|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cushing’s Disease In Dogs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lymphoma in Dogs
Wendy C. Brooks, DVM, DipABVP,
VeterinaryPartner.com,
Veterinary Information Network, Inc. (VIN)
|
|
|
Pets are our companions and our friends. They give a great deal to
us and ask little in return — just the love of a caring master
who will shelter and protect them, as we do our children. It can be
doubly tragic when a pet such as a dog falls ill, not only because
they are in distress, but because they cannot verbally communicate to
us what is wrong or where it hurts.
Dog owners can prevent or mitigate the effects of canine diseases
and dog health problems by insuring that their dogs are provided with
proper living conditions, nutrition and exercise. Learning how to
interpret your dog’s behaviors may alert you to a problem, since
behavior changes such as increased timidity or anxiety, lethargy,
uncharacteristic aggressiveness, excessive licking or chewing of body
parts such as legs, torso and tail, or loss of appetite often occur when
a dog becomes ill. Note, however, that such behaviors by themselves do
not necessarily signal the presence of dog illness or disease.
Talking to other dog owners, especially those having dogs of the same breed as
your own, is a good way to learn about your dog’s health and
potential health problems and risks as well as what to expect if your
canine does get sick. A comprehensive reference book for your
breed of dog or for dogs in general is a handy item to have around the
house. Knowing your dog and how it behaves is by far the best
way to determine whether your dog is ready for a romp or is
under the weather.
If you are unsure whether your dog has a health problem, seek the advice of
your veterinarian. If you know your dog is suffering illness,
a visit to the vet should be scheduled as soon as possible, since some
canine diseases and medical conditions can become life threatening very
quickly.
The best way to combat dog diseases is to be proactive, making sure your
dog is properly vaccinated and gets his or her required booster shots.
Canine vaccination is now available for most but not all common dog
diseases, some of which are potentially fatal. Dogs frequently come in
contact with other canines during walks with their owners; a casual
nose touch may be all that is necessary to spread a debilitating canine
disease. Get those shots!
Most feline diseases are not transmissible to dogs. Most canine diseases are
not transmissible to cats. Most animal diseases are not transmissible to
humans. Most does not mean all; some very serious
diseases (which are also very rare in domesticated animals) are
transmissible. Always use common sense and proper hygiene. Parasitic
diseases and fungal infections are most easily transmitted between species.
So before you let your dog kiss you, ask yourself, “Where has that
tongue been?” On the other hand, don’t get freaked if the
neighbor’s dog licks your child’s face.
Authored by Kenneth L. Anderson.
Original article published 24 December 2003, updated 16 February
2006.
Follow links to the right to learn more about dog diseases, canine diseases and dog health problems. Ten Spider Pets
is dedicated to providing information and resources that can help you
protect your dog’s well-being and health to maximize his or her
longevity and quality of life. Check out other topics in our
Pet Care & Pet Health section to
learn more about how to care for dogs and other pets and animals. If you
desire to become a dog owner, investigate
Pet
Adoption & Rescue. If you already own a dog, you may be
especially interested in
Pet
Health Care Products and
Pet
Products & Supplies.
At the left margin, Related Links address topics of interest
pertaining to pets and companion animals. View the
Pet Care & Pet Health SiteMap
for a complete list of pet care and pet health topics.
|
|
