Common Dog Health Issues

🐕 Complete Dog Health Guide

Dogs are loyal companions, and their health is vital for a long, happy life. Proper care involves nutrition, exercise, preventive medicine, and regular vet checkups. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about maintaining your dog's well-being.

📋 Table of Contents

• 🛁 Basic Dog Care Essentials
• ⚠️ Common Dog Health Issues
• 🍗 Dog Nutrition & Diet Tips
• 🩺 Preventive Care & Vaccinations
• 🏥 When to Visit the Vet
• 🚨 Emergency Signs in Dogs

🛁 Basic Dog Care Essentials

🪒 Grooming & Hygiene

• Brushing: Regular brushing prevents matting (frequency depends on coat type)
• Bathing: Bathe every 4-6 weeks (or as needed) with dog-friendly shampoo
• Nail Trimming: Trim every 3-4 weeks to avoid overgrowth
• Dental Care: Brush teeth 2-3 times a week to prevent gum disease

🏃 Exercise Needs

• Small breeds: 30-60 minutes/day
• Medium breeds: 1-2 hours/day
• Large breeds: 2+ hours/day (e.g., running, fetch, hiking)

🧠 Mental Stimulation

• Puzzle toys
• Training sessions (obedience, tricks)
• Socialization with other dogs

⚠️ Common Dog Health Issues

Health Issue	Symptoms	Prevention/Treatment
Fleas & Ticks	Scratching, red skin, visible parasites	Monthly preventatives, medicated shampoos
Ear Infections	Head shaking, odor, discharge	Regular cleaning, vet-prescribed drops
Arthritis	Limping, stiffness, difficulty moving	Joint supplements, vet-prescribed pain relief
Obesity	Weight gain, low energy, difficulty breathing	Portion control, regular exercise
Dental Disease	Bad breath, yellow teeth, gum inflammation	Regular brushing, dental chews, professional cleaning

🍗 Dog Nutrition & Diet Tips

💡 Pro Tip

Always consult your vet before changing your dog's diet, especially for puppies, seniors, or dogs with health conditions.

Essential Nutrients

• Protein: 18-25% of diet (higher for active dogs)
• Fats: 10-15% for energy and coat health
• Carbohydrates: Whole grains and vegetables
• Vitamins & Minerals: Balanced commercial food usually contains these

Feeding Schedule

Age	Meals Per Day	Notes
Puppies (8-12 weeks)	4	Small, frequent meals
Puppies (3-6 months)	3	Gradually increase portion size
Adult Dogs (1-7 years)	2	Morning and evening
Senior Dogs (7+ years)	2-3	May need special senior formula

🩺 Preventive Care & Vaccinations

Core Vaccines

• Rabies: Required by law, every 1-3 years
• DHPP: Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza (annually)

Recommended Vaccines

• Bordetella: Kennel cough (every 6-12 months)
• Leptospirosis: Annual for at-risk dogs
• Lyme: For dogs in tick-prone areas

Preventive Medications

• Heartworm: Monthly preventive (year-round recommended)
• Flea/Tick: Monthly topical or oral treatment
• Intestinal Parasites: Regular deworming as recommended by vet

🏥 When to Visit the Vet

• Annual wellness exams for adult dogs
• Every 3-4 weeks for puppy vaccinations
• Semi-annual visits for senior dogs (7+ years)
• Before starting a new exercise regimen
• When introducing a new pet to the household

🚨 Emergency Signs in Dogs

Seek Immediate Veterinary Care For:

• Difficulty breathing or choking
• Seizures or collapse
• Bloated or distended abdomen
• Trauma (hit by car, falls, fights)
• Poison ingestion (chocolate, xylitol, etc.)
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Inability to urinate or defecate
• Extreme pain (whining, shaking, aggression)