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.

Natural Treatments to Keep Fleas and Ticks Off Your Dog

Fleas and ticks are aggravating not only for your dog but for you. Plus they can lead to other more serious health issues. There are a number of sprays and powders available to treat the problem; however their chemical ingredients could prove to be dangerous to both your pet’s health and yours.

Never fear - these chemical products are not the only way you can battle these miniature invaders. You can defend against them with natural treatments that are safe for all those concerned and are usually very effective at eliminating the problem.

For starters, investigate your nearby pet store. It will likely have a lot of different products designed for the elimination of fleas and ticks that are produced from natural components. These products will contain no chemicals that could potentially harm your pet or family members, but they do contain ingredients that are highly effective at eliminating the annoying pests. You should be able to purchase a variety of products from shampoo to flea brushes that will remove them from your dog’s coat. There are also a few remedies that you apply straight to your dog’s skin which will not hurt him at all, but will definitely obliterate the fleas.

One more alternative is a specially designed flea collar that drives off the fleas. These products contain no chemicals that can penetrate your dog’s skin, so there’s no risk to other pets that might touch the collar.

One way to both prevent and treat the problems associated with fleas and ticks is to keep your dog and your house as clean as possible. Give your dog a bath at least once a week and groom his coat daily. Vacuum the rugs in your house and clean your pet’s bedding as often as you can. Ticks and fleas flourish in warm and humid locations, and find them perfect for laying their eggs, so it’s advisable to vacuum these places frequently.

Another way to kill fleas and their eggs is to sprinkle some borax or powdered laundry detergent on your carpets. Let it sit for a couple moments, then vacuum it up along with the pests. Be sure your pets and kids aren’t nearby when you do this. These products aren't known to be harmful, but it’s always good to play it safe.

There are a few homemade remedies which some pet owners maintain are very effective. Brewer's yeast and garlic are believed to be a good treatment for guarding against and eliminating fleas on your dog. Use these treatments carefully. It’s suggested that you check with your vet to ensure that these remedies are actually safe.

It’s also essential that you mow your lawn and trim the shrubbery on your property regularly, so that the fleas have a harder time getting at your pet.

If you're dedicated to preventing the problem of ticks and fleas from taking hold in the first place, you can most likely do away with the chemical treatment options that may be toxic for your dog. If he still develops a problem, natural products will help to protect his health.