Pets Information

Top 5 Dog Health Problems


The most common dog problems:

Dog Owner's commonly ask me the same questions repeatedly. This article aims to help dog owners prevent and find information about the most common dog health problems. Understanding the basics of these problems will go a long ways to helping your canine friend live a long healthy life.

1. By far the most common question I get asked from dog owners is a desperate call about their dog's vomiting. Vomiting can have many causes, but the most common cause is eating garbage, or wolfing down food. In most cases the easiest cure is to withhold food from your dog for 24 hours, but continue to give water. Then after 24 hours, start by giving small meals again. This rest period will allow the stomach to heal. If vomiting continues after this you should see your veterinarian.

2. The next most common question I get asked are reproduction questions. These questions range from breeding their dog, questions about whelping, and about raising puppies. While it is beyond this article to cover everything, here are some basics to keep in mind. Dogs come into heat every 6-7 months which is the time to breed them. The gestation length ranges from 59-63 days. Breeds that can have trouble with whelping are the pug, bulldog, Chihuahuas, Boston terriers, and the Pekingese. Whelping, the act of giving birth, can take from 2 to 24 hours. With several hours in-between the time puppies are passed.

3. Third, are questions about skin problems. These questions range from masses and bumps, to scratches and rashes. Whenever you find a mass on your dog it is important that you show it to your veterinarian. Most masses are benign lipomas, which are fatty tumors. Another common tumor of female dogs are tumors of the mammary gland. You can greatly decrease the risk of your female dog getting a mammary gland tumor by spaying your dog. One of the most common skin tumors owners are likely to see are Mast cell tumors. Mast cell tumors can appear anywhere on the body, and can range from benign to very aggressive.

4. Fourth are questions about the musculoskeletal system. Two possible causes of limping in dogs are arthritis and torn anterior cruciate ligaments. Arthritis is common in older dogs. To treat arthritis try some joint supplements like chondroitin. For dogs with torn anterior cruciate ligaments, surgery is needed. The anterior cruciate ligament is a ligament in the knees of dogs. Signs of this injury is when the dog is running and all of a sudden the dog whimpers in pain and starts to limp on its rear leg.

5. The fifth most common question is about allergies. Many dogs suffer from allergies. The most common clinical signs are the dog chewing its paws, reddened skin, and scratching. For a definitive diagnosis allergy testing can be done by your veterinarian. Allergies are often treated by antihistamines and in severe cases steroids.

With a little knowledge pet owners can be more proactive in the health care of their pets. With greater knowledge you can help your veterinarian come up with the best treatment plans for your pet, and are able to give a more complete history on your pet which can lead to a quicker and more accurate diagnosis.

For the complete TOP TEN LIST of questions visit my website at http://www.free-online-veterinarian-advice.com/doghealth.html

Chris Suckow, DVM, lives and works in Los Angeles, CA


MORE RESOURCES:

D-Backs wives, animal shelter team up for homeless pets
Arizona Republic, AZ - 6 hours ago
Almost everyone not only had pets, but loved talking about them. The idea hit them like a Randy Johnson fastball: Bring homeless pets to a game and give ...


Pets once lost can now be found with automated call service
Boston Herald, United States - 2 hours ago
By Renee Nadeau Frantic animal lovers dog-tired from searching for lost pets can now throw a net over an entire neighborhood by sending out thousands of ...


Having pets when your family is allergic
Times Online, UK - 10 hours ago
Are there any pets we could keep without affecting them? TV presenter Carol Smillie lives in Glasgow with her husband and three children, Christie (13), ...


Pets' Corner: How can I make my cat feel more secure?
Independent, UK - 7 hours ago
I have two 12-year-old male tonkinese cats. One of them has taken to urinating in one particular corner of the house. And our neighbour's cat keeps coming ...


Pets of the Week
Salt Lake Tribune, United States - 7 hours ago
Dozer is a smart 4-year-old Great Dane. He is still young enough to have more training. Dozer is in kennel No. 22-23. Bull is a sweet 2-year-old domestic ...


Tail end of housing crisis: pets
Seattle Times, United States - 22 hours ago
For people losing their homes (King County has had 1356 foreclosure notices in the first quarter of 2008), beloved pets soon become a living luxury they can ...


At Hollywood Pets in Danville, it’s the red-carpet treatment
Madison Messenger, VA - 2 hours ago
From the red-carpet entrance through its pet “suites” and spacious indoor and outdoor play areas, Hollywood Pets is carefully planned to cater to its guests ...


Petland offers Adopt-A-Pet program to find pets homes
Waukegan Journal, IL - 4 hours ago
“Our goal, as with all of the pets we place, is to match the right pet with the right person and meet the needs of both,” Mitchell said. ...


Funeral home just for pets
Tampa Bay's 10, FL - 31 minutes ago
The new Center had been a place where pets could be cremated, but now the building offers a memorial garden, viewing rooms, a place to hold a service, ...


Pets Reunited with Residents of Mobile Home Park
KLAS-TV, NV - 5 hours ago
They were forcibly removed from their homes and also the pets they love. But now the residents of the College Inn Mobile Home Park are catching a break and ...
Evicted residents reunited with pets KVBC
all 2 news articles

Pets - Google News

home | site map
© 2006