Spring Dog Health: Essential Prevention Tips for Pups
The topranking health issue among pets is gastrointestinal disorders, which encompass a variety of conditions such as acute and chronic gastritis, food poisoning, ingestion of foreign objects, and parasitic infections. These issues often lead to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, hematochezia (blood in stool), and intestinal obstruction. Acute gastritis is the most common, followed by ingestion of foreign objects. Pet owners should be vigilant about their pets' dietary habits, avoiding feeding them table scraps or spoiled food. When outdoors, dogs should be closely monitored to prevent them from licking unfamiliar substances, and small items should be kept out of reach to prevent accidental ingestion.
The second most common issue is trauma, with fractures, sprains, and bite wounds being the most prevalent. Spring, with its peak in estrus, sees many dogs and cats becoming more active and playful. This can lead to excitementinduced injuries such as collisions, falls, twists, and sprains. Additionally, some pets may exhibit changed behavior during estrus, becoming restless or even aggressive. To mitigate these risks, pet owners should use pet masks, secure leashes, and consider spaying or neutering their pets.
Third on the list is spinal disorders, primarily spinal arthritis and lumbar issues. These are most common in older, medium to smallsized dogs over the age of five, often due to improper training, such as prolonged standing, incorrect posture during lifting, and frequent climbing stairs. To prevent such health issues, it's important not to force pets to stand for extended periods and to avoid incorrect lifting techniques.
Fourth is dermatological issues. While there are many types of skin diseases, the focus here is on preventive measures. Always keep your dog on a leash during walks, avoid letting them jump into thick grass, use medicated shampoos for baths, and regularly deworm. In the summer, avoid shaving your dog's fur too short, and consider a diet rich in nutrients for skin health for pets with poor skin resistance.
Lastly, infectious diseases are a concern, with canine coronavirus infections being the most common in dogs, followed by canine distemper and parvovirus. In cats, respiratory infections and panleukopenia are prevalent. The significant decrease in canine infectious diseases suggests that pet owners are increasingly aware of the importance of vaccinations, which can boost immunity and prevent these illnesses. It's equally important for cat owners to prioritize vaccinations to keep their feline companions healthy.
