CHECK OUT 5 COMMON DOG ILLNESSES AND HOW YOU CAN AVOID THEM
A dog can't tell you when he is feeling sick. Paying attention to his behavior and habits will give you a clear sign when something is wrong. Here are some common canine illnesses and ways to avoid them.
- FLEA INFESTATION
Dogs can develop flea infestation. While fleas do not embed themselves in a dog's coat, they do feed off of the dog's skin. To avoid fleas invading your dog's body, avoid taking the dog for walks in wooded areas or places where fleas migrate. Most fleas may accumulate in the grassy area of your backyard. Daily brushing using a flea comb is recommended.
- TICKS
Ticks are another problem that can cause illness in a dog. They carry disease and can become embedded in a dog's undercoat as well. They attach themselves to parts of a dog's body, and trying to remove them can be painful to the canine. How can you avoid ticks? It is recommended to avoid areas where ticks migrate anytime you take your dog for a walk, such as wooded areas, parks with thick brush and shrubbery, and mainly shaded areas where ticks usually reside.
- EAR MITES
Another parasite that can be a health hazard for dogs is ear mites. If you find your dog scratching its ears too frequently, check to determine any brown-colored mucus seeping from the ears. This is a clear indication that the ear has become infected. A visit to the vet is recommended.
- WORMS
There is an array of worms that can cause problems for your dog. Tapeworms, heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms are among the most common. It is essential to have your dog checked for any one of these conditions since some can be transmitted to children via the skin.
- ALLERGIES
Dogs can suffer from allergies, too. Any type of bite or sting from a bug can cause alarm, especially if the dog is allergic. If you notice any swelling in the bite area or vomiting and diarrhea, take your dog to the vet immediately for treatment.
Outside influences cause these common dog illnesses, not to mention interaction with other dogs with fleas, ticks, or ear mites. Dog feces and developing an infection from digesting fleas are the most common causes. If you have acquired a puppy that has not been vaccinated, it may have a condition resulting from nursing.
CONCLUSION
While you can avoid most of these illnesses, sometimes things happen. Whether you take your dog for daily walks, live in rural areas where the dog can contract a disease, or take the dog on your camping trip, once you know what areas to avoid, the more control you will have in keeping your dog safe.