As a pet owner, it is important to be knowledgeable about the health and makeup of your pet; without being armed with the proper information you can certainly worsen your dog’s health condition. Although it may be tempting to want to follow the advice of a friend or loved one that you respect, there are a certain common questions and concerns that are often mishandled by well-meaning pet owners.
My puppy is constipated. What do I do?
If you have just gotten your puppy into your home, it is perfectly normal for them to stop toileting for a few days. As long as they are continuing to eat and drink normally, you should probably have little to worry about. During the time that you are noticing your dog is having trouble defecating, make sure to walk him or her for extended periods of time or try to feed them natural laxatives, like apples and bananas. Try and feed them the same foods they had where they came from, to reduce stress. My dog is always licking his rear end. Is this normal?
If you notice that your dog is spending more time than usual licking back there, consider the fact that they may be having issues with their anal glands. This could be the indication of a bigger problem, like an anal infection. If the bowel movements seem fewer and further between or they smell more than usual, this may also be an indication of anal problems. For more accurate information on your dog’s particular condition you should see your veterinarian.
Do Dogs Need to Work Out?
Just as people need exercise to be healthy, so do our canine friends. Depending on the type and size of the dog you have, the more or less exercise they may require; if you want to have a nice healthy dog, be sure to give your dog plenty of exercise to offset the possibility of health problems in your dog, no matter what their age. This is also a good way to offset the possibility of problems with the joints and the ligaments of your pets once they start to get up there in age. In the same sense, be sure to feed your dog enough to sustain them when you exercise them more; when they are working out they need the extra energy.
It would be impossible to make a whole list of questions pertaining to the health of your dog; for more accurate information be sure to consult your veterinarian directly.