Five Common Dog Diseases Every Pet Owner Should Know

    Five Common Dog Diseases Every Pet Owner Should Know

    Tails R Wagging

    Aug 31, 2017

    Being a pet owner, especially for the first time, can be quite daunting. Aside from making sure that your pup is happy, you need to ensure that they get all the care they need to stay fit.

    It is important to remember that a healthy lifestyle does not only mean feeding your dog with nutritious food and ensuring they get their daily walk (or two) but also means arming yourself up with the right information about common pet diseases.

    • Worms and other internal parasites. If you notice your furry friend losing weight, losing interest in eating, vomiting, or suffering from diarrhoea—especially a bloody one—chances are they have a type of worm breeding inside the body. While some worms can only make your dog uncomfortable, a few of these parasites, like the heartworm travel through the bloodstream and eventually damaging the vital organs of your pet. As worms can be fatal to your pooch, it is best to visit your vet and seek an effective medication.
    • Cancer. Just like human beings, dogs can, unfortunately develop various kinds of cancer. Should you notice your beloved canine suffering from lumps, recurring sores, bad breath, loss of appetite, black stools, abnormal discharge or any health irregularities, have him checked right away before the damage can spread to other surrounding tissues or worse, other parts of the dog’s body. Always look for a second opinion if your four-legged friend is diagnosed with cancer. The more treatment options you can get, the easier it is for you to find the best medication and pet health options for them.
    • Diabetes. As with people, canines are also prone to diabetes. While it is difficult to diagnose this disease, stay cautious of the following signs: chronic skin irritation, excessive thirst and frequent urination, sudden change in appetite, urinary tract infections, cataract and vomiting. To confirm whether or not your pet has diabetes, have a vet carry out an extensive physical examination that includes urinalysis and blood tests.
    • Diarrhoea. Loose bowel movements may appear common for canines but diarrhoea can be a sign of more serious illness. If you notice watery and loose stools, especially when partnered with vomiting, increase your pet’s water consumption to avoid dehydration. Better yet, have your dog checked by a vet right away especially when the diarrhoea gets bloody as this may be a sign of a parvovirus, which can be life-threatening for your dog.
    • Ringworms. Patchy coat and hair loss are common symptoms of ringworm in dogs. Ringworm is a stubborn fungal infection that can infect not only the skin but also the hair and nails of animals. If you notice skin lesions and red, crusted circular bald spots, consult a vet for a fungi-killing shampoo or perhaps an oral treatment.

    To ensure that your pet enjoys a long and healthy life, educate yourself on the signs and symptoms that can affect your puppy’s health and well-being.

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