Signs That Your Dog Is Sick

Your dog isn't able to let you know when she's ill. You need to pay attention and notice when she's not acting like usual. This will provide you with a strong warning that there might be something amiss. Read on to learn about the most common ailments that dogs experience, and how you can stop them in their tracks.

Fleas. Fleas don't entrench themselves in a dog’s coat. However, they do thrive on the skin. To steer clear of fleas that are determined to take over your dog, don't take your pet for a walk in areas that are wooded or locations where fleas travel. Typically, fleas will gather in the grass in your own backyard. Therefore, you need to brush your dog each day with a flea comb.

Ticks. These pests are another common cause of sickness for dogs. Ticks often get embedded in a dog's undercoat where they can easily transmit disease. Once they become attached to your pet's body, it can be very painful to remove them. You really need to stay away from areas where your dog can pick up ticks. Don't walk her in tick territory, which includes any parks or forested areas that have dense bushes. In particular, avoid shady spots where ticks like to make their homes.

Ear mites. Another typical health problem among dogs is ear mites. You might notice that your dog is scratching her ears a lot. If so, take a look to see if her ears are leaking. The infection caused by ear mites results in mucus seepage that is brown in color. This is a sure sign that your pet's ear is infected. You'll need to take her to the vet.

Worms. There are all sorts of worms that can lead to health problems in a dog. The most typical invaders are heartworms, tapeworms, hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms. It's particularly essential that your dog be examined for these parasites because they are highly likely to be passed along to your kids.

Allergies. Yes, even dogs suffer from allergies. An insect bite or sting can lead to a severe reaction in allergic dogs. If your dog suddenly starts to swell up in a specific area or experiences diarrhea or vomiting, don't delay in taking her to the veterinarian.

Even though you can steer clear of many of these ailments, oftentimes it's beyond your control. However, you should always use caution in order to keep your dog healthy.