Like people, dogs need to be healthy to enjoy life. Dogs are your friends, companions and often your guardians, but since they are also totally dependent on you for their well-being, it is your responsibility to look after them properly.
One of the most prevalent 'diseases' in dogs these days is one that also affects humans. Obesity. A fat dog is an unhealthy dog and is likely to suffer from arthritis and heart failure. Remember, in the wild, dogs eat fresh meat that they have killed themselves. They also eat certain types of grass and may eat wild fruits like berries if these grow in their natural habitat.
Milk, custard and cake are the worst things you can give your grown dog and, though a puppy may benefit from the calcium in milk, there are commercial milk products available that are especially formulated for a puppy's needs.
Dry dog food, or kibble as it is sometimes called, is said to have all the nutrients that your dog will need for good health, but the more expensive brands are often better. Dogs fed on cheaper brands may constantly chew grass to attempt to settle their upset stomachs because they may be missing something from their diet, or the “fillers” used to bulk up the food contain something your dog is allergic to. Tinned food can be given as a treat. A healthy dog should have a smooth, shining coat, clear eyes and a moist nose. Its breath should not smell foul. It should be slender, though not thin enough to see its ribs sticking out. If your dog's breath is disgusting, it could be due to the tartar on its teeth. Chewing on a big raw bone will help to clean your dog's teeth. Or as an alternative a good quality rawhide bone will also work quite well.
Annual vaccinations for distemper, heartworm, and parvo virus are a must. Kennel cough is not likely to be a problem unless the dog is kept on cement or spends time at boarding kennels. If this is the case, then your dog should also be given a vaccination to prevent kennel cough.
If you notice small white flecks in your dog’s stool, it is a sign of worms, so you should consider administering worm tablets to your dog. Your vet will need to administer the vaccinations, but you can worm the dog yourself. The tablets should be pushed down the side of the dog's mouth until he swallows. If this is too difficult, you can wrap the tablet in a slice of processed cheese or you can crush the tablet into some tinned dog food and offer it when the dog is hungry. Watch to make sure he eats it all.
Parvo virus breaks down the digestive system and eventually affects the heart. It tends to come in outbreaks when people forget to have their animals inoculated. Symptoms include bloody stool and the animal is quickly unable to move and in obvious pain. It almost always fatal. Luckily, it is not transmitted to humans.
Symptoms of distemper include runny eyes and a dry nose. It is rather like flu in humans. Your veterinarian can aid you in getting your dog through this disease.
A dog with worms may have a poor appetite, and will often - though not always - appear to be in poor health with a dry coat that is harsh to the touch. If your dog drags itself along the ground in a sitting position, suspect worms immediately. Worms can sometimes be seen hanging from the anal passage. The problem needs to be addressed as soon as possible, because worms are easily transmitted to humans.
Fleas, which will happily jump from dogs to humans, can be another problem. These bloodsuckers can actually kill a tiny puppy, simply through blood loss. Puppies too young to wear a flea collar may be washed in a suitable preparation from the vet. Towel dry the puppy afterward and keep it in a warm place so it doesn't get cold. Always be sure to keep kennels and yard clean to reduce the flea problem. If they get out of hand, you may need to spray all bedding and surrounding areas to kill the fleas and their eggs.
If you live in a tick prone area, be sure to keep a tick collar on your dog at all times. Mark the renewal date on the calendar so you don't forget to renew it. Your pet's life may depend on it! Check your dog frequently for ticks. They will show up as a dark lump on the dog. Frequently the back end of the tick will stick out of the skin. When you see a tick sticking out of your dog, apply Vaseline over the part of the tick that is sticking out. This cuts off the air supply and the tick will back out of the skin. When it gets completely out, lift it off and kill it so that it cannot reinfect your dog, or you. If you cannot get the tick to come out of the dog, take the dog to a veterinarian, as soon as possible, to have the tick removed before it lays eggs in your dog. If not removed quickly, the paralysis tick can cause death in three to five days. Wood ticks and grass ticks can also have fatal results if not treated. A number of years ago, a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police was conducting a search for a missing person in a heavily wooded area that contained many wood ticks. The search lasted about two weeks. Unknown to the member, a wood tick burrowed into the back of his neck. A week after the search ended, the member died. The coroner blamed the death on the wood tick.
If your dog seems to suddenly have weak back legs and falls over often, inspect it immediately for a tick and get it to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Luckily, the tick vaccine works well and quickly and can save a dog that looks like it is gasping its last breath.
With attention to these few details, your pet should live a long and happy life, rewarding you with years of fun and companionship.
Until next time
Teia
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