Owning a dog is a long-term commitment, requiring you to know about and take precautions against a wide range of health conditions. Some of these conditions are hereditary and may affect dogs of certain breeds more than others. These conditions can be difficult to diagnose and treat without a thorough veterinary exam.
Diarrhea is a common health condition that can be caused by many different things. In most cases, diarrhea will clear up on its own in a few days. In some cases, it can last for a long time, which is called chronic diarrhea. This can be a sign of other problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel diseases.
Dogs can get diarrhea from a variety of conditions, such as rotavirus, parasites, food poisoning, and bacterial infections. They can also get it as a result of taking antibiotics. It's important to know the symptoms of diarrhea and take your dog to a veterinarian right away if the diarrhea is black or bloody, has accompanied vomiting, or persists for more than a week. It may be a sign of an underlying health problem and can lead to dehydration, weakness, or collapse.
Parasites are a type of organism that lives in or on another living thing. They usually depend on the host for their food and other things that they need to survive. Some parasites can cause disease in humans, but most are harmless. Some, such as protozoans and helminths, affect the gut, while others, such as lice and mites, affect the skin.
The most common parasites in dogs are fleas and ticks, which can cause infections that affect your dog's health. They can also transmit diseases to other dogs and people. There are a variety of products that prevent and treat external parasites, but a veterinarian can recommend the best product for your dog's needs.
Some parasites, such as intestinal worms and parvovirus, can cause your dog to have diarrhea. Diarrhea can last for several days or even weeks. Your vet can test for these diseases and prescribe medication to treat them if needed.
One of the most common health conditions in dogs is urinary tract infections (UTIs). Luckily, they are easy to diagnose and treat. The most common treatment for UTIs in dogs is antibiotics. Antibiotics are used to kill bacteria and prevent them from returning.
Some dogs may need to go through multiple rounds of antibiotics to make sure the infection is cured. Other dogs may require a special diet or extra water to help flush out bacteria and allow the antibiotics to work more effectively.
Another risk factor for recurrent UTIs is a recessed or hooded vulva. These anatomical variations increase the chances that bacteria will travel upward to the bladder. Vulvoplasty and episioplasty can dramatically reduce the recurrence of this condition.
As dogs grow older, they often develop conditions that can lead to pain and discomfort. One of the most common is arthritis, which can affect your dog's hips, elbows, lower back, and knees.
Arthritis occurs when the cartilage that protects the bones within a joint deteriorates or is damaged. It also causes the joint to lose its lubricating fluid, which can result in bone friction.
The pain from this damage can affect your dog's movement and cause them to yelp or become reluctant to move around. They may spend less time playing or even stop chasing a ball altogether.
You can help your pet live a longer, healthier life with effective pain management. Your vet can prescribe medications to ease the pain, as well as therapies such as laser therapy and stem cell treatments that can improve your pet's mobility.