Cats and other animals also have some health issues that they go through during their lifetime. This article shows some health problems that are familiar to dogs and how to reduce your pet’s probability of getting these diseases. As the title of the article suggests, let me briefly discuss some of the most frequently seen ailments in dogs and some ways of their prevention.
Obesity
Problem: One common problem that affects many dogs is obesity. especially as the animal grows older. Obesity puts the dogs in question at risk of developing health complications that may include diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and a short life span.
Prevention: To avoid obesity, it is advisable to feed the dog a balanced diet while at the same time giving it some exercise. Do not overfeed your puppy, and be careful with treats; they can sneak a lot of calories into your puppy’s diet. There is always the advice of consulting your vet on how much food is suitable for your dog and what should be fed at that given time, more so depending on the breed size and age of the dog.
Dental Disease
Problem: Another health problem common in dogs includes dental disease. Dental plaque and tartar formation cause gingivitis and tooth loss and may also introduce infections that may spread to other sections of the body. Halitosis is one of the first symptoms that may indicate the presence of certain oral diseases.
Prevention: To avoid dental disease, it is advised to brush the dog’s teeth on a daily basis in case there is an available dog tooth brush and paste. Feeding for dental chews and toys are also a good way of minimizing the rate of plaque formation. Your vet should provide check-ups at least once a year, and while professional cleanings may be good for your pet, your dog’s teeth must be cleaned professionally.
Ear infections
Problem: Otitis media is rather common in dogs and particularly in breeds with long ears like Cocker Spaniels and Basset Hounds. However, there are certain signs and symptoms that are very typical, and these include head shaking, scratching the affected ear(s), and a foul smell emanating from the ears, especially the affected ear. An ear infection is one of the dangerous ailments that, if not treated, results in worse pains, hearing impairment, and neurological complications.
Prevention: It is always advisable to clean your dog’s ears frequently, especially if the dog is one that easily gets infected. Ear cleaners recommended by a vet should be used, and the farmer should clean the ears of his or her dog at least once a week or after the dog has been bathed or gone swimming. As well, do not miss drying the ears of your dog, as moisture accumulation in his or her ears leads to infections.
Parasites
Problem: Fleas, ticks, and mites are external parasites that afflict your dog with rashes and infections, which in turn result in skin allergies. Internal parasites like worms are more dangerous as they result in health complications that include malnutrition, anemia, and even death if a proper check is not made.
Prevention: They are mostly caused by external parasites such as fleas and ticks; use anti-flea and anti-tick shampoos and treatments from the vet as recommended if your pet mostly goes outside. Often feel your dog for the ticks, especially if you have walked him in areas that are grassy or wooded. Regarding internal parasites, they should be dewormed, and their feces need to be tested at the vet to ensure their dog is parasite-free.
Arthritis
Problem: Arthritis conditions are widespread in aging dogs and dogs of predisposed breeds to the condition. It leads to lameness, joint rigidity, stiffness, and disuse, and this can greatly compromise the well-being of your dog.
Prevention: It is impossible sometimes to prevent arthritis, but ensuring your pet is not overweight will help reduce pressure on the joints. Swimming and regular walking also help the muscles of dogs remain firm and the joints flexible enough. There are potential joint supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin, which may help in joint health by providing some essential nutrients; however, you should consult your veterinarian about the new supplements to give your cat.
Skin allergies
Problem: Dogs also have skin allergies, which may be attributed to food intake, pollen, dust mites, skin mites, or flea bites. Signs are skin rash, itching, as well as loss of hair due to itching extreme times.
Prevention: There are some preventive measures for skin allergies, but they can sometimes be difficult to follow; for example, it’s recommended that people who have skin allergies bathe daily, using hypoallergenic soap. If your dog has known food allergies, it is important to avoid any change to the diet and feed him only food that has been recommended by your veterinarian. It is also a good practice to give regular flea control since flea-bitten dogs can cause allergic reactions.
Hip dysplasia
Problem: Hip dysplasia is a hereditary disease of young dogs affecting the hip and the sockets and can be associated with pain and decreased movement ability. This condition is most prevalent in large breed dogs such as German Shepherds, Labradors, or Golden Retrievers.
Prevention: Although hip dysplasia is genetic and, therefore, cannot be avoided, one should ensure that his or her dog is not overweight and that it gets regular, though moderate, non-strenuous activities. Large-breed foods, especially when accompanied by balanced calcium-phosphorus intake, can also benefit large-breed pups with joint care. To decrease the likelihood, you should find a breeder who screens their breeding dogs for hip dysplasia before breeding.
Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus)
Problem: Bloat is a life-threatening condition wherein a dog’s stomach becomes filled with gas and then twists over on itself. This condition is seen more frequently in large and giant breed dogs, with large, deep-chested dogs such as the Great Danes, Boxers, and St. Bernards being the most affected.
Prevention: To avoid obesity, it is recommended that the dog be fed in smaller portions but more often than feeding him in large portions once. You should not exercise your dog shortly before feeding time or meal time, and make sure your pet does not gulp his food if using a slow feeder bowl is necessary. Knowledge of possible signs of bloat, including a bloated stomach, pacing, and heaving vomiting, can also save your dog’s life because a vet must be sought immediately.
Conclusion
Knowing these disorders and measures to be taken to prevent them might go a long way in improving the health of your dog. Annual visits to the vet, proper diet, bathing, and exercise are functions of prevention healthcare. In this way, you and your veterinarian can prevent common problems that could make your dog unhappy, unhealthy, or absent from your life.
