Thursday, June 23, 2011
Important Tips for Dog health problems
Pet owners have long been baffled by how they can maintain the health of their pets. Well, the answer is simple. To make sure that they are healthy, you just need to treat them and take care of them like they are humans. Add a little more specialized care and you can make sure that you have a healthy pet.
Allergies are on top of the list when it comes to health problems found on pets. These may be because of the food they eat or the allergens that they are exposed to externally.
In relation to food, grains are believed to be one of the most famous culprits that cause allergic reactions in dogs. To avoid grains, you need to find dog food that is not loaded with grains. Read the label before buying any dog food product and you can help reduce the chances of your dog developing sensitivities from intake of grains.
To be sure, you can consult a veterinarian to determine what causes your dog's allergies as there are many more aside from grains. Other external causes can be in the form of pollen, dust, molds or parasites.
Most dogs are also bothered by problems with their digestion and their bowel movements. There can be problems in relation to cases wherein dogs experience frequent elimination of loose stools or when they have irregular bowel movements characterized by hard, formed stools. These can be due to infections or a simple effect of what your pet has ingested. But, just like in humans, when there is too frequent passage of loose stools, you should make sure that your dog does not become dehydrated. Problems with constipation may require the use of medications as prescribed by your pet's doctor.
Dog owners should watch out for bowel obstructions. These can get serious and impede with your dog's appetite, nutrition, and overall growth. These can be caused by abnormalities in the structure of the body or these can be from ingested substances such as fragments from bones, toys, or other foreign objects.
To prevent obstructions from occurring, organize toys or other items and do not leave them on the floor where your dog can pick them up and accidentally ingest.
When you suspect that they have swallowed a foreign object, you should seek help from a vet as soon as possible.
Dogs may also develop diabetes. This can be due to improper diet that you are introducing to your pet. Too much sugar in the diet may be detrimental to your dog's health and result to chronic problems. Dealing with diabetes in dogs requires provision of close attention to what your dog eats. The amount of exercise that it receives should also be considered.
Many pets may also develop ear infections. These are usually characterized by lesions on your pet's one or both ears. The lesions can be dry and cracked or they can have purulent discharges. To prevent these, proper cleaning of the ears while bathing your pet will be essential. To treat it, antibacterial or antifungal medications can be used.