Health

The health of a dog is very important to its owner, but there will always be unforeseen illnesses that cannot be controlled. For example, overbreeding can cause problems in the bones that tend to manifest in the hip and back. Blindness due to old age is another condition beyond our influence.

Nevertheless, the best way to prevent these and other illnesses is to visit the veterinarian on a regular basis. This provides a comprehensive picture of your pet's overall health. The vet should also be contacted in case of an emergency, or when the dog shows unusual symptoms.

D.H.L.P.P

D=Distemper

H=Hepatitis

P=Parainfluenza

P=Parvo

C=Corona

L=Leptospirosis

The DHLPP vaccine for dogs is not a compulsory vaccine, but may help your dog and prevent various diseases that commonly affect canines. The first vaccine can be administered when the dog is 6 weeks old and several boosters will be given periodically during the following months. Yearly boosters are also needed for the vaccine.

This is very important especially in young puppies do to their weaker immune systems. We strongly recommend that all dog owners keep their dogs shots up to date.

Condition	Symptoms	Treatment
Ringworm	Hair loss, scaling	Specific ringworm medication
Food allergies	Skin inflammation, itching	Alternative diet
Kennel cough	Barking cough	Vaccination and/or antibiotics

These are common sings of Ring Worms

Seek a local veterinary office

Ringworm can be transmitted by direct contact with an infected animal, or contact with an item that is contaminated with the spores. The spore can be on infected grooming equipment or brushes, in a contaminated boarding facility or kennel, or in the environment where an infected animal has visited. As you can see, because of the spore's ability to survive for long periods in the environment, your dog can contract ringworm just about anywhere other dogs or cats have been. Fortunately, most healthy adult dogs have some resistance to ringworm and never develop symptoms from the fungus. Young dogs are most often infected. Dogs with a suppressed immune system from other diseases or overuse of steroids are also more susceptible to contracting the disease.

Most small, isolated lesions on healthy dogs and puppies will heal on their own within 4 months. In more severe cases, several different treatments are used. For isolated lesions, the area around the lesion should be thoroughly clipped down close to the skin. Care should be taken when clipping not to irritate the skin, as this may promote spreading of the infection. The lesions can then be treated topically twice a day with an antifungal medication. Popular topical treatments include miconazole cream, Lotrimin cream, or 1% chlorhexidine ointment. For more severe or more generalized lesions, in addition to clipping and topical treatment, antifungal shampoos or dips can also be beneficial. A 0.5% chlorhexidine shampoo, 2% miconazole shampoo, ketoconazole shampoo, lime sulfur dips, or 2% chlorhexidine solution that are applied every 2 to 4 days have all been used effectively.

Another treatment option is to use oral antifungal agents. Historically, griseofulvin was the drug of choice. Ketoconazole, and most recently itraconazole, have been used successfully. These products all have to be given for several months, and because of their potential toxicity, must only be used under close direct veterinary supervision. Griseofulvin should not be used in breeding or pregnant animals.

ZOONOTIC DISEASE

Yes. Ringworm can be transmitted between dogs and people. Persons with suppressed immune systems, such as those with HIV infections or AIDS, and those undergoing chemotherapy may be especially vulnerable. Persons should wear gloves when handling affected animals and wash hands well afterwards.

Food Allergies

.Q: How common are food allergies in dogs?

A: Ten percent of all allergy cases in dogs are food allergies. Dogs also can suffer from food intolerance, which is different from a food allergy.

Q: What are the common signs of a food allergy?

A: Anything from chronic ear inflammation, gastrointestinal problems, and chronic diarrhea to chronic gas, licking their feet, or an itchy rear end.

Q: What are the most common things that could trigger a food allergy in my dog?

A: It’s a genetic problem, and when it’s triggered, it’s by exposure to whatever they’re allergic to. The most common allergens are beef, dairy, wheat, egg, chicken, lamb, soy, pork, rabbit, and fish. And, most dogs are usually allergic to more than one thing.

Q: How do I determine if my dog has food allergies, or something else is causing the problem?

A: There’s only one way to diagnose food allergies accurately, and that is an elimination diet and challenge. So what we do is take the dog off all the foods it's eating and we put him on a food that he's never had before. With all the exotic diets out there now, this can be pretty difficult. I've sent people out for alligator and yak. Once the dog has improved, we start reintroducing the old foods that we think caused the problems in the first place. If he has a reaction, which usually takes a few days to a few weeks, then we know he has a food allergy.

There’s specific testing to rule out other problems as well. For instance, you might take a sample of discharge from the ears to see if there's a problem there, or do skin testing for environmental allergies. Blood testing is not an accurate test for any allergy.

Kennel Cough

SYMPTOMS

A persistent cough is the most common symptom

Retching

Watery nasal discharge

In mild cases, dogs are often active and eating normally

In severe cases, symptoms progress and can include pneumonia, inappetence, fever, lethargy and even death

Kennel cough, the common name given to infectious canine tracheobronchitis, is a highly contagious respiratory disease among dogs. As the name suggests, it is typified by inflammation of the trachea and bronchi. This disease is found throughout the world and is known to infect a high percentage of dogs at least once during their lifetime. It is also sometimes referred to as bordetellosis.

Young puppies often suffer the most severe complications that can result from this disease since they have immature immune systems. Also at increased risk are older dogs, who may have decreased immune capabilities, pregnant females, who also have lowered immunity, and dogs with preexisting respiratory diseases.

Treatment depends on the severity of the infection. If your dog is alert, active, eating well, and has only minor symptoms, your veterinarian may only prescribe general supportive care like rest and good hydration and nutrition. More severely affected dogs benefit from medications that reduce inflammation and coughing. If a bacterial infection is present, antibiotics may help shorten the course of the disease. Dogs with pneumonia often need to be hospitalized for more aggressive treatment.