Dog Health

Dog health is one aspect of pet care that every dog owner should know about. Life is short, we all know that. A dog’s life is even more so. And you have very much to do whether it will be longer or shorter.The time you spend with your beloved companion can be cut off by diseases and other dogs health problems. Knowing what dog health problems are common and what steps to take in order to avoid them is the key to prolonging your pet’s life and the time you spend with him or her.

In this article, we will take a brief look at the three major sections of dog health: dog care, dog grooming and common dog health issues to watch out for.

Dog Care
Your dog is dependent on you for everything – food, water, shelter, companionship, care, etc. In exchange he or she gives you a lifetime of unconditional love and devotion. We dare say it is a fair exchange and if you really love your dog as much as you say you do, then show it by taking care of his or her needs.

You can start by outfitting your dog with a collar, preferably one that contains your name, address and telephone number. There have been too many cases of lost pets. It is not merely about carelessness of the owner but in being remiss at taking extra careful steps to avoid losing your lifetime companion in the first place.

Another way of showing that you care about your dog is to take him for regular veterinary check ups. You can save yourself a whole lot of trouble by identifying any dog health symptoms early before they become a full-blown disease.

Dog Grooming
Not many dog owners are aware of this but dog grooming is an essential part of dog health. Keeping your pet clean not only discourages diseases and illnesses from setting in, it also helps improve your pet’s mood and overall well-being.

Start by brushing your pet’s coat at least twice a day. If your pet is particularly long-haired, then you may want to brush more frequently than that. Brushing can help spread the natural oils in your dog’s hair and remove any excess dirt that get stuck to his coat.

Dental care is also equally important in promoting your pet’s health. Be sure to do it at least thrice a week, making sure to use toothbrush with soft bristles in order to prevent any injury to the gums.

Clipping your dog’s nails at least once a week is also advisable. Just let your dog sit and then gently take one of his paws. Your dog might feel uncomfortable at first but you can use treats and praises to get him to like it in time. Be sure not to clip the nails beyond the quick, the part where nerve endings and blood vessels can be found.

Common Dog Health Issues
Your pet may be suffering from any of the following common problems:

• Allergy – The most obvious sign is itching. Sometimes excessive shedding can occur. The skin can be red and swollen and your dog may be coughing, wheezing, or having difficulty breathing.

• Arthritis – The first sign of this problem is lameness which is not a result of direct injury to the limbs. Your dog may have difficulty getting up from a lying position. Sometimes, arthritis can occur in the spine. You will know if your dog has an arthritic spine if his abdomen is hunched and he is unusually reluctant to move.

• Diarrhea – This is fairly easy to observe.

• Diabetes – This is an increasingly common problem in dogs.