Dog illness is one of those things you hope you'll never need to worry
about. Dog illness problems are not limited to
but include the following:
- Joint problems: dog arthritis, canine hip dysplasia, dog
osteoarthritis, disc disease, etc. These are
very widespread in older animals, and can severely affect quality of life.
- Parasites: fleas, ticks, internal parasites, etc. These can cause dog
illness even in the cleanest home.
- Endocrine disorders, most especially hypothyroidism. Symptoms include poor
appetite, lethargy and weight gain.
- Infectious diseases, such as blastomycosis: symptoms of this dog illness can
include fever, slight deep cough, and lack of energy.
This list merely scratches the surface of possible dog
illness problems. As with humans, there are many possible types of dog
illness, and it is highly likely that your pet will require medical attention at
some point.
As a responsible pet owner, you will want to be prepared well in advance for
any dog illness that may occur. Make sure you have a good relationship with a
qualified veterinarian. If you are new to the area, get a few recommendations
from other pet owners with experience of dog illness and treatment.
You can play an important part in maintaining your pet's resistance to dog
illness. Simple observation is a vital tool that can be so easily
underestimated. Get to know your pet's habits and feeding routine, and remain
alert for any ususual behavior. With your veterinarian, make a decision on
whether, and when, to vaccinate against various dog illness challenges.
Remember: your pet depends on you to safeguard its health and welfare. But with
a little care and attention, you can protect your beloved pet from most types of
dog illness!
