Dog-Health

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Akc Care Dog Health Health.blogspot.com Pet Plan Article

You might think the most important bit of dog health advice would be to let your furry loved one spend all day enjoying the outdoors. But you'd only be half-right.

You know we must protect our children and ourselves from the sun. But do you know that leading canine health experts now say that the most important dog health advice they can give is to protect your dog from the sun, too?

Dog Health Advice: Identifying Dog Sunburn

Like we humans, dogs need sunlight to help balance their bodies’ levels of calcium with their metabolism.

Yet too much ultraviolet radiation can irritate our dogs’ skin as it does our own, causing sunburn.

Dog sunburn begins as redness and hair loss.

Where sunburn first appears:

• bridge of the nose
• tips of the ears
• belly

Dog Sunburn Dangers

• aggravates any existing skin problems
• skin ulcers (sores)
• infection
• cancer

Sunburn and Dog Breed

• Pale and short-hair dogs are particularly prone to sunburn, usually on the nose, abdomen, groin, and inside of the legs. Being close to the ground, they not only are affected by the downward sunlight, but also by sun reflecting up from pavement or hot sand.

• Some breeds, like Weimaraners and Boxers, are predisposed to cancer. Therefore, they must have extra protection from the sunburns and UV rays to avoid a kind of skin cancer.

How you can protect your pets:

Think about the precautions that you take to prevent yourself from sunburn and UV exposure. You stay out of the sun at the peak hours like noon to 3PM, use sunblock and cover up, don’t you? Those same suggestions can work for your dog.

Sunburn prevention tips especially for dogs:

• Be sure that your dog is inside the house or in a shaded area during the sun’s peak hours, even on overcast days.

• Apply sunblock to the bridge of the dog’s nose, ear tips and other small, sensitive areas whenever the dog is outside for more than a few minutes.

• Consider some sort of covering for your dog. Some veterinarians say that the most important and effective protection is a type of bodysuit for dogs, which is designed to block ultraviolet rays and prevent sunburn.

In the end, it's still good dog health advice to let your dog play outdoors. But spare your “best friend” the pain of sunburn and its consequences.

About the Author

Joel Walsh has written a number of articles on dog health: http://i-love-dogs.com>http://i-love-dogs.com [When posting on the web, please make "dog health" the visible text for the link (anchor text).]

Written by: Joel Walsh

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Akc Care Dog Health Health.blogspot.com Pet Plan Article

The responsibility of a new pet is sometimes overwhelming. One of your new duties as a dog owner is to take care of your pet's health. Here are two pointers for you to follow in taking care of your pet.

- The Veterinarian Is our Friend

Part of your duty as a dog owner is to know when to call for the vet. Don't take a "wait and see" attitude when it comes to your pet's health. Sometimes, that approach is fine but most often professional help is needed to treat your dog's sickness. Depending on the dog's condition, there are many ways a veterinarian may help.

There are several instances when it is essential that you call your veterinarian:

a) Always call your vet when your dog has been in an accident. If your regular veterinarian is not available, look for the closest emergency vet clinic.

b) Always call your vet when you suspect your dog has eaten something that may be poisonous or something inedible.

c) Call your vet immediately when your pet is in obvious distress. Sudden weight gain or weight loss should be a warning sign for you to take your dog to the vet.

d) If your dog is coughing, vomiting or having seizure, call the vet immediately.

- An Ounce of Prevention Is Better Than A Pound Of Cure

Of course, going to the vet should be the last recourse. Preventing your dog from being hurt or getting sick is your primary responsibility.

Remember, that good food and a lot of exercise equates into a long life for your pet. A balanced diet and a regimen of exercise helps prevent sickness and strengthens your pet. Monitor what your pets eat. Clean your dog's cage regularly to get rid of any disease-causing bacteria. Check your dog's water supply. Make sure it's clean and healthy for your pet.

Keep your dog on a leash. Running in front of a car is not very good for your dog's health and heaven knows where your pet may end up if you just let it wander around.

Give your dog a regular bath. Fleas and ticks can give your dog extreme discomfort and are often carriers of disease.

Of course, keeping your dog in tip-top shape goes beyond these pointers. It's always advisable to ask a veterinarian for additional health tips and as your experience with your pet grows, you'll think up of a couple more rules that are special to your beloved hound. Just remember that when your pet's health is in question, it's always better to be safe!

About the author:

Jack Russell is a a long time dog fancier, visit his Dog Resources Blog and download his Free Dog Owners Handbook - it's Dog Gone Good! http://www.daveshealthbuzz.com/dogcare/

Written by: David Riewe

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