Nothing can be more burdensome to a loving pet parent than seeing their furry companion dull and unwell. Canines are specifically prone to a host of ailments, some of which can be complex and overwhelming to any dog owner – but worry not.
In this post, we’ll cover the 5 most commonly diagnosed health issues in dogs, slightly touching on symptoms to look out for, treatments, and preventive measures.
Read on for enlightenment that can help you keep your pup’s health in check!
In This Article
1. Canine Obesity: Prevention Tips and Treatment
Being overweight can cause quite a number of health issues in pooches, so it is important to stay mindful of your canine’s diet. To start making sure they’re not growing obese, try replacing some high-calorie treats with healthier alternatives like vegetable or fruit slices!
Additionally, proper exercise can help promote healthy weight gain for underweight dogs and prevent the accumulation of excess fat for those who are slightly pudgy. For example, take your pup out daily for at least 30 minutes. This will help get their heart rate up and allow them to burn off those extra calories.
If we consider obesity as more than just an aesthetic issue – because it really is – then investing time into supervision coupled with dietary changes is crucial in maintaining overall good health.
2. Treating Digestive Troubles with Probiotics
Digestive problems are quite common in canines and may present a wide range of symptoms – from stomach aches to vomiting. If your furry friend has been having digestive issues lately, administering probiotics could be a vet-recommended solution.
Probiotics are live bacteria that co-exist symbiotically in your pup’s intestines, helping them to remain balanced by promoting good gut health. They also help boost immunity levels, which aids with fighting off infections before they occur! However, not all probiotics are the same!
The best part is that it’s nowadays easy to find the perfect probiotic solution for your dog at Honest Paws and other reliable pet care websites these days. While at it, it’s best to pick a product that’s:
- Non-GMO
- Made with organic ingredients
- Free from artificial flavors
- Tested for safety and efficacy
While it’s always crucial to consult with your vet before giving any medication or treatment to your dog, probiotics are almost always beneficial – even to an otherwise healthy canine!
Other Treatments
Other common treatments for canine digestive issues include diet adjustments, vitamin supplements, and medication as prescribed by a veterinarian. In most cases, the appropriate treatment depends on the specific health issue your pup is struggling with, making it all the more reason to take them for regular checkups with the vet!
3. Protect Your Pooch From Parasites: Fleas, Ticks & Worms!
Not only are flea, tick, and worm infestations unpleasant to look at, but they can also be extremely harmful to your pet’s health if not treated promptly. In fact, some parasites carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans too.
Luckily, canine parasites are pretty much preventable, by keeping your dog clean, for instance! Overall protection is also highly accessible in the form of monthly treatments like spot-on applications, and even oral medication tablets that don’t require complicated measures for them to start working.
To prevent health problems and complications, it’s important to check their fur-babe regularly so any parasite-related issues get spotted early.
4. Dog Arthritis and How to Treat It
Arthritis is unfortunately a very common health problem in older dogs. Recent reports indicate that osteoarthritis alone affects nearly 75% of medium and large canines by the age of 10. If you spot signs like stiffness, limping, or difficulty jumping into the car, your dog may need prompt attention from your vet to make sure treatment commences as soon as possible.
In most cases, anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers will be prescribed to reduce symptoms and enhance their comfort levels. Encouraging activities they particularly enjoy which don’t require a lot of movement (like swimming) is also beneficial.
Also, dietary supplements enriched with omega oils can provide relief by easing inflammation caused by arthritis and increasing overall mobility for your pup!
5. Hot Spots: Identifying, Treating, and Preventing Allergic Reactions
Hot spots, which are essentially intense areas of skin irritation and inflammation caused by allergies or underlying skin issues, require immediate attention as they can quickly grow in size if left untreated. You can easily spot them when bathing your dog, or brushing their coat.
But sometimes simple observation is all it takes. Whenever your canine companion starts pawing excessively at their body or grooming is excessive, it’s worth paying a visit to the vet ASAP. This helps to rule out any medical causes for itchiness promptly!
If the cause is not an underlying medical issue, your vet will likely recommend topical treatments that soothe the affected area. Sometimes hot spots might also be caused by an allergy, and if that’s the case, then eliminating the allergen can help prevent frequent flare-ups from occurring in the future.
It’s not unusual to be anxious at the thought of caring for your pup’s health needs. However, staying informed and taking preventative steps makes being a pet parent easier. It also means more snuggles with your furry companion along the way! Hopefully, the few pointers above have enlightened you on the steps to take if your dog ever encounters one of the common canine health issues.
