Dog Health Problems | Canine Health

(Scroll down to see the full list of lessons in this section)

In this section of the website, we will be focusing on other aspects of owning a dog apart from dog obedience training and behavior corrections.

Despite the best care, dogs may still suffer from health problems. These problems come from a variety of sources and may cause the dog not to perform well and bring a lot of pain and suffering to your beloved companion.

Sources of health problems in dogs may be

- Genetics

These are diseases that are carried on the genes and transmitted from parents to offspring. Such diseases are usually fatal and the only way to prevent them from occurring is to ensure that the dog’s bred are not carriers of any one of these deadly genes.

There are tests that are available to screen for the presence of these genes, but at times even with the best screening some may go undetected till late in life. An example of a genetically transmitted disease is hip dysplasia in Labrador retrievers.

- Microbes

These are very minute organisms present in large numbers in the environment. This term is used to refer to bacteria, viruses and fungi. Note that not all microbes cause diseases; some are present as normal flora in the body or environment.

These microorganisms are responsible for a lot of infections seen in dogs. Some of the microbes cause infections that are easily cured through drugs and medication while some cause deadly illnesses that spread fast in the body, causing irreparable damage that is most times fatal. Rabies is one infamous example of the most deadly infections in dogs is caused by a virus present in body secretions of infected dogs.

- Parasites

These are able to survive by feeding off of their hosts. There are two kinds of parasites-: Internal and external. Internal parasites include worms and other intracellular organisms, external parasite on the other hand include ticks, fleas and lice which are found on the outer body surface. These parasites cause a lot of damage and also predispose the affected dog to other health problems

- Environment

The environments acts as the harbour for parasites and microbes. Good housing will reduce the effects of the environmental factors.

- Nutrition

Good nutrition is necessary for good health. Good nutrition is balanced and supplies the dog with the necessary nutrients in sufficient amounts. In layman’s terms, a good diet is necessary to supply enough energy to that keeps the body systems functioning.

The requirement of food in dogs will vary based on age, physiological status, health status, weather condition and size of the dog. Underfed dogs are usually thin and will suffer from deficiencies of major nutrients and are at a high risk of suffering from diseases. Overfed dogs on the other hand are likely to be overweight and this puts them at a high risk of obesity related diseases such as diabetes, joint problems and high blood pressure.

Proper management of the dog is necessary to prevent disease, and though the risk of disease cannot be completely eliminated, it can be greatly reduced. Regular check-ups by the vet, proper nutrition and regular cleaning of the dog are necessary as a way to keep the dog in good health.

Dog Health Problems | Dog Health Questions | Dog Symptoms | Canine Health:

1. First Aid For Dogs
   
   First aid will help reduce the dog’s suffering and prevent worsening of injuries should there be any emergencies.
2. Common Dog Health Problems and How to Prevent Them
   
   Allergies can result from any number of sources. Dogs are allergic to foods, parasites, molds, pollens, and more. To avoid flea allergies, bathe and provide flea medication monthly.
3. 5 Tips to Exercising Your Dog
   
   Dogs need exercise. They don't just want it, they need it. Some breeds in particular are bred in a way that guarantees they will have enough energy to pull a sled, herd sheep, or track down animals for hours at a time.
4. How to Keep Your Dog's Mouth Healthy
   
   Ever heard the old adage that your dog's mouth is cleaner than yours? Unfortunately, that urban myth can lead to quite a bit of suffering for our furry friends who need just as much, if not more regular dental care than we do.
5. Aspirin for Dog Pain Relief
   
   In managing pain veterinarians use various drugs; a commonly used drug for managing pain in dog is aspirin. Aspirin or acetylsalicyclic acid is a salicyclate classified under a group of drugs called NSAIDs (non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
6. How to Keep your Dog Healthy
   
   Learn how to keep your dog healthy with these simple tips. It starts, however, with recognizing possible negative effects on their health and being realistic about their age and needs.
7. How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog
   
   Do you know often are you required to bathe your dog? Check out these tips to learn how long before you bathe your dog.
8. All About Dog Skin Disease Problems
   
   There are some things that a dog might suffer from that humans would rarely consider. Skin problems are one of the most common of those issues and can represent a significant problem if not dealt with early and thoroughly.
9. Obsessive Compulsive Disorders in Dogs
   
   Many people assume that common psychological issues that humans have won't show up in their furry friends. But, if you've ever met a dog that obsesses over every little thing they encounter, you know that dogs can suffer from obsessive compulsive disorder.
10. Games You Can Play with Your Dog
    
    Too few people spend the proper amount of time playing with their dogs each day. The simple act of engaging your dog in simple play can have a number of wide reaching benefits. To start with, it is relaxing for you as a dog owner.
11. What You Should Know About Dog Food Allergies
    
    If you think human beings are the only ones that develop strong allergies to the foods we eat, think again. Dogs can be just as susceptible as us to the potentially damaging effects of a food that their bodies decide just isn't good for them.
12. Dog Moulting Issues?
    
    Dogs shed. They always have and they always will. It's not something we can actually get rid of (unless you're fond of a hairless dog). However, there are quite a few things that you can do to directly impact the frequency and severity of shedding in your beloved pet.
13. Vital Signs of Healthy Dogs
    
    At times, the dog may show vital signs of illness but you dismiss it as normal and presume it will go away in time.
14. Dealing With Ringworms in Dogs
    
    Ringworms in dogs are diagnosed by use of various techniques such as isolation of the fungi from skin scrapings or using a wood’s lamp to observe the lesions.
15. Dental Care for Dogs
    
    Dental care is important in dogs to ensure that oral hygiene is maintained. Puppies are born without teeth and with time the puppy will grow a temporary set of teeth.
16. Dog Ear Care - Keeping Your Dog’s Ears Healthy And Pain Free
    
    For good hygiene and to prevent your dog developing ear infection, regular cleaning of the dog's ears is necessary.
17. Heat Stroke in Dogs
    
    When heatstroke in dogs occurs, it is always an emergency condition that requires immediate medical attention.
18. How Do I Help My Dog Lose Weight?
    
    If your dog is normal in weight then it is easier to help him stay that way than to wait for him to become overweight then worry about how to help him lose the extra weight..
19. How to Care for Your Pet Dog
    
    So how do you care for your dog to ensure that all these freedoms are met and your dog is living a quality life?
20. Information on Seizures in Dogs
    
    Seizures are uncontrolled transient discharge of electrical impulses from neurons(nerve cells).
21. Types of Canine Cancer - What You Should Be Aware Of
    
    Canine cancer is a common ailment seen senior dogs but cancer can also affect dogs of other ages.
22. Ways to Remove And Get Rid of Tick Bites in Dogs
    
    The correct way to remove a tick from your dog is to hold it between your thumb and index finger and pull it off slowly.
23. What to Do When Your Dog Gets Dehydrated
    
    There are several stages of dehydrations. The signs will depend on how long the dog has been deprived off water.
24. Why Does My Dog Has Bad Breath?
    
    Bad breath is commonly a sign of poor oral hygiene or infection in the dog’s mouth.
25. Worm Treatment for Dogs
    
    To ensure that your dog stays worm free, worm treatment should be done regularly.
26. How to Correctly Brush Your Dog | Dog Brushing Tips
    
    Dog brushing should be a pleasant experience, if the dog resists or fights when he is having his teeth brushed it may be due to an unpleasant brushing episode in the past or he is just not used to his mouth being handled.
27. Why You Need to Clip Your Dog's Nails
    
    Nail trimming is an important part of a normal grooming routine. However, clipping a dog’s nails is important for much more than just a regular dog grooming routine.
28. Reasons Why You Should Groom Your Dog
    
    Grooming is a necessary for all dogs for several reasons. These include the following reasons...
29. How Healthy is Your Dog?
    
    Knowing when to take your dog to the vet and when to let him "self-regulate" is a pretty tricky business - how do you tell when he needs to see a professional?
30. Dealing With Insect Bites in Dogs
    
    Insect bites are a common issue that pet owners have to deal with. A dogs’ mischievous nature makes them a likely target. Insect bites can be dangerous and even life threatening to your dog.
31. How to Make a First Aid Kit for Your Pet
    
    The most advanced knowledge of first aid however, will not be useful if you lack some basic things to aid you in your attempt to save your pet’s life and reduce his suffering as you make that call to the vet.
32. How to Prevent Ticks and Fleas in Dogs
    
    This can be a major issue for the dogs’ skin and can also cause other serious health issues. Take preventative measures to protect your dog against these nagging pests.
33. Tips on Feeding a Dog with Cancer
    
    Canines suffering from cancer require a special diet. There are certain foods you should avoid feeding your dog with cancer, as well as foods that can be beneficial.
34. Is Your Dog Overweight?
    
    Like their human counterparts in the US, many dogs are overweight. They are not to blame for their extra pounds; their owners are. Pets suffer from shortness of breath just like humans.
35. Why Is My Dog Coughing Up White Foam?
    
    Especially for the young and inquisitive dog, anything may look and smell like it could possibly taste quite good. Thankfully, their bodies have the built in system to rid themselves of the indigestible foods.

BTW, If you haven't got a copy of "The Ultimate Guide to Dog Health" make sure you get one now.

Every dog owner NEEDS to have at least one good reference guide to their dog's health to ensure that they live a long and happy life. 

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