Common Canine Health Concerns

Many people enjoy the companionship of dogs, but unfortunately canines can fall victim to various health conditions just like any like thing can. Some medical conditions can be simple and have simple treatments for the condition, yet others can be very serious with no available treatments can cause the worst of all - death. To keep most health concerns in dogs to a minimum, essential care for a dog and regular check-ups with a veterinarian are imperative. With constant care and oversight, hopefully your canine companion will have a much better chance to live a full, happy and healthy life expectancy. All canines need proper dietary intake, exercise and a well-rounded home environment including love, affection and regularity for optimal health. Some breeds of dog require more specific and specialized care than others, but the health of any dog can be the best possible if following these same guidelines combined with instructions mentioned by the dog's veterinarian. Some common concerns in regard to dogs are listed below.

Treatable health conditions that are frequently seen by veterinarians are fleas, ticks, parasites, allergies, obesity and ear infections. Practicing proper health care for your canine can make these problems avoidable. Fleas and ticks can be avoided through regular treatments such as shampoos, medication and collars. Worms and most parasites can be avoided by vaccinations and treatments. Quality and quantity control of the canine's food combined with activities and exercise will eliminate the overweight problem and other problems associated with it. Ear infections are not necessarily avoidable, but with attentive caring on the owner's part, the ear infections can be treated through guidance and treatments provided by the veterinarian. Symptoms of an ear infection can be itching or scratching of the ear, excessive shaking of its head and when looking into the ear redness, black spots or swelling can be noticed. When recognizing the ear condition, contact with the vet should take place.

More serious conditions that occur less often are diabetes, arthritis, distemper, heart disease, cancer, hepatitis, parvovirus, hip dysplasia and mange. Many of these have vaccinations which if taking the dog to annual check-ups will have had these shots at that time. Other health conditions have some treatments or no treatments at all. As mentioned above, some dogs are more likely to have certain problems. Hip dysplasia and arthritis are some of the common ailments that a large dog frequently as it grows older. Keeping with a healthy way of life for a large dog, including avoiding the chances for possible damaging circumstances can provide a large dog with a healthy and long life.

Proper food intake and exercising will benefit a dog just as it would a human. A warm, indoor spot for sleeping during the night can decrease the instance of disease and chance for arthritis verses a dog that sleeps outside.

Other than obvious signs of illnesses, routinely check a canine's mouth for the color of his or her gums and teeth. Eyes can also tell a lot about a person and about the inner health of a living creature. Noticing temperatures, listlessness and weakness can be more serious signs of a medical condition. Again, maintenance of your dog can start at in-home care to regular check-ups with the vet can nip problems in the bud and provide the necessary treatments to fix the health concerns for a lasting relationship with your dog.