To pup parents, the thought that their pups may be in pain is beyond upsetting. The problem is that because dogs can’t speak to us and tell us with words when they’re experiencing discomfort. As such, the responsibility falls on pup Mommies and Daddies to be on the lookout for symptoms of trouble. Here are five areas to pay attention to.
1. Skin
Pups can get allergies from food or from the environment, and they often manifest by making skin itchy and sore. A pup with this problem will likely chew at, bite, and scratch the affected area till the skin is raw, which is far from pleasant. You can read up on managing allergies here, and maybe consider this particular supplement here.
2. Ears
Ear infections are also often caused by allergies, although they can also happen as a result of lack of proper cleaning and drying. If you notice a foul odor or discharge from your pup’s ears or that they seem to scratch at them a lot, it could be a sign of an infection. Find out more about ear infections and how to prevent them here.
3. Teeth
Periodontal disease is a silent but potentially fatal issue, and 85% of pups over the age of 3 have some form of it. That’s a lot! It can cause pain, and infection can lead to more serious and deadly health issues. That’s why it’s important to clean your pup’s teeth regularly and also to get them cleaned professionally every year.
4. Joints
Just like in humans, aging can bring joint issues for pups, especially when it comes to arthritis and other similar conditions. If your older pup seems to be slowing down and is less interested in physical activity, it could be due to joint pain. Read up on how to detect this condition early here, check out treatment methods here and get extra tips on managing arthritis here.
5. Stomach
Vomiting or diarrhea isn’t necessarily a sign of a serious health issue, as it could just be something that didn’t sit well with a pup’s stomach that day. But continual, daily vomiting or diarrhea could point to serious issues. If a vet rules out harmful diseases, you can help your pup heal by feeding him plain rice and simple steamed chicken, or other basic food, till he gets better.
Remember, if you notice signs that could point to health conditions, bring your pup to the vet as soon as possible. Early detection is often key! Do like and share this with other pup parents!