Dog Health
Dog Health Tips and Symptoms Your dog is wholly dependent upon you to keep him or her healthy. This means that he needs you to give him or her the most in:
These steps will ensure that your dog is kept in tip-top shape. In the same line, it's very important that you get to know your dog's everyday habits and routines when it comes to things such as:
The reason you need to observe and recognize these things is that deviation from these habits is sometimes a sign that he isn't feeling too well, or that something simply isn't right. If your dog does become ill, it's important to have the illness diagnosed as quickly as possible, to be sure that it's treated right away. This prevents the issue from getting worse, and possibly developing beyond the point where it can be healed. There are a few things that you can do yourself as a sort of regular "check up" to keep an eye on some of the more common symptoms of illness. They include the following dog health tips: Skin - when a dog's skin is healthy, it's flexible, smooth, and free of scabs, growths, "dandruff" flakes, and red areas. Depending on the breed of your dog, his skin will be anywhere between pale pink and black. Get to know what it looks like when it's healthy, so you'll know when it's not. Many dogs have spotted skin, whether or not they have spotted coats. Check your dog's skin of fleas, ticks, lice, and other external parasites. This is very simple to do. Simply blow gently on your dog's belly, or brush hair backwards in a few spots. If small specks scurry away, or if ticks are clinging to the skin, you'll need to take action. Also, if you see a lot of little black "dirt" on the skin or bedding of your dog, it may very well be flea droppings. Coat - no matter if your dog's coat is long or short, it should be glossy and pliable when it is healthy. It shouldn't have dandruff, excessive oiliness, or bald spots. Eyes - your dog's eyes should be bright and shiny. Occasional mucus and watery tears are normal, but they should be clear. The pink eye lining should not be swollen, inflamed, or have yellow discharge. The whites of the dog's eyes shouldn't be yellow, and the eyelashes shouldn't rub the eye. Ears - Inside your dog's ear, the skin should be pale pink and clean. There will be a bit of yellow or brown wax, but a lot of wax or crust is excessive and should be checked. Red or swollen ears is a sign of poor health. Excessive ear scratching or head shaking can mean irritation. If your dog has long hair, you'll need to pay closer attention to the ears. Nose - a dog's nose is commonly cool and moist. It can be black, pink, or the same color as the coat (depending on the dog's breed). Discharge from the nose should be clear - not yellowish, thick, bubbly, or foul smelling. Mouth, Gums, and Teeth - it's important that your dog has healthy gums. They should be firm to the touch, and pink, black, or spotted like your dog's skin. Your dog's teeth will start smooth and white when he's young, and will darken with age. Dogs have baby teeth and adult teeth. Baby teeth will fall out and be replaced by the permanent ones. Urination and Defecation - Urine should be clear and yellow; otherwise it could be a sign of poor health. Most adult dogs defecate once or twice per day. Stools should be firm and brown. Worms, runniness, wateriness, or blood should be checked with a vet. So should straining or too much or too little urine. Weight - Your dog should maintain a healthy weight as a result of a healthy diet and exercise. Being over- or underweight can be a sign of another problem, and can also lead to health issues. To feel if your dog is the proper weight, you should be able to feel the ribs below the skin's surface without too much padding. These dog health tips will lead you to being aware of any health issues that may pop up throughout the life of your dog. Awareness, prevention, and regular check ups are sure to give your dog a healthy, long life. More on Dog Health Heartworm disease information about heartworm disease in dogs Dog Arthritis most dogs suffer from arthritis as they age Flea Control - How to Control Fleas and Ticks Veterinarian comments on low-carb diets for pets Advice on buying and caring for a new puppy |