And then came this long-awaited day: you became the proud owner of a puppy! And while he sniffs his new home and gets used to considering you his family, and all the household enthusiastically follow his every step, you, as a responsible owner, are thinking about how to protect your new friend from various dog ailments.
A few words about vaccination
The main danger for the still immature dog s body is infectious diseases, so it is necessary to vaccinate in a timely manner at the veterinarian. The first vaccination is given at about two months of age. The next one – no later than two weeks later. The third time a grown up puppy is vaccinated when his teeth have completely changed (at about 9 months). Further, vaccination is carried out annually, once a year.
In no case should vaccinations be neglected, as some infectious diseases (for example, distemper) are often fatal for the animal, while others (such as rabies) can pose a threat to the people around them. Signs that indicate the onset of an infectious disease are: the pet s unwillingness to go for a walk, a deterioration in appetite, a desire to hide in a dark place, and refusal to contact people. If you find these symptoms, then you should immediately consult a doctor.
But one should not forget that in addition to infections, there are other ailments, often no less dangerous, and it is important to notice their first signs in a timely manner and start treatment.
About pet food
Often, dogs suffer from indigestion, provoked by the consumption of too fatty foods, a large amount of vegetables, pasta, dairy products. In this case, you should not immediately sound the alarm and stuff your pet with medications. Just a balanced diet will be enough. But if the diarrhea persists, and even vomiting appears, then this may be a sign of an infectious disease, and you should consult a specialist.
Monitor your pet s diet closely, especially at an early age. Remember not to feed your dog meat with lots of small bones, such as chicken. Improper feeding, as well as the puppy s desire to swallow inedible items, can cause constipation. Vaseline oil, which should be added in a small amount to the dog s food, will help to solve this problem.
If vomiting is observed, and besides that, you notice that the animal rubs its back on the floor, then, perhaps, the pet has worms, and it is necessary to start taking antihelminthic drugs.
Appearance
Pay attention to the dog s coat. If it is dry, dull, brittle, or greasy with an unpleasant odor, this is a sign that the dog has a metabolic disorder or digestive problems. In addition, a strong smell from the mouth may indicate stomach diseases.
Pay attention to your dog s ears. Redness, itching, unpleasant odor from the ears can be caused by colds or allergic diseases. Without proper treatment, allergies cause chronic ear inflammation, which can lead to deafness over the years.
If the dog sneezes, coughs, then this may be due to the ingress of dust or chemicals into the lungs and bronchi, for example, when in a smoky room or in a gas-polluted space. But if there are no external irritants, you should be worried and urgently contact your veterinarian. Since often such symptoms are signs of adenoviral rhinotracheitis, a dangerous disease, if left untreated, it can be fatal.
Trauma
Active young dogs can injure ligaments, muscles or joints if awkwardly move, even get dislocated. In this case, it is impossible to hesitate. It is necessary for the veterinarian-surgeon to examine the dog, take an x-ray, perform an operation if necessary, and prescribe treatment.
By becoming the owner of a dog, you get the incomparable joy of associating with a devoted four-legged friend, but you also become responsible for him. It is important to understand that you cannot neglect the symptoms that appear. Perhaps it is the timely appeal to the veterinarian that will save the pet from big problems in the future, and in some cases even save his life.