Dogs are man’s best friends. They have been for a long time and will continue to be for a long time to come. But the relationship between dog and man is not always easy, as there are many health problems that dogs may acquire over their lifetime which can make life difficult both for the pet and its owner. Some of these problems can be fixed but others cannot, however, if you know what they are in advance then you won’t be surprised when your dog gets sick or starts acting strangely. In this article I am going to list some of the most common dog health problems that people face with their pets from time to time so that you know how best to deal with them should they occur.
Fleas and Ticks
Fleas and ticks are a common problem in the warmer months of the year as they feed on blood and can cause severe itching issues for dogs. However, even if you keep your dog well-brushed, it is unlikely to be able to detect them before they have bitten into its skin and sucked up some blood.
Ticks also carry bacteria that cause Lyme disease which can be passed onto your beloved pooch so watch out. The best way to remove these parasites from your dog is with a special treatment which you should buy from a pet store or vet clinic – always ask a trained professional where you could purchase such treatments as they cannot be purchased over the counter in shops.
Vomiting
Vomiting can happen to dogs for a variety of reasons, but it is usually due to some kind of stomach upset. There are various ways you can check if your dog has eaten anything inappropriate before vomiting such as rocks, litter, or small pieces of wood. If this is the case then remove all potentially dangerous items from your garden and keep them out of harm’s way in the future.
If you think your dog may be suffering from an illness such as gastroenteritis – which causes diarrhea and vomiting – take it to a vet immediately; do not wait till morning unless there is no other option! Dogs that vomit more than once or twice should always see a vet.
Skin or food allergies
These are often confused with flea allergies, but they are slightly different. However, the symptoms will be more or less the same; your dog will try to bite at its skin and scratch itself constantly which can lead to infection if not treated. If you believe your dog may be suffering from an allergy then take it to a vet who can provide some relief by giving it antihistamines which block the allergic reaction in most cases.
Ear infections
Ear infections are a common problem in dogs as their ear canals lead down to the eardrum which is fairly close to the ground. This means that any dirt, dust, debris, or water your dog may come into contact with will go straight inside its ears and cause a build-up of wax and bacteria which leads to infection if not cleaned properly.
Worms
Worms are another common health problem for dogs that live in the same household as humans. Many people do not realize that you can pick up worms from your dog if they eat something which has eggs or larvae of parasitic worms in it, such as rodents and feral animals. Sometimes these eggs can even be passed onto humans through objects like dog toys! Be sure to keep your dog’s toy box clean so you don’t accidentally infect yourself with roundworm or other parasites.
Dental disease
Like humans, dogs suffer from the dental disease over time which may affect their ability to eat properly. Dental disease is the number one on my list because it can be really difficult to detect early on and can lead to more serious health problems if left untreated for too long. I’ve had two very bad experiences with teeth in my dog’s past, so I am naturally wary of any problems that may come up in this area. I take my dog to the vet twice a year for full check-ups and cleaning sessions which seems to have reduced the likelihood of further dental problems significantly.
Conclusion
It is important to look out for your dog’s health, especially in the summer. Keep an eye on their skin and coat; if they are scratching themselves excessively or biting at it then you should take them for a check-up immediately. If your dog suffers from any of these conditions (or others), don’t wait until morning – see a vet as soon as possible! There is no reason to let poor dental hygiene lead to more serious consequences down the road.
