Dog Health Issues for Dog Owners

Like human health problems, some dog diseases, injuries and physical ailments are serious while others are not as harmful but we do need to treat these diseases as to not cause our dogs further pain and discomfort.  Fortunately, the vast majority of health problems that dogs commonly experience can be successfully treated with medications, physical therapy, surgery, or other types of medical treatments.

Heartworm

Heartworm is caused by a parasite which lives in the heart and nearby blood vessels, and causes the heart and lungs to weaken limiting breathing, and eventual leads to death. Heartworm is introduced by mosquitoes and occurs primarily in dogs but can infect cats also.

Dog Arthritis

There is a wide range of treatment options available for treating arthritis (also known as osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease). Dogs with degenerative joint disease need adequate rest. Rest helps to decrease inflammation, and strengthens joints. Too much over activity and running can damage joints accelerating the damage caused by the arthritic condition. It is often difficult to determine how much rest and how much exercise creates a happy balance for your dog. Too much exercise may make matters worse while not enough may reduce muscle tone. Your veterinarian can assist you in determining how much exercise and rest is ideal for your pet all with moderation.

As a guideline, any activity that causes your pet to become acutely lame for a period of time afterward is excessive and the level of activity should be reduced accordingly. Avoid strenuous exercise and periods of overexertion, which can accelerate the destruction within the joints.The onset of dog arthritis can be due to a number of factors, including injury, obesity, genetic predisposition and poor nutrition. Some of the symptoms include stiff slower movements, difficulty in climbing stairs, whining  when standing for too long,  and swelling in a limb, thickening joints and avoiding to being touched by a human.  If you do notice any of these signs, be sure to have your pet checked for canine arthritis.

Cancer

Just like in humans, cancer in dogs is a very serious condition which can seriously impact the life of both the pet and its owner. There are several treatment options available depending on the nature and severity of the dog cancer, and often a combination of conventional and alternative therapies can be the most effective.The exact cause of the disease is unknown, but it is believed that environmental and hereditary factors do play a role. Exposure to toxins, poor dietary habits, lack of exercise and underlying health issues can all increase the risk.

Symptoms of cancer in dogs will depend on the location of the tumor, and can range from gastrointestinal problems such as bleeding, vomiting and seizures, urinary problems, Cushing’s and loss of coordination. Getting an accurate diagnosis is crucial, so it’s important to have your dog tested immediately if you notice any changes in its behavior, notice any discomfort or can see or feel any stage bodily masses.Your veterinarian will be able to perform diagnostic tests to determine where the cancer is located and how severe the condition is. Based on this analysis he or she can recommend a course of action to treat the condition effectively and maintain the health of your petDepending on the nature and location of the cancer, there are several treatment options, including chemotherapy, radiation and surgery to remove the growth and possibly the surrounding tissues.

Medications may also be administered. Other treatment options that are often used in conjunction with conventional methods are natural remedies that can help treat dog cancer as well as slow cancerous growths, boost immune function and improve general health and well-being. Medical science has chemotherapy, radiation and drug treatments available today is much better than what it was just a decade ago. Symptoms of cancer in dogs can be managed effectively, and conventional and natural therapies are proving effective in this battle.Ensure your dog’s health with a proper high quality diet, regular exercise and a clean, toxin-free environment. If you suspect cancer, make sure you talk to your vet right away. Find out all of the treatment options that are available.

Tags: dog diseases, dog health, dog cancer, dog arthritis, heartworm, dog health issues.

Originally Posted: June 14, 2007

Updated: July 21, 2009

This entry was posted on Thursday, June 14th, 2007 at 8:15 pm and is filed under Dog Health Issues. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.