Dog Health

We love our dogs - they are part of the family and we often treat them as we would the younger child of the family. But just like children our dogs occasionally become sick and we need to be aware of some of the common canine dog health problems. An interesting but sober fact is that 85% of dogs visit an animal doctor in a year. We can help to prevent this by first ensuring that puppies are given adequate and appropriate vaccinations to assist  in boosting their immunity to the most common canine health problems. Vaccinations for puppies generally include distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, parvovirus, rabies, and sometimes bordetella. Canine vaccinations are the most important preventative measure you can take to reduce the risk of disease in your pet.

As the saying goes prevention is better than cure and detecting early signs of any potential dog health problems will obviously help to ensure the well being of your dog or puppy. Basic observation of a dog or puppy will alert its owner to changes in the normal behavior of the dog and that something is wrong. A straightforward and basic check of the dog will help to confirm any suspicions of ill health.

It is sensible to think ahead in relation to the care of the health of your dog. Every home has a medical cabinet or first aid kit for the family - get together a Canine First Aid Kit for your pet for any emergencies or common health problems. Put your dog's Development Record in the First Aid Kit. The Development Record should include important details of your dog's health such as the dates and types of Vaccinations, current weight and the contact numbers for Canine Health specialists which are important inclusions for any First Aid Kit for your dog or puppy.

A first Aid Kit for dogs is an item which is often forgotten - but certainly on that you will be grateful for! Take action and plan for any emergencies! Remember that dosages of medications which may be purchased without prescription vary according to the weight of your dog. Also be aware of any possible side effects of medications. The First Aid Kit for your dog or puppy should include the following items:

Scissors

Tweezers

Hemostat (for pulling splinters & ticks)

Bandages

First aid tape

Cotton gauze pads

Bandaids

Safety pins

Q-tips

Antiseptic wipes

Antibiotic ointment

Vaseline

Eye wash

Individual medications prescribed for your dog

Dog Health Problems - Contacting your Veterinary Surgeon
Be prepared to contact your Dog Health Care Specialist if your dog or puppy shows any of the following signs or symptoms:


Nose bleeding

Behavior Changes (Depression, Anxiety etc)

Blood in Urine

Breathing difficulties

Change in body weight

Coughing

Drinking excessively

Eating abnormalities

Evidence of parasites

Facial twitching and flinching

Fainting

Falling

Genital bleeding

Hair loss

Lethargy

Mouth bleeding

Pain when moving

Persistent Constipation

Projectile Vomiting

Rectal bleeding

Seizure

Shaking

Stumbling

Trauma

Trembling

Urinating problems

Vomiting

Wounds

Your Veterinary Surgeon, or Canine Health Specialist, will study the symptoms, give a diagnosis of the illness and prescribe the correct treatment.
 

Use the Dog Health Care Checklist as a guide to check out any dog health worries or dog health concerns that you might have about your dog or puppy. This information is only a guideline but will help you make the decision whether you should consult your canine health specialist. If this is the case your observations about the health of your dog or puppy may prove very useful to a Veterinary Surgeon.

info taken from www.dog-names.org.uk