed loses its tone, and becomes a bit loose. These old girls often urinate where they lie, and are unaware of it. Incontinence is not in itself painful, but it's smelly, and the urine may cause scalding and irritation of their skin.
Any problems with urination need to be dealt with by your Vet and the sooner the better.
Every dog is different, and they all need different amounts of water. If your dog has always been quite thirsty, this isn't necessarily a problem. However, if your dog suddenly starts spending all day at his water bowl and you have to refill it frequently, he may have a problem. Increased thirst usually indicates a hormonal condition such as diabetes or Cushings Disease, or an internal organ problem like kidney disease. The only way to deal with this is to take your dog to your vet and have blood tests done to see what may be making him so thirsty. Excess salivation is often related to pain or inflammation in your dog's mouth. Perhaps he has dental disease or an ulcer on his tongue. Dogs with kidney disease can develop irritation along the edges of their tongue, and this can make them drool.
Like us, dogs salivate when they feel nauseous. If your dog is drooling saliva, he may be having difficulty swallowing it because of a problem with the back of his throat.
Your vet will need to have a good look inside your dog's mouth and throat before they can do anything about it. Because your dog's mouth may be sore, he may need a general anesthetic to allow a thorough examination. We sneeze if we are exposed to an irritating smell such as perfume or insect repellent, and our dogs are the same. They can also suffer from allergies which will make them sneeze, as well as cause itchy feet, itchy eyes and itchy ears.
A bacterial or viral infection can cause a snotty nose and sneezing, and is often accompanied by coughing. Dogs can also get a fungal infection up their nose and this initially shows up as a discharge from just one nostril.
If your dog has something up his nose, such as a blade of grass, he will sneeze frequently and may have a snotty discharge just from that one side. Another more serious reason for your dog to have a one-sided nasal discharge is cancer.
Have you ever seen a dog have a fit of loud snorting that just won't stop? It's quite spectacular! This is known as a reverse sneeze and suggests that there's an irritation in the back of his nasal cavity. However, in many cases there's no obvious reason for this behavior, and it doesn't appear to cause the dog any problems.
Ear problems are a very common reason for dogs to visit their vet. Food allergies or allergies to dusts and pollens can make your dog's ears red and itchy. You'd have heard of ear mites - little insects that live inside a dog's ears. These are extremely irritating and will make your dog scratch his ears constantly.
When your dog has an ear problem such as those described, the changes inside the ear can allow bacteria to grow and multiply in there. This infection makes things worse, and his ears will become extremely painful. You'll notice a discharge from his ears, and they'll smell bad!
If his itchy ears aren't treated promptly, his repeated head shaking and ear scratching can break a blood vessel in the flap of his ear, also known as the pinna. This forms a large blood blister or hematoma, which will need surgical drainage. This is one example of how early treatment can save you money in the long term.
Conjunctivitis can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or irritation by dust and wind. The discharge often starts out clear and watery but becomes thick and yellowish when a secondary bacterial infection develops.
Ulcers can occur on a dog's cornea. These are extremely painful and can take some time to heal. These ulcers, depending on their severity, may leave scarring on the cornea, or even lead to rupture of the eye.
It's absolutely vital that your dog's eyes are checked by your vet straight away, to make sure there is no ulceration. Treatment of uncomplicated conjunctivitis usually consists of regular bathing and antibiotic eye ointment.
The causes of seizures in dogs are divided into two groups - those of cranial (inside the brain) and extra-cranial (outside the brain) origin. Cranial causes include a bump to the head, a brain tumor or an infection which causes inflammation of the brain.
Extra-cranial seizures are usually related to internal organ disease, and include low blood sugar and liver disease. In many cases, there is no obvious reason for a dog's seizures, so the diagnosis is idiopathic epilepsy.
If your dog has a seizure, take him to your vet straight away for a check-up and blood tests. This isn't something to be complacent about. If he does happen to have epilepsy, it's important to start treatment early because the more seizures your dog has, the more likely he is to have more seizures.
You can get quite a fright when you find a lump on your dog, because in many people's minds, a lump equals a tumor. This isn't always the case.
Lumps on the body can be due to hematomas, or bruises, or they can be associated with allergic reactions. They can also be due to abscesses associated with foreign bodies such as grass seeds. Older dogs can develop fatty lumps called lipomas, and these can grow quite large. It's often better to have them surgically removed while they are small.
Certainly some lumps are cancerous, and common cancers which develop into obvious lumps in dogs include mast cell tumors and breast cancer. Your vet can perform a fine needle biopsy of these lumps, and examine it under a microscope to get an idea of malignancy. Tumors are usually best removed before they become too large, or spread to other organs.
These symptoms are all a regular part of a veterinarian's daily routine.
If your dog displays any of these signs, you'll now have an understanding of what may be causing them. Your vet is your ally when it comes to keeping your dog healthy. Don't be hesitant about taking him for a check-up if he's not well. It's important that you get a proper diagnosis and start treatment early, especially if he is uncomfortable or in pain.
For a full list of other health problems please visit - Dog Health Care.

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