IAMS MY
Your Dog’s Health, from 1 to 8 Years
Your Dog’s Health, from 1 to 8 Years

adp_description_block109
Adult Dogs Health Care Guide

  • Share

Just like humans, dogs too need constant care and support throughout their lifetime. We all know puppies need more attention and care; however, did you know? Adult dog health is also equally important. In fact, dogs’ health is the primary responsibility of every pet parent. Providing the right nutrition and health care largely contributes to your pooch’s health. 

Keeping the four-legged angel away from the harmful pathogens, germs, and unhygienic surroundings is also a prime responsibility of every caregiver. A dog’s behavior, mood, and diet can say a lot about its baby’s health and fitness. Hence, as a dog parent, you must keep a close eye on your pet’s behavioral changes.
 

Signs of a healthy dog

There are many signs that help pet caregivers keep a tab on their canine companion’s health. Given below are a few signs to look for to understand your dog’s health and fitness status:

  • Shiny fur: Your pooch’s fur gives you direct insight into its health. You can easily identify a dog’s health with a single glance at its fur. A glossy, shiny fur with no parasites or bald spots is considered healthy. However, you must know that a certain degree of shedding is considered normal in some breeds.
  • Bright eyes: Another sign of a healthy dog is bright, shiny eyes. If your dog’s eyes are perfectly bright and have no issues of discharge or watering, it is considered a healthy sign.
  • Smooth skin: You should constantly check your fur baby’s skin alongside glancing over their fur. Your pet’s skin should ideally be free of any scratches, rashes, growth, and redness.
  • Clean ears: Another sign of a healthy adult dog are clean ears. Your dog’s ears should have no discharge, wax, or swelling as they could be a sign of an ear infection.
  • Temperature: 101°F to 102.5°F is the average normal body temperature for dogs. Your pooch’s health might be at risk in case of low or high temperature. Hence, you should constantly record their body temperature to ensure they are fit and fine.
  • Oral health: Adult dog health is also linked to gum, teeth, and mouth hygiene. Signs of healthy oral health in dogs include strong teeth, pink and normal gums, and no foul smell.
  • Normal stool: A healthy dog will not have any issues passing stool or urinating. You should constantly check your dog’s stool to look for signs of constipation and diarrhea. Signs of parasites and worms in stool can also be symptoms of an unhealthy dog.

Signs of a sick dog

Knowing about the symptoms of a sick dog helps caregivers identify and treat their pooch’s medical condition in time. Given below are a few signs and symptoms that might help you recognize any dog illness:

  • Loss of appetite: If you notice your pooch eating lesser or not being as enthusiastic about treats and mealtime, then there could be a potential health concern. Loss of appetite could be linked to stomach issues, gastrointestinal issues, or other illnesses.
  • Cough: Constant sneezing and coughing are signs of flu. Even though most adult dogs recover from flu within a few weeks, they can sometimes develop other bacterial infections. Hence, it is better to get them treated at the earliest to avoid such concerns.
  • Pain: If you notice your pet frequently chewing on their joints, limping, or whimpering, then they could be suffering from some sort of pain. Visit a vet at the earliest to get the issue diagnosed and start the necessary treatment.
  • Irritation: Constant irritation, aggression, and uncalled change in behavior is other signs of undiagnosed illness in dogs. Unlike humans, dogs cannot express their feelings in words. Hence, you need to pay close attention to their behavior to understand their complaints and concerns. Visible signs of irritation, barking, and sometimes lethargy could also be considered a sign of illness in adult dogs.
  • Diarrhea and vomiting: Dogs often vomit or pass stool when suffering from an upset stomach. Watery stool and constant urge to pee or pass stool are a few known signs of potential illness in dogs. If you notice your pet vomiting or suffering from diarrhea, you should consult a vet at the earliest.

Maintaining your pet’s health is an essential part of caring for them. Visiting a vet is necessary for getting your pooch vaccinated and regularly checked. Veterinarian doctors also prepare diet charts and suggest health supplements for your dog depending on its health requirements. In conclusion, looking for signs of sickness and constantly inspecting your dog's physical and psychological well-being ensures that your furry friend is hale and hearty.

Frequently asked questions

  1. What are some common dog’s health issues?
  2. Heartworms, canine influenza, parasites, and leptospirosis are some common health issues faced by dogs.

  3. How do I know if my dog is healthy?
  4. If your dog shows no signs or symptoms of illness, eats well, rests enough, and is in a pleasant mood on most days, then your dog is more likely to be healthy.

  5. What are the signs of a healthy dog?
  6. A clean, shiny coat, healthy pink gum, smooth skin, and normal body temperature are a few signs of a healthy dog.

  • How Oral Health Affects Your Dog’s Overall Health
    How Oral Health Affects Your Dog’s Overall Health
    adp_description_block171
    How Oral Health Affects Your Dog’s Overall Health

    • Share

    Oral care is a key component of your pet’s overall health: A smart regimen can help prevent the development of serious conditions. Keeping your pet’s teeth clean and bacteria-free results in more than just healthy teeth and fresh breath. With a little know-how and effort, you can protect your pet for a lifetime of companionship.

     

     

    Practice the 3Ds

    Tartar and gingivitis are the most common problems seen by veterinarians. The majority of dogs will develop these problems. Unchecked, these can lead to periodontitis and serious health concerns for your pet, up to and including, tooth loss and serious illness. But you can take action to control this and promote good oral health by incorporating the 3Ds: Daily Brushing, Dentistry. and Diet.

     

     

    Daily Brushing

    Daily brushing of your pet’s teeth will remove plaque and slow the development of tartar. When first beginning to brush, be gradual and make it a pleasant experience. Start by using your finger. Later, introduce a toothbrush. Be sure to praise and reassure your pet while brushing. Also, reward your pet afterward with play or a walk.

     

     

    Dentistry

    Talk with your veterinarian about annual or semiannual teeth cleaning—a dental prophylaxis or prophy for short. Teeth cleaning, performed by your veterinarian, is the only way to remove tartar.

     

     

    Diet

    Diet is important to good oral health. The mechanical, brushing action of dry, crunchy kibbles helps remove plaque and works to scrub teeth clean. Some diets also might include ingredients such as hexametaphosphate (HMP) that can help block tartar formation. Diet, daily brushing, and dentistry helps break the plaque-to- tartar cycle and optimize oral health.

Close modal