Dog Health Questions You Need Answers To

Do you have concerns about parasites or what type of diet is best for your furry companion? In the world of canine ownership, dog health questions abound. This article will cover the most widely asked about topics.

What vaccinations does your dog need? Around the ages of six to eight weeks, pups should be given shots to protect against these often fatal diseases: adenovirus, parainfluenza, distemper, parvovirus, and rabies. Bordatella is also recommended though it is not usually fatal. Boosters should be given every one to three years respectively as a dog ages. Rabies shots, however, are required yearly by law. There are also vaccines available for problems associated to the different regions you live in.

What do you do if your dog has worms in his stool? Your dog can pick up many different types of worms that can make him sick. These include hookworms, roundworms, and tapeworms and can be passed to us. Take him to your veterinarian. They will do a fecal test to see what type of parasite it is and then de-worm the animal. It is a good idea to go ahead and have this done at their yearly exam each year.

How do you keep your pet free of parasites? Fleas and ticks are a constant annoyance and struggle for pet owners. They feed off the blood of animals and make them sick and uncomfortable. To get rid of fleas, make sure your dog is given a strong flea dip bath. For nasty ticks that can carry diseases, pulling them off quickly and with care is important. To prevent other occurrences, put him on a monthly topical flea and tick medication for prevention. It is effective and goes directly onto the coat.

Have you checked for fleas and your dog is still scratching? He may have allergies to something that is around the yard or the house. Ear mites could also have settled in his ears and cause him to constantly itch. See your veterinarian if you suspect either of these problems. The last conclusion is that it could be just dry skin. This is especially true in the cool months. Find a shampoo made from tea tree oil or oatmeal to soothe his skin.

What should you feed your pet? Dry food should always be your number one choice. It is ninety percent meat, grains, vitamins, and minerals. On the other hand, canned meat is mostly water based. Dogs that live off wet food have the most cases of bad teeth and gums and obesity. When you choose your kibbles, be sure that meat is the main ingredient and not wheat or animal byproducts.

Does your senior pet have trouble rising? If you have an older dog, arthritis is a major issue. If he seems stiff and has trouble walking and jumping, that is most likely the problem. It is caused by the friction created in the joints by disappearing cartilage that acts as a cushion. Also, if you own a breed genetically predisposed to hip dysplasia, your vet should test for that.

Did these answer any of your dog health questions? You should always see a vet before starting any type of treatments. Protect your furry friend!

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