Dog Health Issues

0 Comments | Rating: 0 | |

Dogs are like us in many ways. Just like humans, they can get sick for a variety of reasons. They can get sick because of exposure to something or by eating something they shouldn't. Other dog health issues may be related to physical injuries or aging problems. At any rate, here are three of the common dog health issues and what you as the pet owner can do about helping your dog feel better.

Loose Stool and Diarrhea

There are several reasons for this kind of dog health issue. It could be caused by any of the following situations: viruses, parasites, bacteria, overeating, eating garbage, stress, diet changes, or eating drugs by accident.

When your dog starts to show signs of diarrhea, one of the first things you should do is stop feeding your dog for the next 24 hours (no longer than a day). You can give your dog glucose (warm filtered water with a little sugar) or oral salts with some filtered water. This will help calm the stomach contractions. Before the end of the 24 hour period, bring your dog to a vet or schedule a home visit if the diarrhea is still present.

Your vet will prescribe a special diet which your dog might not even want to eat a lot of because it will be very bland. Nevertheless, encourage your dog to eat, even just a little.

Skin Allergies

Signs of a skin allergy in a dog are repeated sneezing, wheezing, scratching and licking on the face, underarms, paws, and groin areas. The causes of skin allergies could be weather-related, aging, or diet. An allergy has the potential to be develop into a serious infection, and so medical attention should be sought as soon as possible. Usually, an allergy test is done before any treatment is prescribed.

Obesity

Overweight dogs have one major health issue - they do not live as long as healthy dogs. For one, their resistance to virus and bacteria is lowered. They will also experience joint pains, spinal problems, and an overworked heart. They can also get diabetes, problems with their liver, and higher risk for cancer, among others.

Treatment is simple with a special diet to help them lose the excess pounds.

There are other dog health issues that are equally significant and prevalent. Know your dog well, and by doing so, even if your pet cannot speak, you can tell when something is wrong. Always make sure your dog is up-to-date on its shots and visits the vet regularly to help keep it healthy.