Dog Health Question and Answers

Are you concerned about your pet's health or just have some dog health questions?

The following list of dog health care questions and answers will help you to recognize if your pet is ill. It will also help you to take a better care of your puppy or an adult dog.

Before we proceed to questions and answers, here is something important...

Don't try to make a diagnosis on your own. If you suspect your pet is ill, take him to a veterinarian.

OK, here are the...

5 Dog Health Questions and Answers

1. How can I tell if my puppy is ill?

The most common signs that your pet is ill are a loss or appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss and depression (yes, dogs get that too). If these symptoms don't disappear in two days, contact your dog's veterinarian. In general, you will get to know your dog pretty well and will be able to tell if there is something wrong with him.

2. Is it necessary to brush my dog's teeth?

Surprisingly, and unfortunately, this is not one of the more common dog health questions.
In short, the answer is "yes". According to American Veterinary Dental Society, around 80 percent of dogs show signs of oral disease by the age of three. By cleaning your dog's teeth on a regular basis, you will keep his gums and jaw bones healthy. You will also be able to reduce or even eliminate costly cleanings done under general anesthesia by a vet. Chew toys will also help you keep your pet's teeth healthy.

3. Is it possible to tell by the temperature of my dog's nose if he is ill?

A common dog health question that many owners feel they have an answer for. Unfortunately, the answer they have is wrong. No, you can't tell if your dog is ill by his nose. Dogs have only two body parts though which they sweat. Nose is one of them (paws are another). When the outside temperature is hot and your dog is sweating to cool himself, his nose will feel cool and moist. On the other hand, if a dog does not need to cool himself, his nose will feel dry.

4. How often will I need to vaccinate my dog?

This is one of the most common dog health questions. There are many factors that will influence vaccination schedule and, because each situation is unique, only your veterinarian can answer this question. He or she will talk to you about it during your pet's first visit.

5. How often will I need to take my dog to a vet?

It all depends on your dog health in general. If your dog is in good health, an older dog will usually need to see a vet once a year. For younger puppies, because of vaccinations, vet visits will be more frequent. And, of course, if your dog is ill, he will need to see a vet whether it's time for a regular checkup or not.


For more information on dog health problems, visit www.puppy-training-solutions.com

Dog Health : Pet Dental Health First

This blog is all about our dog health and anything that concerns our pets.

On my first post here is Missy, the cutest little terrier I found. As you can see shes getting ready for her dental repair. In fact by the time you have finished reading this post she already have a brand new smile.

But did you know that, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, more than 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by the time they are 3 years old. This can lead to serious health problems.

Here are some AVMA tips and information on how to keep your pet’s teeth healthy:

• Look for signs of tooth decay and oral disease by inspecting your pet’s teeth regularly. Bad breath, discoloration and tartar are all indications of problems.

• Regular visits to your veterinarian should include a complete checkup of your pet’s teeth and gums. Your veterinarian should clean plaque and tartar off your pet’s teeth if necessary. Tartar is created by the mixture of food debris, saliva and bacteria in the mouth. When it is allowed to build up it can accumulate between teeth and gums, causing tooth loss and resulting in an infection that could enter the bloodstream and spread to the heart or other internal organs.

• Brush your pet’s teeth daily or at least weekly. While most dogs or cats will not immediately accept a dental hygiene regimen, it can be successfully introduced with patience, particularly if you start when the pet is young.

To acclimate your dog health, start slowly using plenty of praise and treats. Begin at a time when your pet is relaxed and massage the outside of their mouth with your finger. Then give them a taste of pet toothpaste — poultry-flavored is popular — and slowly introduce a toothbrush to their teeth. Begin brushing in short intervals, working up to about 30 seconds a side.

Dogs don’t accumulate as much tartar on the outside of their teeth as they do the inside, so focus your dental hygiene attention there.

Feed your dog or cat crunchy food, or at least a mix of hard and soft foods. The abrasive texture of kibble can help keep teeth clean, while soft food can cling to your pet’s teeth and lead to decay. Also consider crunchy treats, which also help clean teeth.

Chew toys for dogs and rope toys that cats can chew are not only immensely entertaining for your pet, but also keep teeth clean and breath smelling fresh.
For more information on pet dental health, visit www.petdental.com.