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How to Avoid Common Pug Dog Health Problems

admin — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:36:05 +0000

One of todays most popular dog breeds is the Pug and anyone who is thinking about adding one to their family should become familiar with the specifics of pug dog health care.

This breed has been known to man for over three thousand years, and is a member of the AKC Toy group where it was first recognized in 1885. This breed is one of the most easily recognized with it’s flat wrinkly face, thickset body, and curly tail. Pugs generally weigh between 13 and 20 pounds and are about 10 to 14 inches tall.

This is one of the cutest dog breeds but some of the very things which make a pug so cute and adorable are also the very things that require a little bit of extra care in order to avoid some of the health problems specific to the breed.

First, there is the dog’s wrinkly skin. Unfortunately, your pug’s adorable skin folds are prone to infection — you must consult your veterinarian immediately at the first signs of infection. You should bathe and clean your pug regularly — particularly making sure you clean in between the wrinkles, removing any dirt or debris because that can cause bacteria build up (which could lead to infection).

Another factor which could cause pug dog health problems is its eyes. Because of its peculiar shape and location on the face, the pug’s eyes are not protected properly and are prone to injury and other problems. Look for any inflammation in the eye regularly and take the dog to the Vet immediately if you identify any problem in the surrounding area.

If allowed, pugs will eat to excess. Watch your pet’s food intake carefully to keep him at a healthy weight — being overweight could adversely affect a pets health as much as it would a person’s.

Pugs are very sensitive to heat and humidity, so don’t leave your dog outdoors without shade or locked in a car during the summer. An overheated pug can have a hard time breathing, so make sure that you don’t leave him anywhere where he might be subjected to high heat for any length of time.

Of course, like any dog, taking proper care of your pug and taking him to the vet for regular visits is the best way to insure good pug dog health. Take care of your pug responsibly and you’ll have your companion healthy and happy for many years to come.

By: Lee Dobbins

About the Author:

Please visit http://www.pugdoghealth.com for more on pug dog health including more serious health problems that could affect your pet Pug.

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Dog Arthritis Treatment. Arthrits Treatments for a Dog

admin — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 11:34:18 +0000

Even those of us who do not have dogs at home know that man’s best friend is highly prone to dog arthritis. How many times have you viewed a canine that maneuvers as if it is pain? This is specifically the case with older and/or overweight canines which are generally less active physically. Sound familiar? It may, because this is just the sort of life that causes arthritis in people, as well. These days, we refer to arthritis a lifestyle disease with reason.

Happens to all of us
Actually, arthritis in dogs is much alike to arthritis in humans, as it is a degenerative disease that creates hardening of the joints and muscles. And as with people, arthritis in canines is quite common because joints will, in the normal course of events, suffer an amount of deterioration. And as with humans, arthritis – most commonly osteoarthritis – in dogs can be an immensely painful condition which, if not treated, causes a good deal of distress.

Age factor

One thing to consider is that arthritis can affect dogs at all ages. Obviously, the more aged the dog, the more chances that it will get arthritis, but arthritis affects younger dogs too. For example, a young dog that has been in an accident or has sustained some kind of injury is also prone to develop canine arthritis. Also there are ailments that can help induce the onset of canine arthritis, such as the disease known as hip dysplasia, which is a usual symptom of limping in dogs, and that can lead to arthritis later on.

First steps
Naturally, at the first signs of movement difficulty you should take your dog to a vet. The administration of the right kind of medication is very important, because like human arthritis, dog arthritis is not entirely curable, but, given the right kind of dog arthritis treatment, it can be kept in check.

And although you might not think it, gentle exercise is one of the best treatments, which may sound paradoxical since exercise will cause increased joint movement, but is actually of great help. That is because the exercises are not meant to be vigorous physical workouts, which will no doubt worsen the condition, but perhaps a steady walk, which releases lubricating fluids for the joints and aid their smooth movement.

See it coming
Naturally there is a variety of medicines and treatments that you can buy to alleviate the symptoms, though as we have already said, there is no permanent cure. But these medications are assuredly prescribed by the vet. And a vet is also your best chance for helping the onset of canine arthritive, which really are the best ways to treat dog arthritis. So, let’s say that dogs have an approximate life span of 14 years, if your pet is approaching 10, you should know that it’s time to ask your vet about ways to keep your dog healthy so that dog arthritis does not strike.

Proper Puppy Eye Care Avoids Visits To The Vet

admin — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 16:34:17 +0000

Puppy eye care is one of the most important duties for a new owner because puppies often develop serious eye conditions that could lead to disastrous results in the life of a puppy. The problems of puppy eye care can vary widely from an insignificant soreness to a serious disease. Puppy eye care should continue constantly, and any problem that is not resolved quickly should be referred to a qualified veterinarian. Many people in the office of a good veterinarian are advised to pay careful attention to any eye condition. Puppies like their human equivalents cannot tell anyone if their vision is affected in some way. Owners should pay careful attention to any eye problems.

Puppy eye care includes observation of any potential problems which might be indicated by squinting, redness or watering of the eyes. Squinting, for example, could mean a piece of dust in the eye or the first signs of cancer. A condition that does not seem too serious could impact the dog forever if not treated properly and quickly. When buying a new puppy, each person should find out about eye conditions that are common to the breed. Puppy care includes knowing the possibilities for the breed and watching carefully for signs of these conditions. Some dog breeds are prone to glaucoma while others are prone to dry eye. The breed of the dog will make a difference in puppy eye care.

Puppy Eye Care Includes Vigilance In Looking For Common Disorders

There are many eye disorders which should be discovered early to provide proper eye care. Some puppies from certain breeds end up with a folding of the eyelid which means that the eyelashes affect the eye of the dog. Other dogs often develop problems with the glands of the eyes. Some breeds are susceptible to dry eye because they do not produce enough tears. These conditions and several others can make life more difficult for a puppy.

Puppy eye care should start with the first visit to the breeder. Each potential owner should look very carefully at the eyes of each puppy. Any kind of specks on the eyes of the puppy could signal significant problems in puppy eye care. There should not be any problems with the eyelashes of the dog disturbing the eye of the dog. Puppy eye care starts with prevention. There are many clichés about prevention, but prevention is very important to puppy eye care.