A constipated dog is unable to empty his bowels by normal means and can experience uncomfortable side effects. The condition is fairly easy to diagnose as the dog will likely take longer than normal to defecate and most will show signs of straining or difficulty achieving results. Their stools are commonly small, dry, hard and round. If a dog’s bowels have not moved for two days or more, they are generally considered to be constipated.

Though a constipated dog is not usually a sign of serious problems, the issue should definitely be addressed in order to avoid more serious complications. Failure of a dog to empty the bowels causes toxins to build up in the body and can result in loss of appetite, sluggishness, abdominal pain, bloating and even difficulty walking. Constipation that is accompanied by vomiting or other severe symptoms could be a sign of serious problems such as intestinal blockage, parasites or internal issues.

There are many possible causes of a constipated dog and most can be avoided by a healthy, active lifestyle with conscientious health care. Among the most common causes are water deficiencies, insufficient exercise and the lack of a healthy diet high in fiber. Water aids in the elimination process by hydrating the body and providing the ability to flush the intestinal tract. Daily exercise in the form of a medium paced walk, a brisk jog or time spent romping and playing fetch will help to stimulate and regulate the bowels. High quality dog foods provide the proper nutrients and fiber necessary to maintain a healthy diet, whereas cheaper brands may contribute to slow moving bowels.

While correcting and stabilizing the issues of a constipated dog, it might be helpful to add small amounts of cooked pumpkin, sweet potato, or green beans to the dog’s food for quick and natural results. Freshly cooked and canned are both acceptable, just be sure there are no additives, seasonings or sugars. Use only 1-2 teaspoons per meal for small dogs, 1-2 tablespoons for medium and 2-5 tablespoons for large dogs. Maintaining a healthy diet with plenty of fresh water and exercise should keep your dog regular and happy.

The post Understanding The Signs of a Constipated Dog first appeared on Puppy Blog.

Taking care of your dog health ensures that your friend will be healthy for many years to come. Dogs are susceptible to many diseases like people. One of them is valley fever. Infectious diseases in dogs are also a risk to the public health like rabies. So, whenever your dog’s health or well being is in doubt please call your veterinarian or visit nearby. The basic symptom is change of behavior, like your happy dog becomes aggressive suddenly for no reason. If it happens first of all check your dog completely like check if it is annoyed with any noise, having any teeth problem, look for swelling, check if anything is inside the mouth.

Dogs suffer with joint diseases like arthritis, OCD (osteochondrosis), and other degenerative problems with shoulders and hocks. Genetic disorders also affect dog health. Other major diseases are:

Acute cystitis- Inflammation of urinary bladder caused by microbial infection. Most of the bacteria arises from dog’s own intestinal tract and then reaches the bladder. It is more common in female. Apart from microbial infections stones in the bladder can develop this disease. So, watch for blood in urine or increases urination.

Rabies- A microbial infection transmitted by the bite of any other mammal like cat, bat, or raccoon. Infected dogs behave very aggressively increasing the chance to transmit the disease. So, if your dog is bitten by any unknown dog, get it treated without any wait.

Heartworm diseases- If you have mosquitoes in your house, they can kill your dogs. So, keep away the mosquitoes.

Tonsillitis-Inflammation of tonsils caused by microbial or viral infection. Common symptoms are coughing and sneezing. Other symptoms are fever and repeated licking of lips. To prevent this infection keep a check on the oral hygiene.

The prevention of all these diseases is not very difficult. Keep your dog clean; brush their teeth at least once a week to prevent any dental problem. There are many dog toothpastes and toothbrushes available in the market. The other things that you can follow:

• Consult the veterinarian regularly to keep a check on your dog health.
• Keep them in healthy and hygienic environment with daily bathing and brushing.
• Give your dog proper vaccination of rabies, distemper after consulting the veterinarian.
• Give proper exercise and nutrition including minerals and vitamins, which will keep your dog healthy.
• Give them medications of heartworm disease and disease spread by flea.
• Treat your dog as a family member.

The post Dogs Health And Their Diseases. first appeared on Puppy Blog.

Taking care of your dog health ensures that your friend will be healthy for many years to come. Dogs are susceptible to many diseases like people. One of them is valley fever. Infectious diseases in dogs are also a risk to the public health like rabies. So, whenever your dog’s health or well being is in doubt please call your veterinarian or visit nearby. The basic symptom is change of behavior, like your happy dog becomes aggressive suddenly for no reason. If it happens first of all check your dog completely like check if it is annoyed with any noise, having any teeth problem, look for swelling, check if anything is inside the mouth.

Dogs suffer with joint diseases like arthritis, OCD (osteochondrosis), and other degenerative problems with shoulders and hocks. Genetic disorders also affect dog health. Other major diseases are:

Acute cystitis- Inflammation of urinary bladder caused by microbial infection. Most of the bacteria arises from dog’s own intestinal tract and then reaches the bladder. It is more common in female. Apart from microbial infections stones in the bladder can develop this disease. So, watch for blood in urine or increases urination.

Rabies- A microbial infection transmitted by the bite of any other mammal like cat, bat, or raccoon. Infected dogs behave very aggressively increasing the chance to transmit the disease. So, if your dog is bitten by any unknown dog, get it treated without any wait.

Heartworm diseases- If you have mosquitoes in your house, they can kill your dogs. So, keep away the mosquitoes.

Tonsillitis-Inflammation of tonsils caused by microbial or viral infection. Common symptoms are coughing and sneezing. Other symptoms are fever and repeated licking of lips. To prevent this infection keep a check on the oral hygiene.

The prevention of all these diseases is not very difficult. Keep your dog clean; brush their teeth at least once a week to prevent any dental problem. There are many dog toothpastes and toothbrushes available in the market. The other things that you can follow:

• Consult the veterinarian regularly to keep a check on your dog health.
• Keep them in healthy and hygienic environment with daily bathing and brushing.
• Give your dog proper vaccination of rabies, distemper after consulting the veterinarian.
• Give proper exercise and nutrition including minerals and vitamins, which will keep your dog healthy.
• Give them medications of heartworm disease and disease spread by flea.
• Treat your dog as a family member.

The post Dogs Health And Their Diseases. first appeared on Puppy Blog.

Taking care of your dog health ensures that your friend will be healthy for many years to come. Dogs are susceptible to many diseases like people. One of them is valley fever. Infectious diseases in dogs are also a risk to the public health like rabies. So, whenever your dog’s health or well being is in doubt please call your veterinarian or visit nearby. The basic symptom is change of behavior, like your happy dog becomes aggressive suddenly for no reason. If it happens first of all check your dog completely like check if it is annoyed with any noise, having any teeth problem, look for swelling, check if anything is inside the mouth.

Dogs suffer with joint diseases like arthritis, OCD (osteochondrosis), and other degenerative problems with shoulders and hocks. Genetic disorders also affect dog health. Other major diseases are:

Acute cystitis- Inflammation of urinary bladder caused by microbial infection. Most of the bacteria arises from dog’s own intestinal tract and then reaches the bladder. It is more common in female. Apart from microbial infections stones in the bladder can develop this disease. So, watch for blood in urine or increases urination.

Rabies- A microbial infection transmitted by the bite of any other mammal like cat, bat, or raccoon. Infected dogs behave very aggressively increasing the chance to transmit the disease. So, if your dog is bitten by any unknown dog, get it treated without any wait.

Heartworm diseases- If you have mosquitoes in your house, they can kill your dogs. So, keep away the mosquitoes.

Tonsillitis-Inflammation of tonsils caused by microbial or viral infection. Common symptoms are coughing and sneezing. Other symptoms are fever and repeated licking of lips. To prevent this infection keep a check on the oral hygiene.

The prevention of all these diseases is not very difficult. Keep your dog clean; brush their teeth at least once a week to prevent any dental problem. There are many dog toothpastes and toothbrushes available in the market. The other things that you can follow:

• Consult the veterinarian regularly to keep a check on your dog health.
• Keep them in healthy and hygienic environment with daily bathing and brushing.
• Give your dog proper vaccination of rabies, distemper after consulting the veterinarian.
• Give proper exercise and nutrition including minerals and vitamins, which will keep your dog healthy.
• Give them medications of heartworm disease and disease spread by flea.
• Treat your dog as a family member.

The post Dogs Health And Their Diseases. first appeared on Puppy Blog.