Discerning And Treating Common Dog Ailments

Bloat is one of the most common dog ailments, most especially among the larger breeds. It is a result of the dog either eating too much or eating too fast for its body to digest and process the food efficiently. This condition involves gas and fluid build-up, which leads to a painfully swollen abdomen and a possible twisting of the stomach. Common symptoms of bloat are dry heaving, incessant coughing, and irritability. Unfortunately, this condition can neither be prevented nor cured by vaccination. The best way to prevent it is to feed your dog several small meals throughout the day instead of just one or two big meals. It is also advisable for you to monitor your dog as he eats to ensure they consume food in a relaxed manner.

Rabies is an ailment that is contracted from the bite of a rabid animal. With recent advances in medical technology, the mortality rate from rabies has thankfully been significantly reduced. To prevent your dog from contracting rabies, you should have him vaccinated as early as possible. Symptoms of this ailment include sudden behavioural changes, uncontrolled aggression, foaming at the mouth, as well as wild and rolling eyes. If left untreated, it will eventually lead to coma and death.

Distemper is also one of the most common dog ailments that you need to educate yourself about. Symptoms include diarrhea and aggravated coughing. The danger from this ailment increases due to the fact that the symptoms are similar to those of harmless stomach bugs, which causes most owners to simply “wait it out” instead of taking their dog to the vet for a thorough check-up. Distemper can lead to incurable neurological damage. Fortunately for your dog, it can easily be prevented with vaccination.

Heartworm is the third dog ailment on our list. It is caused by the bite of disease-carrying mosquitoes. Common symptoms are fatigue, breathing difficulties, and coughing fits. This ailment is a particular concern for dog owners who live in warm areas where there are a lot of mosquitoes. The good news is that it is highly curable, but you’ll have to bring your dog to a specialist so he can be treated with the right doses of the drug Ivermectin.

Again, take note that dog ailments can be deadly if left untreated. The good news for you is that with the continuing advances in medical science, it is now a lot easier to prevent and treat these ailments. Owner responsibility is the key to ensuring the health and safety of any dog, so make sure that you know enough about these common dog ailments and take the necessary steps to keep your dog from suffering any of them.