Keep Your Dog Healthy

By: Larissa Levise

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.

Educating yourself on proper canine care should always be done before you bring home your new pet. Be aware of the signs of potential health concerns, and know how to provide preventative care.

The key to good health is preventative medicine. It's essential that puppies, like children, see a health care specialist regularly. Puppies must begin a series of four DHLPP/CCV vaccinations at about six weeks of age. These essential shots are given at intervals of three to four weeks. Make sure that your puppy is de-wormed often, and receives heartworm prevention medication at four months of age. A dog can acquire heartworm at any age, so it's important to continue providing this treatment throughout his or her lifetime.

After your puppy has received these initial treatments, be sure to keep a regular schedule of visits with the vet. Annual checkups are a must for all dogs. The vet will check your pet's teeth and examine the stool. He or she will give perform an overall examination to check for medical problems and will administer necessary vaccinations.

Keeping up on preventative medicine needs is the best way to ensure your dog's health. It's also important to know the signs of potential trouble, and keep a close eye for any existing symptoms.

Skin problems are common, and dogs may present these conditions in different ways. Many pets suffer with skin allergies indicated by "hot spots" and hair loss. Hot spots are painful, oozing sores appearing on the skin's surface. Your pet may deal with the discomfort by licking constantly at the area, which in turn makes the problem more difficult to treat.

The skin allergies that cause 'hot spots' are often mistaken for flea infestation problems, so you need to know the signs and symptoms to make the right diagnoses. A dog that scratches his neck, head and front legs will generally be suffering from skin allergies, while chewing at the top of the rump is a good indication that fleas are present.

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 large amount of water. Large breeds with deep chests are most prone to developing gastric dilation volvulus.

Like any member of your family, your dog's health is extremely important. While caring for your pet can be a big responsibility, it isn't 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.

Article Source: http://www.retirementlivingarticledirectory.com

Larissa Levise loves writing for numerous web sites, on home improvement and family tree topics.
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