Dog Health Questions And Answers
Are you concerned about your canine friend? Both seasoned and new owners often have some dog health questions. Here are some of the most commonly sought after subjects.
What kind of vaccination schedule should you follow? When puppies reach the age of six or eight weeks, they should go ahead and start a series of injections. They will need to be protected against parvovirus, adenovirus, distemper, and canine parainfluenza. These are deadly to dogs of all ages. If kennel cough is a concern, vaccinate against bordatella. All canines are legally required to have yearly rabies shots, even pups. As dogs grow older, they should get boosters every three years for these illnesses.
What do you do if you think your pet has worms? Well, if you have noticed your pet having diarrhea or moving objects in the stool, they likely have worms. Get them to your vet for a de-worming. In puppies, this should be done regularly because they are born with them. Your dog can pick up hookworms, tapeworms, roundworms, and many others. Some of these can be passed to humans. Heartworms are deadly and should be prevented by heartworm pills given monthly.
How do you prevent fleas and ticks? Fleas and ticks are both parasites that feed off your pet and cause them discomfort. If you see fleas or evidence of them in the coat or if the canine is constantly scratching, a good flea dip can do the trick. If there is a tick, pull it off carefully with tweezers and flush it. They can carry diseases. After a dip, put him on flea and tick topical medication for prevention.
Is your dog flea-free but still itching? If he is constantly scratching and you are positive it is not fleas, it could be one of three things. First, he could have allergies just as humans get to something in the immediate environment. Next, it could be that he has ear mites that are causing him pain and irritation. For either of these issues, see your veterinarian. Lastly, it could just be dry skin, especially in fall and winter. Going out and finding a shampoo consisting of oatmeal or tea tree oil to bathe him in should help.
What type of diet is best for your dog? The best food for your dog is always going to be dry food. It is packed with nutrients while canned food has more water content which can cause problems with the teeth and gums and cause your dog to become overweight. Canines that live off kibble have less problems with their teeth, gums, and obesity than those that do not. When you choose your kibbles, be sure that there is real meat. The first words on the nutrition label should not be wheat or corn or meat byproducts.
Does your senior pet have trouble rising? If you have an older dog, arthritis is a major issue. If he seems stiff and has trouble walking and jumping, that is most likely the problem. It is caused by the friction created in the joints by disappearing cartilage that acts as a cushion. Also, if you own a breed genetically predisposed to hip dysplasia, your vet should test for that.
Did these answer any of your dog health questions? You should always see a vet before starting any type of treatments. Protect your furry friend!
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