How to Prevent Dog Diseases
Dog diseases can be very diverse. The best prevention against infectious diseases is vaccination. For diseases transmitted by parasites, antiparasitics are the solution. Dogs can also suffer from hip dysplasia and arthritis.
Preventing dog diseases
The main types of diseases that the dog is likely to develop are:
– infectious diseases;
– parasites transmitting diseases;
– hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis.
There are several methods of prevention to avoid these diseases. The best prevention against infectious diseases is through vaccination when available. In addition, antiparasitics allow to protect the animal against parasites and, therefore, against the diseases they transmit.
Finally, the prevention of diseases requires good hygiene:
– Inspect your dog every time you return from a walk.
– Brush him once a week.
– Bathe him if he gets dirty.
– Inspect his coat for parasites or sores.
– Inspect his paw pads to ensure they are not damaged and that nothing is stuck between them.
– Inspect his ears regularly.
Dog illnesses: symptoms that should alert you
Your dog cannot complain when he is in pain. It is therefore vital to recognize the symptoms of the disease to:
– intervene quickly;
– consult your veterinarian.
First of all, a change in your dog’s behavior is a warning and should motivate a consultation with your veterinarian:
– abatement or sudden hyperactivity;
– excessive consumption or refusal of food or water;
– frequent changes of position or prostration;
– compulsive licking or chewing to the point of raw skin.
Specifically, the following symptoms should prompt emergency consultation:
– vomiting;
– excessive or persistent urination
– diarrhea or constipation;
– frequent unsuccessful attempts to eliminate;
– blood in the urine or stool;
– discharge from the eyes, ears, or genitals
– hair loss;
– skin lesion or roughness that does not heal;
– whitening of the gums;
– a foul odor and/or discharge from wounds or lumps;
– absences: the dog stares blankly, unaware of its surroundings;
– excessive salivation;
– loss of consciousness.
Dog illnesses: having a first aid kit on hand
Putting together a basic first aid kit adapted to your dog’s health is an essential element to react quickly in case of illness before going to a veterinarian.
A first aid kit adapted to the dog
To be able to intervene quickly in case of a problem and before consulting a veterinarian, it is wise to keep a first aid kit at home:
For obvious reasons of hygiene and safety, it is best to keep your pet’s emergency kit separate from your own medicine cabinet and store it in a different location.
Some medications are common to dogs and humans, but others are significantly different. For example, dogs are susceptible to paracetamol, which can cause severe chemical poisoning and even death.
Therefore, never administer medication to your pet if you are not sure it is safe. Ask your veterinarian for advice if you are unsure about what to put in your first aid kit.
Contents of the first aid kit
Your first aid kit should contain the following essential products, plus those that may be specific to your pet (ask your veterinarian for this):
– sterile compresses;
– cotton bandage
– self-adhesive tape
– plaster;
– cotton;
– disinfectant;
– scissors;
– tweezers;
– disposable gloves;
– muzzle;
– analgesic;
– antidiarrheal;
– healing ointment.
To obtain these products, ask your pharmacist specializing in dog products and medications for advice.
Hope this post helps you determine your dog’s illness. Remember to share your experience in the comments below.
Read more:
– All You Need to Know Before Bringing a Dog Home;
