Pets have always been vulnerable to health problems; however, most of these are caused by the owner’s negligence or ignorance. They can be prevented if the owner gets information beforehand about the most common dog health problems and their symptoms. To avoid realizing that your pet has a problem when it is too late, below is a list of common infections and dog health problems and symptoms to check out.
Dog Health Problems That Could Plague Your Beloved Pet
- Fleas
Fleas are one of the biggest health concerns for canines. It only takes three weeks for one flea to turn into a population of more than 1000 biting insects. Apart from making your pet uncomfortable, flea infestation represents a problem for your household. Some symptoms of flea infestation include excessive scratching of the skin, hair loss, and flea dirt which looks like small dark spots on the skin of your pet. For treatment, ask your vet to recommend a spray.
- Worms
Roundworms, tapeworms, whipworms, and hookworms are the most common internal parasites hosted by dogs. Just like fleas, worms make your pet uncomfortable, although hookworms could be fatal if they infected a puppy. Symptoms include blood in the stool, excessive weight loss, and general poor appearance. Treatment depends on the kind of worm and should only be done by a vet unless the owner is knowledgeable on medications for different types of worms.
Other Dog Health Problems and Symptoms
- Urinary tract infection
Dog health problem of blood in the urine is mostly caused by urinary tract infections. The infection can be the result of bladder stones, bacterial infections, cancer, or obstruction of the urethra. Dogs become prone to urinary tract infections as they grow old. There are several types of bladder stones which form under different conditions. Some of these affect females only, males only and at times, both genders. Also, bladder stones are a health problem by breed. While a specific type of bladder stone is prevalent in a particular breed of dog, it does not affect pets from other breeds.
- Constipation
Constipation is another of the significant health concerns most pet owners have to deal with. Constipation has many causes which include bladder obstruction, anorectal obstructions, and colitis. Note that constipation is correctly described as difficult, infrequent or absent defecation lasting for an extended period which generally lasts 2 to 3 days for a pet.
Dehydration is the most apparent reason why a dog might suffer constipation. Other reasons include ingestion of indigestible materials like grass, cloth, cellulose, paper, or even bone chips. Constipation which is caused by consuming indigestible materials, such materials mix with the feces to form rock-like masses which are hard to get rid of.
Treatment involves providing clean and freshwater for the pet or else, eliminating indigestible materials from its vicinity and replacing them with biscuits.
The best way to avoid dog health problems is by providing a clean environment and keeping tabs on what the pet consumes. If you notice any unusual symptoms, be sure to call a vet as soon as possible.
