Dog Health

Dogs rely totally on their owners for care. This includes providing them with food and shelter and also caring for their health. Canines, just like people, face a variety of health problems.

Preventative Health Care

Most people realize that preventative health care has many benefits to it. It can help to prevent health problems before they start. It can also save money. Both of these benefits apply to dogs. It all begins with the puppies.

Making sure that the puppy is healthy before buying it is something that a responsible dog owner should do. This is done by taking the pup to the veterinarian for a full checkup. If there are any potential health issues, they can be identified at this time. At the same time, it is usually the time when the vet will give the puppy all their starter vaccinations. They may also have to give them some deworming medication. Puppies often have common type worms that are easily treated. If they are not treated, these worms can lead to some potentially serious health problems.

The Adult Dog

Puppies soon grow into adulthood; it is a fact that dogs grow at a much quicker rate than what people do. In fact, when a pup becomes a year old, they are considered equal to a teenager. During the next few years, preventative medicine can still be practiced, with regular vet checkups and adjustments to their diet and exercise as they age.

The Senior Dog

Dogs like people when they become elderly are faced with health problems. Senior dogs may experience common ailments like arthritis. This is not something that can be prevented, but it is something that can be treated to the point where the senior dog can be kept comfortable. Aside from vet care, they are going to need a change in diet. There may also be a need for a change in the home environment. For example, making sure the dog does not have to go upstairs. Exercise to some degree will still be important, but it may need to be toned down.

Common Health Problems

Even with preventative medicine, there are some common health problems in canines that cannot be prevented. Some of these are:

• Ear infection
• Skin problems
• Problems in the urinary tract
• Weak digestive system

Several others are considered to quite common. Majority of these can be controlled with proper vet care and medication. Sometimes they may require nothing more than a change of diet. Other times there may be a need for medication.

Watching the behavior of the dog will be a good indicator if they are not feeling well. This is the only way they can really tell you what they are feeling.