Are you concerned about your canine friend? Both seasoned and new owners often have some dog health questions. Here are some of the most commonly sought after subjects.
What kind of vaccination schedule should you follow? When puppies reach the age of six or eight weeks, they should go ahead and start a series of injections. They will need to be protected against parvovirus, adenovirus, distemper, and canine parainfluenza. These are deadly to dogs of all ages. If kennel cough is a concern, vaccinate against bordatella. All canines are legally required to have yearly rabies shots, even pups. As dogs grow older, they should get boosters every three years for these illnesses.
What do you do if you think your pet has worms? Well, if you have noticed your pet having diarrhea or moving objects in the stool, they likely have worms. Get them to your vet for a de-worming. In puppies, this should be done regularly because they are born with them. Your dog can pick up hookworms, tapeworms, roundworms, and many others. Some of these can be passed to humans. Heartworms are deadly and should be prevented by heartworm pills given monthly.
How do you keep your pet free of parasites? Fleas and ticks are a constant annoyance and struggle for pet owners. They feed off the blood of animals and make them sick and uncomfortable. To get rid of fleas, make sure your dog is given a strong flea dip bath. For nasty ticks that can carry diseases, pulling them off quickly and with care is important. To prevent other occurrences, put him on a monthly topical flea and tick medication for prevention. It is effective and goes directly onto the coat.
Have you checked for fleas and your dog is still scratching? He may have allergies to something that is around the yard or the house. Ear mites could also have settled in his ears and cause him to constantly itch. See your veterinarian if you suspect either of these problems. The last conclusion is that it could be just dry skin. This is especially true in the cool months. Find a shampoo made from tea tree oil or oatmeal to soothe his skin.
What should you feed your pet? Dry food should always be your number one choice. It is ninety percent meat, grains, vitamins, and minerals. On the other hand, canned meat is mostly water based. Dogs that live off wet food have the most cases of bad teeth and gums and obesity. When you choose your kibbles, be sure that meat is the main ingredient and not wheat or animal byproducts.
Does your older canine have trouble walking? If he is stiff-legged and slow to move, he may be arthritic. Senior dogs all hit this problem at some point. It is caused by the cartilage between the bones wearing down and creating friction in the joint. Difficulty getting up is a sure sign. If you have certain breeds like a German Shepherd or Siberian Husky, your vet should check for hip dysplasia.
Did these answer any of your dog health questions? You should always see a vet before starting any type of treatments. Protect your furry friend!
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