7 Pet Conditions You Should Regularly Get Checked Out

If you are a dog owner or are looking for puppies for sale and want to know what health conditions affect dogs you need to stay on top of, then you’re on the right path. A lot of pet owners overlook their pet’s health, and only pay attention when they are seriously hurt, ill, or need to see a veterinarian.

If you are going to be buying some puppies, then it’s a good idea to monitor their health from when they are young, so that you can spot anything wrong right away. This post will tell you about seven common conditions that you should monitor your dog for (and get them checked out if they develop symptoms).

Overlong Nails

A very common condition among dogs is the growth of overlong nails. In particular, French Bulldogs develop this condition most. Thankfully it’s very easy to trim a dog’s nails, so this condition doesn’t necessarily need to be checked out. According to the pet specialists from Doggie House Pet Shop, French Bulldogs are a very popular breed of dog. If you intend on buying one, then it’s a good idea to pick up some nail clippers, so that you can maintain your dog’s nails. The same is also true if you are looking for English Bulldog puppies.

Deafness

Deafness is a condition that’s not typically associated with dogs but can affect some breeds quite badly. Dalmatians are a breed that suffers from deafness very often. As much as 8% of Dalmatians are bilaterally deaf and 22% are unilaterally deaf. Because some dogs have only partial deafness, if you notice that your dog does not always respond to you or does not appear to react to sudden noises, then it’s a very good idea to reach out to a veterinarian.

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is a very common condition, which can affect dogs like Pugs and Bulldogs. If your dog suffers from chronic conjunctivitis, then you need to make sure that you take them to a veterinarian so that you can get them effective medicine. You can then treat your dog’s conjunctivitis at home. Conjunctivitis can be very uncomfortable for dogs, so if you do not treat them effectively, their quality of life could be significantly reduced. Conjunctivitis is an easy condition to treat, as long as treatment is persistent and quality medicine is used.

External Parasites

External parasites, like ticks and fleas, are very common. Even the healthiest of dogs can pick them up. It is very important that you regularly brush your dog’s coat and give them flea medication so that your dog doesn’t end up picking any parasites up. External parasites can make your dog’s life very uncomfortable, not to mention yours. Fleas can bite humans, too. If your dog exhibits any of the symptoms of a flea infestation (i.e., scratching, chewing on fur, or irritability) then take them to the veterinarian to get them checked. An easy way of checking for fleas at home is to dampen a tissue and then rub it around your dog’s ear, where fleas tend to congregate. If the tissue appears red or bloody, then it is a sign that your dog has fleas.

Dental Disease

Dental disease isn’t a condition that really affects one breed more than others. While some breeds have a genetic disposition to it, it can be managed and prevented quite easily, All that you need to do is to make sure that you brush your dog’s teeth and take good care of their dental hygiene. Unfortunately, most dog owners don’t brush their dogs’ teeth. Failing to brush your dog’s teeth will probably result in some kind of dental disease becoming manifest. It’s also very common for cats to develop dental disease, more so than dogs, because cat owners seldom brush their cats’ teeth.

Canine Influenza

Human beings aren’t the only ones that can get the flu, dogs can too. Canine influenza, also called ‘dog flu’ is a disease that’s relatively new to dogs. The virus is more or less the same in dogs as the flu is in humans. It causes coughing, a fever, and a runny nose. In most dogs, the condition resolves on its own. It is possible to get your dog vaccinated against the virus, though your dog will have to have seasonal vaccinations, as is the same in humans. If your dog has developed the symptoms of canine influenza, then it’s a good idea to reach out to their veterinarian and ask for advice.  

Heat Stroke

Heatstroke is a condition to watch out for, especially since temperatures are rising all around the world to unprecedented levels. If your dog develops heatstroke, then they could fall seriously ill. Make sure to keep your dog in well-ventilated spaces during high heat, keep them out of the sun, and never leave them in a car with the windows shut.

If you are a dog owner, then you need to make sure that you watch out for the conditions outlined in this post. If you do, then you will be able to ensure that your dog has a long, happy, and most importantly, healthy life. All of the conditions and diseases specified in this post can seriously impact your dog’s quality of life, causing them to become uncomfortable and unhappy.