Dog Health Questions - Tips To Watch For With Your Furry Friends

Are you a new dog owner? Do you have a few dog health questions that you would like answered? Here are the most common topics where people have cares and concerns.

What types of vaccinations are necessary and how often should they be done? When you get a puppy, it should start a series of vaccines. Around six to eight weeks of age, it should start receiving shots against distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, and parainfluenza. These diseases can all kill a dog. Law requires a rabies shot. Grown canines should receive boosters every three years for these diseases, rabies every year, and bordatella if it is at risk for kennel cough.

How do you deal with worms? Well, there are many different kinds of worms your pet can pick up, and some can even be passed to us humans. If you see anything that looks like white rice or anything moving in your dog's stool, you should get it to the vet. They will do a fecal exam and then de-worm accordingly. Have this done regularly at their yearly exam. Also, put your canine on heartworm prevention because it is fatal.

How can you control fleas and ticks? The best way to keep your pet free of parasites that feed from them is a topical preventative that is applied monthly. It goes right onto the fur. Should your dog be incessantly scratching or you see fleas on them, give them a flea dip. Ticks carry diseases and should be removed promptly and carefully and flushed. Use a flea killing spray throughout your home to rid them from the premises as well.

Is your dog flea-free but still itching? If he is constantly scratching and you are positive it is not fleas, it could be one of three things. First, he could have allergies just as humans get to something in the immediate environment. Next, it could be that he has ear mites that are causing him pain and irritation. For either of these issues, see your veterinarian. Lastly, it could just be dry skin, especially in fall and winter. Going out and finding a shampoo consisting of oatmeal or tea tree oil to bathe him in should help.

What type of diet is best for your dog? The best food for your dog is always going to be dry food. It is packed with nutrients while canned food has more water content which can cause problems with the teeth and gums and cause your dog to become overweight. Canines that live off kibble have less problems with their teeth, gums, and obesity than those that do not. When you choose your kibbles, be sure that there is real meat. The first words on the nutrition label should not be wheat or corn or meat byproducts.

Does your senior pet have trouble rising? If you have an older dog, arthritis is a major issue. If he seems stiff and has trouble walking and jumping, that is most likely the problem. It is caused by the friction created in the joints by disappearing cartilage that acts as a cushion. Also, if you own a breed genetically predisposed to hip dysplasia, your vet should test for that.

Canines are wonderful companions. However, we have to take care of them. You have already started just by getting answers to some of your dog health questions here!

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