Can you Diagnose a Dog Illness Yourself? (Hint: No)

By Geraldine Dimarco


We love our pets - no question about that. Do we understand them? Not unless your last name is Doolittle, not really. Animals only have their barks and gestures to express themselves, so it is important that responsible pet owners have a working knowledge of symptoms that will help us diagnose a dog illness as accurate as possible.

There are several ailments that are easily addressed. In fact, many will not warrant any form of medication at all - you can use natural remedies for dogs to treat them. These natural remedies are more economical than buying expensive drugs and undergoing pricey curative procedures. Moreover, your pet will be spared from having his insides subjected to too much chemicals brought about by the drugs?these have been proven harmful to pets in the long run.

Perhaps the most common irritant to our canines are fleas. While these are not a sickness in itself, some of these pesky ticks carry harmful bacteria that are the origin of diseases like Lyme disease and heartworm. Parasites are also sometimes the cause for heart, liver and neurological problems.

This is fairly easy enough to solve - give your pet regular baths and grooming sessions. Spray a citrus blend over his body, or dab a few drops of lavender or rosemary oil over his bedding?the smell is a natural flea repellant. Inspect his coat regularly for ticks; and for the itchy, hot spots, combine equal amounts of tea tree oil with water and smear this ointment over the infected wound.

Monitor your dog for any physical and behavioral changes. Fever (temperature above 102 degrees Fahrenheit), appetite loss, extreme tiredness, shaking and loss of balance call for an immediate trip to the vet. You will need to take note of when these signs started manifesting and other unusual characteristics you may have noticed?this will help your vet gain a more accurate diagnosis.

Also, check if your pet is exceptionally thirsty or is having to urinate a lot lately. Often, this is a symptom of an internal problem that his immune system is trying to correct. Discharge in the eyes, ears or nose may mean that he has a respiratory problem that needs medical attention. The best natural remedies for dogs are maintaining their health with nutritional food replete with needed vitamins and nutrients.

Nutrients that boost the dog's immune system include Vitamin B complex, Vitamin C, Omega fatty acids and Zinc. These have antibacterial properties that promote healthy white blood cells, energy production and encourage resistance. A raw food diet with the freshest ingredients is a good source of these minerals.

To keep the dog healthy, he must have enough rest while engaging in regular physical activity. Exercise will keep his cardiovascular and circulatory systems running smoothly. Make sure to note if your pet seems to be overly tired and sleepy always. It might be a symptom of sickness that intense exercise might only aggravate.

It is good to be able to know how to diagnose a dog illness - but always verify with your vet for the final verdict. Maintain clean living conditions and a healthy diet for your pet's well-being.




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