Dog Health Questions & Answers
In many families, the dog is cared for as well (or better) than the human members. That includes providing health care for dogs. Knowing when to seek a vet's attention for your pet as well as understanding some of the diseases and problems that could afflict your canine friend are important parts of caring for your dog.
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Is My Dog Sick?
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Because dogs and humans show signs of illness in different ways, we may not always know when our canine companion needs to see the vet. Obviously, if your dog is in pain or distress, he should be seen immediately. Frequent and severe vomiting over the course of several hours or very runny stool repeatedly should warrant a vet check. If you dog loses its appetite and/or starts suddenly dropping weight, an appointment should be made. Also, changes in the dog's behavior may be a signal of a problem. For example, an active dog that becomes listless may be feeling bad.
What Vaccinations Should My Dog Receive?
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While your vet can advise you about the proper schedule of vaccinations for your dog, the requirements usually include rabies, distemper and parvovirus. Rabies is a life-threatening disease that is spread through mammals, usually via bites. The virus spreads through the nervous system and ends in the brain where it causes death. Distemper can affect different parts of the dog's body, including his respiratory and nervous system. About three-fourths of dogs with distemper die from the disease. Parvovirus causes excessive diarrhea, particularly in puppies, and can lead to dehydration and death. Besides these vaccinations, you may also want to protect your dog from kennel cough (bordetella) with a vaccination. Heartworm pills or topical treatments are also recommended.
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Should Dogs be Sterilized?
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Having your dog spayed or neutered does not just ensure he or she won't bring more puppies into the world. There are other benefits, as well. Male dogs are less likely to roam while female dogs are not going to make a mess in your home every time they go into heat. Both males and females who have been sterilized have a reduced risk of developing some types of reproductive diseases. Plus, dogs are happier when they don't have to deal with sexual urges that are not being met through breeding.
Can My Dog Get Heartworm?
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Any dog can get heartworms, which are parasites transmitted by the bite of a female mosquito. When the worms enter the dog's body, they can travel through its body until they reach the heart and begin reproducing. As more of the parasites grow in the heart area, they do damage to the muscle and to other parts of the cardiovascular system. Unfortunately, treatment for heartworms can be almost as dangerous to the dog as the parasites. The best way to prevent the problem is by giving your dog a heartworm preventative medication recommended by your vet.
Should I Euthanize My Dog?
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Euthanasia is the act of painlessly and quickly ending your dog's life. Pet owners sometimes have to make this difficult decision when the dog is suffering from a chronic disease such as cancer. The decision should be based on the dog's quality of life. If the dog is constantly in pain, can no longer walk or stops eating, most vets would recommend euthanasia to end the dog's suffering. Most vets will allow you to be with your dog through the process.
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