An essential to your dog's health is his/her regular annual checkup with the vet. The vaccinations* which are given to your dog each year supposedly ensure your dog's immunity to some common infectious diseases.
The annual checkup is also an excellent opportunity for a thorough physical examination to be carried out, and a time to discuss any minor problems or issues which you feel may be affecting your dog's health or wellbeing. This is a time when your vet may pick up inherited diseases and the like (when your dog is young) so they can be treated early, or just kept an eye on. And as your dog gets older, the vet may find the early signs of more sinister illnesses.
I recently took my dogs for their annual checkup, and for the first time alarms were raised about matters of significant concern - it was thought that Kara might have early stages of lymphoma (cancer) - which, fortunately, tests then proved to be not the case. And Jet apparently has something akin to the early stages of cataracts in humans in her eyes, and according to the vet, Jet is likely to go progressively blind over the next several years. At least knowing this in advance gives me the opportunity to watch for any developing signs and, if and when necessary, adapt her outings and home environment to take into account any sight loss, and most importantly, it has made me realise that vitamin and mineral supplementation in dogs is actually a very wise idea.
Worming and "de-flea-ing" your dog are the commonest forms of health measures which you probably undertake yourself for your dog. Fleas infest almost every dog at some time. Sometimes a lot of the time. Dogs which socialise with other dogs outside the home tend to become infested the most often. Fleas can carry disease and parasites, including tapeworm.
But fleas are extremely irritating for your dog. They often cause intense itching, which in turn can cause your dog to damage his/her skin by vigorous scratching. Some dogs are allergic to flea bites. Even after the fleas have been doused with flea poison and killed, the cycle of itch, scratch, itch, scratch, can remain.
My Rottweiler has been terribly affected two or three times now by this self-perpetuating cycle caused by her allergy to flea bites. Most of the skin damage has been caused by Kara incessantly scratching and injuring herself.
A dog with an infestation of fleas is neither a healthy nor a happy dog. So at the first sign of a flea, it's important to treat your dog for this very common problem. And those pesky fleas don't always readily show themselves. So if your dog is scratching more than usual, the first thing to do is a thorough search through your dog's coat. If you sight even one flea, treat your dog immediately. Some people treat routinely just because it's flea season, and still others actually treat throughout the year. And of course, it goes without saying that if you have more than one animal, you must treat them all at the same time.
This way, you'll ensure that your dog is as healthy and happy as can be!
* There are natural alternatives to vaccinations. For further information, click here: http://www.HealthyHappyDogs.com/Vaccinate
And for a completely natural flea and worm treatment, click here: http://www.HealthyHappyDogs.com/MedicineChest
(c) 2005, Brigitte Smith, Healthy Happy Dogs
Brigitte Smith is a dog lover with a special interest in holistic dog health. Her site, Healthy Happy Dogs, has pages and pages of information on improving your dog's health naturally. Brigitte is the author of a number of reports, articles, and the Healthy Happy Dogs newsletter.
For your special FREE report - "How to Improve Your Dog's Health Within 30 Days - Maybe Even Lengthen Your Dog's Life!", Click Here: http://www.HealthyHappyDogs.com
Location of your aquariumSo, you bought your very first fish... Read More
1. What is heat?Heat is more properly called the estrous... Read More
Settling a puppy into a new home successful is often... Read More
The Story Continues... Following the first of many visits to... Read More
Pilling a cat can be a "nightmarish" experience. Cats don't... Read More
What is Separation Anxiety?When you leave the house, it is... Read More
You know that cats should always have a supply of... Read More
Good filtration is the prime priority in the discus tank.... Read More
Tired of cleaning the cat box? Here are some tips... Read More
This has been one of the most rewarding adventures I... Read More
Nervous cats hide from people, they do not readily present... Read More
Over the past decade, breed rescue groups have become a... Read More
Is your dog a gentleman or lady? If so, you... Read More
The cat population is astronomical. Most experts agree that average... Read More
If you thought dog noses were just a source of... Read More
Cryptorchidism is peculiar to male dogs and a condition present... Read More
Witnessing your precious dog or cat having a seizure can... Read More
Dog careAccepting responsibility of your new pet friend is truly... Read More
West Highland White Terriers began their history as the undesirable... Read More
Opening your heart to a Pomeranian can be fun, but... Read More
In horse training or natural horsemanship, Approach is nothing more... Read More
The West Highland Terrier is a friendly dog, and is... Read More
Some Dogs like Boxers unfortunately, are prone to several potential... Read More
You are ready to bring your Boxer home? First, you... Read More
In a recent discussion about pet safety, the services provided... Read More
If you are looking for tips on breeding tropical fish,... Read More
Your mind-set, approach and way of thinking (beliefs) are critical... Read More
With ancestors who were a breed of tenacious terriers, most... Read More
I am a dog lover by nature. I have just... Read More
Showing off your dog in front of friends and family... Read More
HistoryThroughout the US and in many parts of the world,... Read More
1. Clipping the quick when cutting nails.Don't be in a... Read More
If you're looking for an unusual, eye-catching pet, it's hard... Read More
Cute cat names? Max is popular, Lady a favorite for... Read More
House rabbits are a perfect pet for many people, regardless... Read More
Over the past couple of years, animal rescues have been... Read More
The days are getting longer, and if you have a... Read More
Attempting to train your dog to walk on a leash... Read More
An easier and more pleasant journey with your chosen Boxer... Read More
Have you ever thought about what you need to do... Read More
If you are thinking of adding a feline to your... Read More
Although many horsemen and trainers extol the virtues of the... Read More
Dog fashions are all the rage and have become quite... Read More
Do you want a long and healthy life for your... Read More
Do you have at least one framed photo of your... Read More
When I carried him home, he was this tiny little... Read More
It goes without saying that your dog needs suitable nutrition... Read More
You do clean your house don't you? Well you have... Read More
Many chronic diseases commonly seen in pets result from immune... Read More
We have a long history with domesticated animals and even... Read More
Pet Pet |