Your dog can’t tell you when he is feeling off colour, but when there is a problem you will be able to tell by paying attention to his behaviour. Here are some common dog problems and ways to avoid them.
Fleas
Dogs can develop flea infestation and the fleas will feed off of the dog’s skin. To prevent fleas, avoid taking the dog for walks in wooded areas or places where fleas migrate. Most fleas may accumulate in the grassy area of your back yard. Daily brushing using a flea comb is recommended and the regular use of flea lotion to prevent them.
Ticks
Ticks are another problem for your dog. Ticks carry disease and can become embedded in the undercoat of a dog. They attach themselves to parts of a dog’s body, and trying to remove them can be painful. To avoid ticks, it is recommended that anytime you take your dog for a walk you avoid areas where ticks migrate, such as wooded areas, parks with thick brush and shrubbery, and particularly shaded areas where ticks usually reside.
Ear Mites
Another parasite that can be a health problem for dogs is ear mites. If you find that your dog is scratching his ears and shaking his head, check to determine if there is any brown coloured mucus seeping from one or both ears. This is a clear indication that the ear has become infected. A visit to the vet is recommended.
Worms
It’s important to worm your dog regularly because they can cause problems and prevention is better than a cure. Tapeworms, heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms are among the most common. If your dog starts dragging his bottom along the ground, it is a sign that he has worms. They can sometimes be seen in the
Allergic Reactions
Dogs can suffer from allergies, too. Any type of bite or sting from a bug can be cause for alarm, especially if the dog is allergic. If you notice any swelling in the area of the bite or vomiting and diarrhoea, take your dog straight to the vet immediately for treatment.
All of these common problems are caused by outside influences, not to mention interaction with other dogs that may have fleas or ticks, or ear mites. Dog feces and developing an infection from digesting fleas are the most common causes. If you have acquired a puppy that has not been vaccinated, he may have an infection which resulted from nursing.
While you can avoid most of these problems, sometimes they just happen. Once you know what areas to avoid and what preventative measures to take, the more control you will have in keeping your dog safe.
Dog health guide books:
Dog’s Health From A To Z: A Canine Veterinary Dictionary – A valuable quick-reference book that includes every aspect of dogs’ physical and mental health.
The Holistic Dog: A Complete Guide to Natural Health Care – Whether you have used complementary treatments for your dog before or are just looking for a more natural way to care for him, The Holistic Dog will open your eyes to the range of effective alternative therapies available.
