Dog Health

>> Dog Heart Diseases
>> Dog Skin Diseases
>> Dog Eye Diseases
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Healthy Ears: These are recognised by its pinkish grey color and without any odor from the ears. For healthy ears, follow the below tips:

1. Depending upon the locality you live in and how often your dog is let loose, check his ears for ticks and fleas.
2. Clean your dog’s ears at least once a week especially if your dog has drooping ears which makes them more prone to fungal or bacterial infection. You can use a lotion that has been made for this purpose and follow instructions on the label. Or use a cotton swab dipped in hydrogen peroxide -ensure excess is squeezed out- and gently wipe all around the small clefts. Dry it once done. Use another cotton swab for the other ear.
3. Some breeds may require you to pluck the hairs present at the entrance to the ear to allow for air circulation. You can use your fingers or tweezers. Do not hold chunks of hair but hold a few at a time. Your vet will advise you whether this is required or not.
4. Your dog’s behavior is a good indicator of his health. If your dog is pawing at his ears or shaking his head too often, check for the following and if true, visit the vet.
   • Discharge or wax in the ear
   • Bad odor from the ear
   • Red or inflamed skin

The problem could be due to:

Infections: This is pretty common in dogs especially for dogs with drooping ears due to minimum air circulation. Ear drops are generally prescribed which may be needed everyday for around a fortnight and once a week thereafter.

Mites: Medication will be given which should easily clear these.

The above are the most common reasons but there could be other reasons and these are best obtained after a check-up of your dog.

Healthy Eyes: These are recognised by them being wide open and shiny. To ensure their continued health, follow the following tips:

1. Use a warm moist soft cloth to wipe the discharge, moving away from your dog’s eyes during it’s regular grooming session or when noticed.
2. Certain breeds have a regular discharge and some breeds are more susceptible to eye infections. Find out what is normal for your dog and follow any advice given by your vet.
3. Visit the vet if you find that the discharge is yellow or greenish as this could be due to an infection in which case it can be treated.

Healthy Teeth: Teeth with no cavities or plaque are definitely healthy teeth. Follow these simple rules to help your dog maintain the health of his teeth.

1. Don’t give hard objects or hard chews to puppies or pull at objects that are held between their teeth because their teeth are soft and not strongly rooted in their gums. If any injury is caused to them at this stage, the adult teeth which are developing close to the baby teeth will either never come or they will not be in the correct position. This will later tear the mouth’s soft tissue leading to mouth infections.
2. Use a dog toothbrush or a soft bristled toothbrush and brush your dog’s teeth using water only at least three times a week. Asking your vet to do this once in a while will also help. Dog toothpaste is available which can be used thrice a week.
3. Some breeds are more likely to have dental problems so take your vet’s advice on any special care required.
4. Check your dog’s breath, teeth and gums regularly for plaque or cavities in his teeth and boils and other infections of the gums. Visit the doctor if there is a cause for alarm. Beware of oral cancer (for dogs over seven years) and periodontal disease (common after two years of age) and ensure treatment is given as soon as possible.

Healthy Skin and Coat: If your dog has unbroken skin with shiny fur, you have no cause for concern. To maintain this, you have been given a few instructions:

1. Ensure you maintain a healthy diet for your dog and regularly seek your vet’s advice. Additional details on this are given under dog nutrition.
2. Ensure you bathe your dog regularly but not too often as this could lead to the coat loosing its natural lubrication. Choose the right shampoos after consultation with your vet.
3. Grooming is very important and may reveal problems before they become bigger health issues. Refer to dog grooming for more information.
4. Ensure the dog is free of fleas, ticks and mites. Due to the irritation caused by these insects, the dog will recklessly scratch itself which can lead to infections.
5. Your home needs to be regularly treated for fleas as it is quite common for fleas to make their home on sofas, carpets, etc.

Healthy Feet: Does your dog have clean feet without any infected cuts? Then all you need to do is follow these simple steps to maintain his healthy feet.

1. Check the dog’s feet for insects between the toes and pads. Remove them carefully.
2. Check the dog’s feet for any bruises or cuts after returning from walks. Treat these immediately to avoid infection.
3. Ensure the dog’s toenails are clipped every fortnight or so. Be careful while doing this due to the nerve and blood supply present at the base.
4. Dirt should be removed from below the nails which will also prevent infections when the dog scratches himself.

Read more on the various major diseases your pet dog might be suffering from: