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Dogs can catch a variety of different health conditions from their environment and from other dogs. Prevention is a big part of staying healthy. But you should also watch for general signs of health conditions and contact your veterinarian when you notice a problem.
Watch for Signs
When it comes to identifying and treating problems, trust your veterinarian, not a book or Web site. Specific canine conditions are not easy for owners to recognize since dogs can’t tell you exactly what they are feeling and canine conditions differ from the human health conditions most owners know. So the best thing you can do is watch for signs and, if you spot anything amiss, visit your veterinarian.
Signs to watch for include:
- Listlessness
- Obvious pain
- Loss of appetite
- Feels cold
- Fever – learn how to take your dog’s temperature
- Frequent coughing or sneezing
- Frequent upset stomach
- Frequent loose bowels
These signs might not always indicate a health condition – there might be environmental or other causes – but they are signs that something is wrong. Don’t delay in seeing your veterinarian.
Prevention
Prevention is essential. Puppies get three rounds of shots in their first three or four months of life to guard against conditions like distemper, canine parvovirus, rabies, etc. Check with your veterinarian for recommended prevention and schedules. After the first year, shots are annual.
Guard your dog against health conditions by:
- Monitoring his contact with other dogs. Keep your puppy away from dogs that don't look healthy, from other animal's waste, and from those you know nothing about.
- Monitoring what he eats. Avoid unfamiliar foods. A complete and balanced puppy food is the best thing for him.
- Monitoring his chew toys. Don't allow him to chew up fabric or plastic and swallow it. Avoid sharing chew toys with dogs outside his household.
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