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February 15th, 2010 by Harold Peterson

Do you have concerns about parasites or what type of diet is best for your furry companion? In the world of canine ownership, dog health questions abound. This article will cover the most widely asked about topics.

What types of vaccinations are necessary and how often should they be done? When you get a puppy, it should start a series of vaccines. Around six to eight weeks of age, it should start receiving shots against distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, and parainfluenza. These diseases can all kill a dog. Law requires a rabies shot. Grown canines should receive boosters every three years for these diseases, rabies every year, and bordatella if it is at risk for kennel cough.

What do you do if your dog has worms in his stool? Your dog can pick up many different types of worms that can make him sick. These include hookworms, roundworms, and tapeworms and can be passed to us. Take him to your veterinarian. They will do a fecal test to see what type of parasite it is and then de-worm the animal. It is a good idea to go ahead and have this done at their yearly exam each year.

How can you control fleas and ticks? The best way to keep your pet free of parasites that feed from them is a topical preventative that is applied monthly. It goes right onto the fur. Should your dog be incessantly scratching or you see fleas on them, give them a flea dip. Ticks carry diseases and should be removed promptly and carefully and flushed. Use a flea killing spray throughout your home to rid them from the premises as well.

Is your dog flea-free but still itching? If he is constantly scratching and you are positive it is not fleas, it could be one of three things. First, he could have allergies just as humans get to something in the immediate environment. Next, it could be that he has ear mites that are causing him pain and irritation. For either of these issues, see your veterinarian. Lastly, it could just be dry skin, especially in fall and winter. Going out and finding a shampoo consisting of oatmeal or tea tree oil to bathe him in should help.

What type of diet is best for your dog? The best food for your dog is always going to be dry food. It is packed with nutrients while canned food has more water content which can cause problems with the teeth and gums and cause your dog to become overweight. Canines that live off kibble have less problems with their teeth, gums, and obesity than those that do not. When you choose your kibbles, be sure that there is real meat. The first words on the nutrition label should not be wheat or corn or meat byproducts.

Does your older canine have trouble walking? If he is stiff-legged and slow to move, he may be arthritic. Senior dogs all hit this problem at some point. It is caused by the cartilage between the bones wearing down and creating friction in the joint. Difficulty getting up is a sure sign. If you have certain breeds like a German Shepherd or Siberian Husky, your vet should check for hip dysplasia.

Whether you have owned many dogs or this is your first, there are dog health questions that we all wonder about. Now you know how to feed your dog and take care of fleas! Always consult your vet before using any treatments on your four-legged buddy.

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