| A good diet and plenty of exercise are important to a | | | | groups of dogs have close contact with one another. It |
| dog's health, but they can't make a dog totally immune | | | | is a short-term disease, and most dogs get over it with |
| to illness. Early detection is the key to helping your dog | | | | a few days of rest and tender loving care from you. It |
| overcome any health problem. If your pet's stools | | | | is possible to have your dog vaccinated against |
| become very loose, or you notice a marked decrease | | | | Bortadella – a good idea if you plan on boarding |
| in your dog's appetite and/or that she is very lethargic, | | | | her or placing her in "doggie daycare." |
| she may just have a short-term "bug." On the other | | | | Vaccinations are also available to protect your dog |
| hand, if any symptoms continue for more than a few | | | | against more deadly diseases such as rabies, |
| days, you should have your veterinarian examine her | | | | distemper and parvovirus. Most municipalities require |
| for parasites and infections. | | | | that all dogs are vaccinated against rabies; some |
| Diarrhea is a common symptom in dogs, especially | | | | include distemper and parvovirus as well. Making these |
| puppies. It can be triggered by stress or a sudden | | | | vaccinations mandatory protects the health of all dogs, |
| change in food, but also by a virus, bacteria or | | | | and, in the case of rabies, human health as well. If your |
| parasites. Diarrhea causes dehydration, which can be | | | | dog was vaccinated as a puppy, she's off to a good |
| deadly to dogs. It is extremely dangerous in puppies, | | | | start. However, without yearly booster shots, your dog |
| because they dehydrate faster than mature dogs. | | | | is at risk of great suffering from one of these |
| If your dog has diarrhea for more than a day, contact | | | | diseases. |
| your veterinarian for further instructions. You will | | | | Dogs serve as hosts to a number of parasites. You |
| probably be asked to collect a sample and bring it in so | | | | will probably be asked to bring a fecal sample to your |
| they can examine it to determine the cause and | | | | dog's yearly vet appointment, so that the staff can |
| proper treatment. | | | | check for the presence of internal parasites. If you |
| Coughing, sneezing, and discharge from your dog's | | | | notice small, rice-like granules on your pet's bedding or |
| nose and/or eyes often indicate a respiratory infection. | | | | around her anus, she is suffering from an infestation of |
| A lethargic dog with no appetite is likely fighting an | | | | worms and needs to be seen by your vet to get |
| Upper Respiratory Infection (URI). URI, caused by | | | | proper treatment. Other parasites take up residence |
| airborne viruses and bacteria, is highly contagious | | | | on the outside of your dog's body. Mange and |
| among dogs, but is not transmitted between dogs and | | | | sarcoptic mites live on the hair follicles and skin of |
| humans. Early detection of URI is important; ignored | | | | dogs, while ear mites live on the inside of the ear. |
| dogs suffer from severe dehydration and risk | | | | These parasites are so small you might not see them, |
| developing pneumonia. | | | | but they cause your dog extreme discomfort. Head |
| Bortadella, also called 'kennel cough" is another | | | | shaking and pawing at ears are signs of ear mites. |
| contagious respiratory disease commonly contracted | | | | Frequent scratching and skin-biting can indicate either |
| in animal shelters, boarding kennels, or anywhere | | | | skin mites or a dog's worst enemy: fleas. |