Dogs are one of man’s favorite companions. When they are healthy, you will certainly enjoy having them around you. However, no matter how young or old your pet is, it can develop health problems at any time. This means that you have to step up to your responsibility of caring for your pet to keep them in good health.
One way to care for your dog is to take it for regular checkups at a vet clinic. There are common health issues associated with dogs and once you identify them, you need to act fast. Understanding early treatment methods for some ailments is important as they can prevent your pet’s condition from becoming severe while also saving you time and money.
Consistent grooming helps to keep your dog safe and healthy, while checkups help to keep you on track. How about common health issues that you may notice with your dog? You will find some of them below:
Dry Skin
This is common with dogs and can make them feel very uncomfortable. One of the symptoms of this condition is excessive scratching as a result of the absence of sebum or skin oil. If not treated immediately, it can lead to dandruff, flaking, scabbing, and hair loss. Some of the causes of this condition include:
- Aging
- Poor nutrition
- Lack of grooming
- Allergy
- Fleas
This is one of the common health problems associated with dogs. If your pet is an outdoor breed that plays a lot, it is likely to catch fleas. You will find signs of dark spotting, itching, and flaking in your pet’s fur when it catches fleas.
Upset Stomach
This is a common health issue with most animals. It occurs as a result of eating something that they shouldn’t have, and this will certainly make them feel uncomfortable for long. Other causes of this condition are food allergies and chemical imbalances in the digestive system. Diarrhea and vomiting are the symptoms of this condition.
Obesity
Many dogs suffer from being overweight or obese and this can cause major health problems. There is also a risk of having joint pain, heart disease, and difficulty with breathing if your pet is obese. Fortunately, this condition can be treated with a good nutrition plan and proper exercise.
Hair Loss
The common causes of this condition include parasites, allergies, infections, pain, or stress. Hair loss is usually harmful and can cause severe discomfort to your pet if not treated early. Sometimes, this condition comes up as a result of an underlying condition that you have to seek treatment from a vet. Do not try out measures on your own if you do not know what to do in situations like this.
Home Remedies for Dogs
If you are looking for ways to provide your pet with organic, natural treatment, then using an effective home remedy will be ideal. You can use common household items to try out natural remedies that will keep your pet in good shape. Instead of going to a store nearby, you can simply prepare a remedy at home that will provide your pet with a good defensive line against certain ailments.
Also, keep in mind that severe conditions require proper medical treatment to prevent possible deterioration of your pet’s health. Before we start to outline some of the home remedies that you will find useful, we recommend that you monitor your pet closely to observe their reaction to the administered treatment. Make sure you stop if you notice a negative reaction to the treatment. Here are some common health issues and how to prevent them:
1. Treating Fleas
Naturally, some dogs attract fleas from the many places they visit in a day. From random walks to playtime, dogs can easily be affected by fleas regardless of their activity level and breed. Fleas carry tapeworms which they can easily pass to your dog. How do you prevent your pet from attracting fleas? It’s simple! Just prioritize your dog’s hygiene – Bath and groom it regularly to keep it clean and unattractive to fleas.
Flea Comb
If your dog has caught fleas, get a flea comb and start brushing them out early. Using this comb helps to remove the fleas as well as their eggs from the dog’s skin. Always remember to wash the comb and rinse it after use. This will prevent it from being a safe haven for fleas.
Citrus Scents
It is a known fact that fleas do not like citrus scents. With this in mind, you can use a homemade lemon spray on your pet’s coat. You just have to mix some liquid with some lemons and insert them in a spray bottle to get a natural flea mist. This helps to give your dog a fresh smell.
2. Humidifier
One of the reasons why your pet may experience dry skin is low humidity within the house. Utilizing a humidifier is an excellent way to provide additional moisture in the air, especially during a cold season. If you cannot afford one at the moment, you can improvise by placing a small container of water next to a heat lamp where your pet sleeps. With the evaporation of water, moisture is added to the air.
3. Regular Exercise
Encourage your furry friend to play with its toys. Take it out for walks regularly to help it burn some calories. Staying fit can promote better wellness for your pet. For other ways to promote better wellness for your pup, you can read this article.
Conclusion
Home remedies are not supposed to replace regular visits to a vet, but they provide an excellent way to reduce some of the discomforts that may arise as a result of health problems. This article discussed relevant tips to help you, feel free to check them out.
