Caring for a pet involves more than proper feeding and the odd flea bath. To really care for your pet you need to provide the best health care, and that means being able to spot the warning signs for illness and disease.
Before you bring your new puppy or dog home, take the time to learn about proper canine care. Know the signs and symptoms of potential health problems, and be aware of how you can provide preventative care.
Good health is dependant on preventative medicine and a healthy lifestyle. Puppies, like children, should see a health care specialist on a regular basis. Your puppy shouldstart a series of four DHLPP/CCV vaccinations at six weeks of age. These injections will be administered at intervals of three to four weeks. Puppies also need to be de-wormed often, and heartworm prevention medication should be given at four months of age. Heartworm can affect dogs of all ages, and ongoing treatment is necessary for a long and vital life.
Once these initial treatments have been given, your growing dog should see the vet for a checkup once a year. At these annual visits, the vet will examineyour dogs stool and teeth, administer any necessary vaccinations, and provide a general examination to rule out medical concerns.
Preventative medicine is the ideal way to provide a healthy life for your dog. Therefore, you need to know the signs of illness or disease, and be alert for any symptoms.
Many dogs experience skin problems from time to time, and pets can present these conditions in different ways. “Hot spots” and hair loss, for example, are usually indicative of a skin allergy. Hot spots are painful, oozing sores that appear on the surface of the skin. Treatment can be difficult, as many dogs will deal with the discomfort by licking the area.
Pet owners are often quick to misdiagnose a skin allergy as a flea infestation, so it’s important to know the difference in symptoms. Dogs who tend to scratch their heads, necks and front legs typically have skin allergies. Those that chew on the top of the rump will likely have a flea infestation. Know the difference so that you may administer proper treatment.
Many health problem clues can be found in your pet’s stool. Runny or discolored stool should be prompt you to call the vet. The solution may be as simple as altering the diet, but it may also call for treatment of parasites. If parasites are found, they can be easily remedied. Gastric dilatation volvulus is less common, but very serious. This condition can occur when a dog exerts himself or herself after consuming a Largeamount of water. Large breeds with deep chests are mostapt todeveloping gastric dilation volvulus.
Like any member of your family, your dog’s health is extremely important. While caring for your pet can be a large responsibility, it is not necessarily a difficult one. Take your pet for an annual checkup and know the warning signs of potential illness. By covering the healthcare bases, you will provide your best friend with a long, happy and healthy life.
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