Vets and Vaccinations: What You Need to Know

The adoption of a new furry friend can be an exciting time for pet lovers. However, just as humans, your new pup will be prone to health issues that would warrant a visit to the vet clinic. It is not enough to merely ensure that your new dog gets the right vaccinations though. You should also educate yourself on the different ailments and diseases that your pup may have a proclivity towards so that you are better capable of discerning the symptoms before their health deteriorates severely. The following article looks at the health problems that you should be wary of with your new pup.

Eye cataracts

Cataracts are one of the top ailments that dogs succumb to. Although this disease is particularly associated with older dogs, a young pup may also develop a cataract if their eye has been exposed to trauma or if they have developed a disease. Cataracts can significantly impede on your pet's eyesight, which would put them at further risk of injuring themselves since they will not be able to take in their surroundings. Therefore, it is essential to look out for signs of any blurred vision from your dog or extreme sensitivity to light as these would indicate a vet clinic is paramount.

Osteoarthritis

Another common health issue that dogs are prone to develop in their lifetime is the onset of arthritis. The likelihood of developing this illness is higher in ageing mutts, but obese pups would also be at risk of it due to the excessive pressure being exerted on their bones. One of the symptoms to be on the lookout for would be your dog steadily becoming slower on their feet. This slowness may manifest as difficulty in getting up or not being as active as they previously were. Osteoarthritis can also be quite painful during the cold season so irritability can also be a red flag about the onset of this disease. Your local vet should be able to prescribe some anti-arthritic drugs that can help with pain management.

An ear infection

If your dog is usually outdoors, they would be susceptible to several ear infections in their lifetime. While the dog is playing outside, a wide array of foreign objects could make their way into their ears ranging from blades of grass, seeds or just coagulated dirt that clumps inside their ear. If you do not routinely check the inside of your pup's ear, the foreign debris goes unnoticed, leading to an infection. Be wary of signs of your dog continually pawing at their ears, as this could be an indication of discomfort.