Dog Health Problems & How to Treat Them

Fleas

Fleas and other parasites such as ticks and mites (which cause mange) constitute a common health problems for dogs. Fleas are the easiest to spot, but they can be difficult to get rid of as they reproduce quickly.

If your dog is constantly scratching himself, he may have fleas. You can check by examining his fur and skin. Black specks on the skin indicate fleas, and if your dog has a serious flea problem, you'll probably notice the little bugs jumping around in his fur.

If your dog has fleas, you can use a flea comb or flea bath to get rid of them, depending on the severity of the problem. Seek the advice of your vet if you're having trouble controlling fleas.

It's important to prevent fleas throughout your dog's life, either by giving him monthly anti-flea treatments or feeding him flea-preventing food such as garlic.

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Allergies

Just like people, dogs are susceptible to many types of allergies, including food, environmental, contact and drug allergies. The following symptoms can be caused by allergic reactions:

*Itchy, irritated skin
*Vomiting
*Diarrhea
*Decreased energy and mood

Dogs are often allergic to common "fillers" in dog food, such as wheat, corn and soy, and many dogs are sensitive to dairy products, eggs and meat.

Obesity

Obesity is a growing epidemic in people as well as dogs. Vets estimate that one quarter to nearly half of dogs are obese.

Even slightly overweight dogs are at risk for related health problems like diabetes, digestive disorders and respiratory conditions.

Although dogs love to eat and it can be tempting to give food to a begging dog, you should never overfeed your pet. Keep a regular feeding schedule and don't keep your dog's food dish out between meals.

Reserve treats for training sessions and opt for healthy treats, such as carrots and apples, when you want to reward your dog.

As your dog gets older, there are a number of dog health concerns that may arise. It can be hard to watch your best friend get old, but with the proper care and diet dogs can live well beyond the life expectancy of their breed.

Watch for irregularities in your dog's food and water intake. If he is not eating or drinking very much, bring him to your vet for a check up. Keep a log of how irregular his patterns are, and give the information to your vet to help them determine what's wrong.

Keep an eye on his weight as well. If he's gaining weight, it could be a sign of arthritis or Cushing's disease. If he's losing weight, it could be a sign of cancer or several other diseases of the major organs. Dogs gain weight for a variety of reasons, but in their old age it could be a telltale sign that something is wrong.

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If he is coughing or vomiting, has severe diarrhea, or if you find lumps beneath his skin, take him to the vet, as these could be signs of severe health issues.

As your dog ages, he may begin to show some changes in behavior. He may develop bad habits he didn't have before. This is a relatively normal part of the aging process, but can be a little disconcerting if you're used to your dog behaving a certain way.

Older dogs may begin to experience separation anxiety to a greater degree than they used to. This anxiety and disorientation may come from a loss of hearing or eyesight. Also, neurological degeneration may limit an older dog's ability to adjust to change.

Try to associate your departure with something positive, like a treat or toy. Slowly wean your dog by leaving for short periods at first, and don't make a big deal about leaving and coming home.

Don't get mad if your aging dog begins to have accidents in the house. This can be a sign of numerous health issues, and doesn't mean he forgot all those years of training. Keep a record of the type and frequency of stool he passes. Bring him to the vet and share these records. This will help your vet determine what's going on.

If you are thinking of getting a new puppy, this may not be the best thing for your dog in his senior years. Older dogs don't respond to stress very well, and can't get away from a puppy that wants to play all the time.

Some breeds will live for more than fifteen years, and some won't live much past ten. Make sure to do some research on your particular breed, as different breeds tend to encounter different dog health problems as they age.