Canine Health Issues
the information you need...........
In spite of our best attempts, all dog owners have to deal with canine health issues at some point!
Many puppies have minor health issues in the early days, and a run-in with one or two of the most common dog health problems is almost unavoidable if you're a dog owner.
Although canine vaccinations, a nutritional diet, and parasite prevention all help to keep your dog happy and healthy, it's important that you know how to recognize common dog health problems and symptoms.
Veterinary care today is usually excellent and, when caught early and treated properly, the vast majority of canine health issues can be easily overcome with help from your veterinarian or animal health care professional.
The biggest problems arise when we either don't recognize the syptoms of dog illness or injury, or take a 'wait and see' attitude when veterinary help is needed. The results of these errors can be pretty costly - and not just in terms of money. Sometimes what started out as a simple problem, can turn into a BIG canine health issue if left untreated!
You definitely want to avoid that happening to your dog.
Common Canine Health Issues
Puppies and dogs have many of the same illnesses/conditions as we do. These include things like diabetes, hypoglycemia, canine congestive heart failure and other cardiac issues, kidney problems, arthritis, cancer, canine allergies and so on.
Other illnesses are specific to dogs in particular, or animals in general. This group contains dog illnesses such as Parvovirus, Distemper, Kennel Cough and Rabies.
Plus parasitic-born diseases such as Lyme Disease, Coccidiosis and Giardia, and canine worms of all types.
Finally, there are symptoms of dog illness that are common to both minor and major canine health issues. The most common of these are digestive problems such as diarrhea and vomiting, but also include fever, lethargy, weakness, loss of appetite, pain/discomfort, limping, straining, hair loss and many more.
Rottweiler Health Issues
All breeds have particular health problems that they are especially susceptible to, or that are hereditary in nature. Rottweilers are no exception!
As with most large and giant breed dogs, Rottweilers are prone to joint/bone issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia and panosteitis. Another canine health issue that is most often seen in large breeds is bloat (or torsion), and Rotties are at risk of this due to their size and deep-chested structure.
In addition to the above, this breed seems to have more than it's fair share of canine heart disease, cancer, kidney problems and canine allergies.
Last but definitely not least, is the fact that Rottweilers are one of the breeds in the 'high-risk' category when it comes to Canine Parvovirus.
This vicious disease has a high mortality rate in unvaccinated puppies of all breeds, but Rotties seem to succumb more easily than many others.
For this reason, it's vitally important to keep your Rottweiler puppy up to date with his puppy vaccinations, and make sure to get annual boosters taken care of on time.
Preventing Canine Diseases
Many of the diseases that kill puppies and dogs can be prevented by keeping up a regular schedule of vaccinations. The importance of this cannot be over-emphasised.
You can find out all about canine vaccinations and see a suggested vaccinations schedule on my Puppy Vaccinations page.
Other types of canine health issues involve parasites of all different types.
Dogs can be hosts to many different parasites including tape worms, round worms, hook worms, heart worms, fleas, ticks and protozoa (single cell organisms that cause diseases such as Giardia).
There are many excellent products that can kill/prevent parasitic infestations, however you should never buy over-the-counter medications for canine health issues. Your veterinarian can recommend/prescribe/administer de-worming medications, flea/tick preventatives and diagnose and treat protozoa-borne dog illnesses.
OTC products are often ineffective at best, and can have both unwanted and dangerous side effects. There are also natural products available if you want to take a more holisitic approach.
Recognizing Common Canine Health Issues
It can definitely be tricky for new puppy/dog owners to know when they're pet is ill or when to seek veterinary help.
There are some canine illness symptoms that can indicate both minor and major conditions. Sometimes the severity and frequency of the symptoms can give you an idea of whether or not your dog needs help, but if you're ever in doubt it's always better to talk to, or visit, your vet.
If your pups symptoms are mild, or you're concerned about a minor health issue, an online veterinarian is a very cost-effective alternative to a vet visit.
You can get an answer to your question within a few hours (often even faster), and for an average cost of about $12. Visit my Ask A Vet A Question page to find out more.
BUT if your pup is clearly feeling unwell, has the symptoms of one of the more serious dog diseases, is injured, or it is an emergency situation. This sort of circumstance required immediate veterinary attention 'in the flesh'!
Any significant change in your dogs behavior can indicate canine health issues that need to be addressed. For example, if your dog is normally a 'chow hound' but suddenly seems totally disinterested in his food bowl, you could have a problem.
Similarly, a normally active dog who turns into a couch potato overnight could be feeling ill. More obvious signs of dog illnesses that are often seen include diarrhea and/or vomiting.
While loose stools can be caused by a sudden change in diet (including dietary 'indiscretions'), stress, medications, dog food allergies and so on, it can also be one of the first signs of several serious dog diseases such as Parvo, Coccidiosis, Coronavirus etc.
One or two episodes of loose stools, without other symptoms, isn't necessarily cause for panic. But repeated dog diarrhea which gets progressively more severe or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as vomiting or lethargy , should be evaluated by your veterinarian IMMEDIATELY.
Potentially serious canine health issues such as Parvo could be to blame. In these cases time is not on your side and getting help fast is imperative.
Find a great selection of books and informational products here..........
Canine Health - The Basics
To find out more about the most common canine health issues, take a look at my Dog Diseases and Symptoms page. It covers the most common canine illnesses and their symptoms. It could save you valuable time and a lot of worry!
Search here for more information on Rottweilers or anything else you want to know about this breed........
Dog Diseases And Symptoms
Caring For Big Dog Breeds
Canine Congestive Heart Failure
Canine Bloat
Canine Allergies
Parvo
Dog Diarrhea
Puppy Vaccinations
Canine Worms
Ask A Vet A Question
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