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Dog Health Concerns

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Health Concerns For Your Dog

Just like people, dogs can have a wide variety of health problems. The best way to keep your pet healthy is with regular checkups, vaccinations and a good nutritional diet.

Although some more serious health problems are inevitably fatal, many can be cured or at least kept under control through early detection.

Regular checkups can extend the life of your dog for years and give you many more happy memories with your beloved pet.

Parasites and Infections

The main health concerns for puppies are parasites and infections. Puppies are very vulnerable to diseases and illness because their immune systems haven't fully developed yet. Your puppies first visit to the vet should include a checkup for internal parasites along with it's first shots. Making sure your puppy or dog is parasite free isn't only for your pets health, many parasites are contagious to humans!

Roundworms and Hookworms

Both roundworms and hookworms can be transferred to humans! Puppies can even be born with both since they are often passed from the mother. Left unattended worms can cause internal bleeding, anemia and death.

Good grooming habits can help to keep your pet healthier! Tapeworms are most commonly contracted from and ingested flea! Practicing good flea control can help lower your pets odds of contracting tapeworms!

Help With Worms

Diet and Weight

Older dogs have much different health concerns than puppies, although some diseases such as arthritis canstrike at any age. If your dog is diagnosed with arthritis there are some things that you can do to help him.

Watch your dogs weight, an overweight dog has more problems with joint and back pain. Make sure that your dog gets regular exercise, joints that aren't worked become much stiffer and cause your dog even more pain.

Eyes Ears and Teeth

Hearing and vision loss is also more common in older dogs. They may also develop dental problems that might make it hard or painful for them to chew their food and become dangerous to their health.

Dental problems can cause several problems, such as infections in the dogs gums. It can also cause digestion problems since the dog isn't properly chewing it's food. Another problem can occur if it's too painful for the dog to eat and it loses too much weight to be healthy.

Kidney Disease

If your dog is always thirsty and has started to urinate more often, then have the vet check him for kidney disease or diabetes! Symptoms of kidney disease may also include weight loss, loss of appetite, loss of energy and vomiting.

Heart Disease

Believe it or not your dog can suffer from heart disease.

Shortness of breath, coughing, excessive fatigue and labored breathing are all signs of heart disease. You may also notice that your dog just can't tolerate exercise any longer and he may even faint!

Cancer

Any lump or unusual growth on your pet should receive immediate attention. If it's cancer your dog's best chance for survival is an early diagnosis. Other signs can include a sore that won't heal, drastic weight loss and difficulty eating, breathing, urinating or defecating.

Obesity

No matter what the age of your pet is obesity can cause many health problems. If your dog is just 15% over it's ideal weight it can suffer from breathing and joint problems. Proper diet and exercise can help keep your dog at it's ideal weight.

Written by Connie Corder, Copyright 2009 all rights reserved.

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Information To Keep Your Dog Happy And Healthy

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