Your Dogs Health - The Basics Every Pet Owner Should know

Excerpt : Your dog is probably stronger and healthier than most humans that you know. However, by taking him from his natural environment, where only the strongest survive, to the artificial one in which most

Your dog is probably stronger and healthier than most humans that you know. However, by taking him from his natural environment, where only the strongest survive, to the artificial one in which most pet dogs live, we have exposed him to an entirely new set of dangers which their instincts are not designed to cope with.

A dog’s health is influenced by the genes inherited from his parents and by the care given to his mother during the prenatal period, as well as to the puppy during his first 2 or 3 months of life. A puppy, whose mother was properly cared for during pregnancy, will be more able to handle the hazards of growing up.

The majority of dogs lead perfectly healthy, normal lives. They overcome occasional skin rashes, chills, and upset stomachs, recover from cuts and bruises with ordinary

Buy this Art Print

Also see : Questions and Answers About Dogs Part 3 from David the Dogman Just this side of Heaven is a place called The Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to...read more Your Dogs Nutrition 101 Dogs have specific nutritional needs, but most pet owners do not realize that all dogs and most pet foods are not alike. Many commercial dog food...read more

A healthy dog’s temperature, taken rectally when he is rested, is about 101.2 degrees in an adult dog, 102 in small breeds, and 102.5 in a puppy. It can fluctuate one way or the other, being lower in the morning and higher in the late afternoon. Long-coated breeds have a slightly higher normal temperature than short-coated ones. His pulse is taken at the femoral artery, high inside the thigh. There is no normal pulse rate for dogs. It can range from 120 beats per minute in a young puppy, to 70 or 80 in an older dog. Count the beats

Buy this Art Print

Also see : Dogs - Choosing The Right Breeder The Right Breeder Dogs are considered as man's best friend. Deciding to own one whether it is big or small involves a lot of responsibility....read more Heartworms in Dogs The heartworm ( Dirofilaria immitis ) is a deadly parasite that is carried by mosquitoes. The highest infection rates are in areas within 150 miles...read more

A normal eye is bright and clear, although the lens becomes pale blue as he ages. His nose is moist and cool most of the time, but a dry, warm nose doesn’t always mean a fever or illness. His tail wags and he carries himself normally. His coat is shiny and sheds normally. He eats his meals without gulping compulsively and without being coaxed, drinks a normal amount of water after meals and exercise, and more during hot weather. His bowel movements are regular and well-formed, his urine is clear and both process’s are painless. As a puppy he sleeps most of the time, but as an adult only about half the time, and he is generally friendly, alert, and

Buy this Art Print

Also see : Allergies in Dogs Does your dog have allergies? It is interesting how dogs experience many of the health issues that humans do, including allergies. Dog allergies...read more Dogs are Heroes Heroism and courage are probably the most profound traits that endear dogs so deeply into the hearts and minds of mankind. Every day, humans all over...read more

A sick or ailing dog will have a temperature over 102 degrees, a sign of fever, or under a 100, a sign of weakness. If it does not return to normal within 24 hours, call the vet. If his temperature is as low as 99, or as high as 104, call the vet immediately. His pulse may be weak or irregular, his respiration at rest may be irregular or labored, panting or weak. His eye may appear dull, red or yellow with a sticky discharge. His nose may be dry and hot, also with a discharge.

His tail may be immobile, carried stiffly or between the legs, his coat may be dry and stand up when it should lay flat, the skin may be itchy and flaky and there may be bald spots, or red patches. He may eat with a good appetite but usually doesn’t want food at all, and is usually reluctant to swallow any

Buy this Art Print

Also see : It's a Dog's Life What do we mean when we say “Oh, It’s a Dog’s Life”? Maybe it’s because the ideal dog’s life is to have nothing more than a warm bed, to be fed...read more Know Your Friendly Neighborhood Assistance Dogs Dogs, aside from being his best friend has also served man in so many useful and varied ways - from shepherding, to cattle rustling, to rescue, and...read more

He may sleep all of the time and hide in dark corners; his breath may have a bad odor and be labored. He may show very obvious symptoms of disorder such as swellings, protuberances, lameness, pain, prolonged wheezing or coughing, and unusual sensitivity in some part of his body. His overall general behavior will be lethargic and unresponsive when he is normally friendly and active, or nervous and excitable when he is the quite type with snapping or snarling for no apparent reason.

The symptoms offered here which are fairly obvious and not too far from our own human symptoms, (good and bad).

Buy this Art Print

About The Author

Randy Jones and his partner Brent Jones have been in the pet industry for a long time. Recently they formed Joncopets.com. On the site, customers can read articles about anything pets as well as shop for the latest fancy dog collars, dog dresses, fancy dog beds, and more for their best friend. Feel free to check out the site at http://www.joncopets.com.

More Dogs Articles

Buy this Art Print

For Dog Lovers Like You and Me | sitemap
copyright yourdoginfo.com 2006