A pet dog is like a member of the family, we never stop loving them, but we never stop worrying about them when they’re ill or seem to be under the weather. Like humans, dogs are susceptible to a wide range of conditions and disease, and, also like humans, it’s better to have the correct treatment in place as soon as possible if illness occurs. That’s why dog owners should always be on the lookout for common dog diseases and conditions, allowing them to take the swift action that will result in a happy and healthy dog again.
Canine Rhinovirus
Canine rhinovirus may sound complicated, but in fact it’s a common doggy cold. Just like the human variety, it can leave a dog feeling lethargic, with a sore throat and shortness of breath. As it’s a virus, this may be caught from other dogs with the condition, but dogs are more likely to catch it when they are stressed or run down. If your dog exhibits signs of laboured breathing, coughing, vomiting, or gagging, then you should seek urgent veterinary help as it could be a sign of pneumonia. One way to improve your dog’s respiratory health and reduce the canine rhinovirus risk is to use a canine respiratory health supplement by a leading brand such as Wapiti Labs.
Ringworm
You may have heard of ringworm before, but in fact it’s not a worm at all but a fungal infection which can affect a dog’s hair, skin, and nails. It can be extremely unpleasant for the dog concerned, and one of the most obvious symptoms of ringworm is hair loss and circular bald spots that often have a red, sore appearance in the center. Puppies in particular are prone to ringworm, as are dogs that aren’t getting the correct nutritional content in their daily diet. The good news is that it can be treated, sometimes with a special canine shampoo and sometimes via the use of oral medication. Be warned, however, that ringworm can spread to other pets and even to human members of the household unless care is taken.
Ear Infections
Does your dog keep tilting its head to one side, shaking it, or try to scratch its ear particularly hard? These could all be signs that it has an ear infection, typically caused by ear mites, a yeast infection, or an allergic reaction. Look in particular for signs of a brown, yellow or bloody discharge from the ear, or signs that your dog is confused or having trouble balancing. If your dog does have an ear infection, a vet will usually be able to treat it by cleaning the ear canal, although surgery may be needed in severe cases.
Spotting that your dog has an illness, condition or infection is the first step to having it cured, so watch out for signs of ringworm, ear infections, canine rhinovirus and pneumonia. In all instances it pays to seek veterinary attention if your pet is acting out of character or simply looks ill. Prevention is the best form of cure in dogs as in humans, so the provision of a high quality, nutritious diet and the use of canine health supplements can help to ensure that your beloved dog remains fit and frisky.