Like people, dogs need to be healthy to enjoy life. Dogs are our friends, companions and
often our guardians, but since they are also totally dependent on us for their well-being,
it is our responsibility to look after them properly.
One of the most prevalent 'diseases' in
dogs these days is one that also affects humans. Obesity. A fat dog is an unhealthy dog
and is likely to suffer from arthritis and heart failure.
Remember, in the wild, dogs
eat fresh meat that they have killed themselves. They also eat certain types of grass and
may eat wild fruits like berries if these grow in their natural habitat.
Milk, custard and cake are the worst things you can give your grown dog and, though a
puppy may benefit from the calcium in milk, there are commercial milk products available
that are especially formulated for a puppy's needs.
Dry dog food, or kibble as it is sometimes called, is said to have all the nutrients that
your dog will need for health, but the more expensive brands are often better.
Dogs fed on cheaper brands may constantly chew grass to supplement whatever is missing
from their diet. Tinned food can be given as a treat.
A healthy dog should have a smooth,
shining coat, clear eyes and a moist nose. It should be slender, though not thin
enough to see its ribs sticking out. Its breath should not smell foul. If your dog's
breath is disgusting, it could be due to the tartar on its teeth. Chewing on a big bone
will help to clean your dog's teeth.
Shots for distemper, heartworm,
parvovirus and kennel cough are a must. Your vet will need to administer the shots, but
you can treat the dog for heartworm with medicine from the vet. The tablets should be
pushed down the side of the dog's mouth until he swallows. If this is too difficult, crush
the tablet into some tinned dog food and offer when the dog is hungry. Watch to make sure
he eats it all.
Kennel cough is not
likely to be a problem unless the dog is kept on cement.
Parvovirus breaks down the digestive system and eventually
affects the heart. It tends to come in outbreaks when people forget to have their animals
inoculated. Symptoms include bloody stool and the animal is quickly unable to move and in
obvious pain. It almost always fatal. Luckily, it is not transmitted to humans.
Symptoms of distemper include runny eyes and a dry nose. It is
rather like flu in humans.
Regular worming will also help to keep your pet in top condition.
A dog with worms may have a poor appetite, and will often - though not always - look to be
in poor health with a dry coat that is harsh to the touch. If your dog drags itself along
the ground in a sitting position, suspect worms immediately. Worms can sometimes be seen
hanging from the anal passage. The problem needs to be addressed as soon as possible,
because worms are easily transmitted to humans.
Fleas, which will happily jump from dogs to humans, can be
another problem. These bloodsuckers can actually kill a tiny puppy, simply through blood
loss. Puppies too young to wear a flea collar may be washed in a suitable preparation from
the vet. Pat it dry afterwards, or keep it in a warm place so it doesn't get cold. Always
be sure to keep kennels and yard clean to reduce the flea problem. If a flea infestation
gets out of hand, you may need to spray all bedding and surrounding areas to kill the
fleas and their eggs.
If you live in a tick prone area, be sure to keep a tick collar
on your dog at all times. Mark the renewal date on the calendar so you don't forget to
renew it. Your pet's life may depend on it! Grass ticks cause itchy lumps that can become
infected when scratched. If not removed quickly, the paralysis tick can cause death in
three to five days.
If your dog seems to suddenly have weak back legs and falls over
often, inspect it immediately for a tick and get it to the vet as soon as possible.
Luckily, the tick vaccine works well and quickly and can save a dog that looks like it is
gasping its last breath.
With attention to these few details, your pet should live a long
and happy life, rewarding you with years of fun and companionship.
