By Thomas A. Beitz

The majority of puppies and dogs never have any serious health problems. For the few diseases you might need to be concerned about, remember that your vet is your dog’s best friend. When you get your new puppy or older dog, go to a veterinarian with whom you feel comfortable with. The vet will give your new canine friend a general check up and set up a schedule of immunizations. Your vet will be able to get to know your dog and will be glad to have you consult him or her for advice. A dog needs little medical care; but that little is essential to your pet’s good health and well being.

General Health

     Internal Parasites - Puppies and dogs quite commonly have parasites which need to be eliminated in order to stay strong and healthy. Have a stool sample checked by your vet as soon as you get your dog. Your vet will test the stool sample to see exactly what parasites are present if any, and he will advise you of the best treatment. You should have your dog’s stool checked at least once per year. 

     Fleas, Ticks and Mites – (External Parasites) These are usually obvious and should be eliminated immediately. There are a number of treatments available to rid your pet of these pests as well as applications that can prevent them from returning. Check with your vet to determine which treatment is best for your pet.

     Teeth and Toenails - Dogs like people, occasionally need their teeth cleaned and their nails clipped. By keeping your dog’s teeth clean and toenails clipped you can prevent dental problems as well as medical problems from occurring. Most vet offices or groomers offer these services if you are unable to do them yourself.

     Spay and Neuter – With the overpopulation of the dogs and cats in this country, it is recommended you have your pet spay or neutered to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. Unless you have a purebred dog and have intentions of trying to improve the stock of that breed, it is recommended that you contact your vet or Animal Service Department to have this procedure done.

     General Health – Our pets can occasionally get colds, coughs, pneumonia, and skin ailments. Your vet has medication and other remedies to help your pet recover. If you see your dog acting in an unusual manner, or observe a discharge from the eyes or ears, observe a foul smell, or bad breathe or coughing, please contact your vet for advice immediately.

Importance of Inoculations

     With a series of scheduled inoculations both for your puppy and your older dog you can insure your dog will be protected against most diseases. The following list is the most common vaccinations recommended by most vets. These vaccinations generally begin at 6 to 8 weeks of age and continue on a vet recommended schedule during the first year with boosters periodically as your dog matures.

     Distemper – Infects the lungs and nervous system progressing from a chilled fever to paralysis and convulsions.

     Hepatitis – Viral disease. Dogs will become drowsy, vomit, seem very thirsty, lose appetite and run a high fever. The dog may have swelling around the head, neck and abdomen.

     Leptospirosis – Infects the kidneys. Symptoms are diarrhea and a yellowish-brown discoloration of the jaws, tongue and teeth. This disease can be cured if caught in time.

     Parainfluenza – The symptoms are similar to bronchitis in people. It is sometimes referred to as “kennel cough.” If not treated it could result in permanent damage or even death to your pet.

     Paraovirus – This is a gastrointestinal virus that strikes quickly and if not caught early on, death occurs within a few days. This is more common in puppies. First indications are usually loss of appetite, followed by diarrhea and vomiting resulting in serious dehydration.  

     Rabies – Acute disease of the dog’s central nervous system. It starts with the dog experiencing depression leading to irritation and then paralysis. Within 4 to 8 days from the onset of paralysis, the dog will die. Even if your dog is bitten by a rabid animal, he probably can be saved if you get him to a veterinarian in time. However, no cure is possible after the symptoms have appeared.

     First Aid – For minor wounds, you can treat them the same way you would treat your own. Wash out the dirt and apply an antiseptic. If you are concerned your dog has swallowed poison, been bitten by a snake or stung by an insect, call your veterinarian immediately. Often people wait too long before taking their dog to the vet.

Nutrition and Supplements

      Poor nutrition can dull the natural texture and shine of your pet’s skin and coat. Dogs and cats, like humans, are increasingly subjected to diets that are over-processed and unhealthy. They are exposed to a variety of environmental pollutants that can wreak havoc on the body. Poor nutrition and constant exposure to environmental irritants can lead to a variety of health concerns. It was once thought that if you provided your pet with a balanced quality dog food that you could maintain optimum health. Due to the pollutants and toxins found everywhere today, it is recommended that you supplement your pet’s regular diet with nutraceuticals. Nutraceuticals are a pharmaceutical grade supplementation containing the most nutritional benefits of any supplements manufactured. These quality supplements help to rid the body of toxins and support healthy cell growth and repair the body’s tissues. Check with your vet to learn more about how nutraceutical supplementation that will help to maintain your pet’s optimum health, especially for the older pet.

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Tom Beitz is the owner of the Academy for Puppies and Dogs and is an authorized dealer for Pet STOP Hidden Dog Fences. Tom can be reached at (716) 628-0651 to answer your questions or he can be found on the web at www.smartdogtrainer.com . E-Mail: Tom@Smartdogtrainer.com

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