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How to Keep Your Dog Healthy
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 dearer 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. Its breath should not smell foul.
It should be slender, though not thin enough to see
its ribs sticking out. 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.
Regular worming will also help to keep
your pet in top condition. Shots for distemper, heartworm,
parvovirus and kennel cough are a must. Kennel cough
is not likely to be a problem unless the dog is kept
on cement. Your vet will need to administer the shots,
but you can worm the dog yourself. 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.
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.
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 they get 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.
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