Dog health problems are very similar to human health problems, and pet health care is much like human health care too. Dogs suffer from ailments like diabetes, cancer, arthritis, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, depression, obesity, skin infection, diarrhea, and Cushing’s disease to name a few. They also have some ailments that humans don’t, like, kennel cough, heartworm and rabies.
If not hereditary or congenital, these health issues are related to improper diet, a lack of exercise, other underlying diseases or injuries. Skin diseases are common in dogs and can be caused by food allergies, bacterial infections, and flea bite allergies. These lead to itchiness and alopecia or baldness in dogs due to constant scratching.
Since dogs are active by nature, they often suffer from injuries that can lead to a canine health disease like arthritis. In this condition, the dog has inflamed joints that cause pain and a lack of mobility. Another disease common to dogs and humans is diabetes. A lack of hormone insulin leads to the body’s inability to metabolize sugar and causes weight loss and possibly sudden blindness. Fortunately, the condition is curable and insulin shots can help in the treatment. Cancer is another ailment that poses great danger to most dogs. A poor diet, inadequate exercise and exposure to chemical toxins are the major causes of cancer. The disease can be treated by surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Dog heartworm is another common disease that is caused by mosquitoes that carry heartworm larvae. It’s very important to have this disease treated as it can damage the dog’s heart and lungs. Gastrointestinal problems like constipation, bloating, and obesity are all caused when the dog is overfed or given too much human food. Wheat, corn and soy must be avoided completely, so be vary of commercial dog foods that contain these ingredients. The dog must also get enough Omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and iron through its food to prevent a host of health problems. Heart diseases, glaucoma, cataract, and hip dysplasia are also common dog ailments.
Before buying a dog it’s important that you make your self aware of some basic dog health information: To keep a dog physically, mentally and emotionally healthy, it would need to get daily moderate exercise. Inadequate exercise can cause many health problems, but also be cautious about over exercising as excessive exercise can contribute to arthritis. A veterinarian check up every six months is also important. Regular vaccination will also keep problems like parvo, dog distemper, rabies, and kennel cough (a respiratory infection that causes dry and hacking cough when the dog is exposed to poorly ventilated rooms or excessive cigarette smoke or dust) at bay.
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