Dog health can be a tricky subject due to the fact that the word “dog” actually means different things to different people. In general however, the health of dogs is an extremely well studied field in modern veterinary medicine. There are very specific and detailed methods and steps that are followed when dealing with dog health. Much of this is due to the fact that dogs have been domesticated from wolves over two thousand years ago and since then they have developed their own set of traits and habits that need to be taken into consideration when it comes to dog health care. One of the biggest problems and challenges facing modern veterinary medicine is providing quality and sufficient healthcare for dogs. Some problems that dog owners face when taking their dog to the vet include heartworms, cancer, allergies, fleas and several forms of infections.
One of the biggest dog health issues is vomiting and diarrhea. Both of these are simply the symptoms of an internal or external parasite or infection. An internal problem will usually manifest itself through either vomiting or diarrhea. Both of these will generally begin after your dog has eaten a lot or has had some form of severe stomach upset. In some cases a dog can start vomiting or diarrhea after it scratches its stomach very vigorously and this is generally seen as a symptom of heartworms or heart failure.
There are many different types of dog diseases but there are a few that are more common than others. The most common and serious dog diseases that you would probably have to see your vet for treatment would be cancer and heart disease. They are both preventable and treatable and your vet would be able to give you advice on how best to maintain a healthy lifestyle for your dog in the hope that he would not develop these diseases. The most important thing is for you and your dog to get regular checkups and vaccinations so as to avoid these diseases.
Preventive care is essential in both preventing and treating kidney disease. It is generally agreed that you should take your dog to annual dog checkups and vaccination clinics as part of their preventative care but you need to be particular as some vets may recommend annual vet checkups and vaccination clinics only if your dog shows symptoms of a-z ailments. A-Z diseases generally have symptoms so the sooner you and your vet can identify them, the better. Your vet would usually recommend a course of treatment that involves an anti-inflammatory medication and possibly an injection of corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and keep the affected area hydrated.
The types of vitamins and minerals your dog needs in his diet will vary depending on his breed and the activity level of your dog. Your vet can advise you on what your dog’s nutritional requirements are and give you advice on feeding supplies you might need to keep your pet healthy. Vitamins for pet health care needs include the B-complex of vitamins, calcium, Iron, zinc and Vitamin D. Minerals would include copper, sulfur and manganese. Most dogs require daily supplements of fish oil, flaxseed oil, digestive enzymes and probiotics.
Older dogs are prone to a number of problems including cancer, heart disease, allergies, osteoarthritis, diabetes, kidney disease and obesity. Obesity is more prevalent in female dogs and is usually due to increased estrogen levels from pregnancy. Excessive weight gain can result in weakening of the skeletal muscles, which will increase the risk of inflammation, joint pain and disease of the kidneys. There are certain foods that are recommended for healthy dogs, but it is best to talk to your vet about the ideal diet for your dog from a holistic viewpoint as the wrong food can actually make the problem worse.