Canine Health

It does not matter what breed or type of dog your canine is, there are certain things you can do for him or her that will increase the quality of his or her health. The first thing you must do, however, is gain some knowledge. Knowing what common health issues dogs generally face and what steps you should take in order to prevent them is the first step toward providing your dog with a happy, healthy life. Here are a few things you should know about common canine health problems, followed by some resources to give you further information.

Prevention

The first step in providing your dog with a healthy life is by preventing common canine health issues. Many diseases can be prevented with proper care and maintenance. Primary among preventative measures you as a dog owner can take are vaccines. Puppies can be vaccinated as early as 4-6 weeks and should continue to receive yearly boosters throughout their lives. These vaccines can help prevent many of common health issues listed below.

Distemper

This highly contagious, airborne virus can have devastating effects on a dog’s nervous, digestive, and respiratory systems. Initially, the disease might look like a cold, with fever, cough, or diarrhea, but eventually there are seizures and nervous twitching. There is no successful treatment for this disease, making prevention all the more important.

Hepatitis

This disease is caused by a virus living in urine, feces, and saliva. Liver and kidney function are compromised by hepatitis, with the signs being fever and hemorrhage. While the success rate of treatment is low, it is possible to cure the disease with intensive treatment and blood transfusions.

Leptospirosis

This disease is spread, like hepatitis, through canine contact with urine, saliva, or nasal secretions, and is not exclusive to canines. Humans can also catch the disease, which affects the kidneys and causes jaundice, diarrhea, and vomiting. Treatment is extensive and those animals that do survive can be left with permanent kidney damage.

Kennel Cough

This highly contagious disease affects the respiratory system, causing a chronic cough that can develop into severe pneumonia without treatment. A mild treatment of antibiotics can be used to treat the cough.

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