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

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Adult Dogs Health Care Guide

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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.

  • The Importance of Sodium in Your Dog’s Diet
    The Importance of Sodium in Your Dog’s Diet
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    The Importance of Sodium in Your Dog’s Diet

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    Sodium is an essential mineral for life.

    Found in the blood and in the fluid that surrounds cells, sodium maintains the cellular environment and prevents cells from swelling or dehydrating. Sodium is also important for maintaining proper nerve and muscle cell function.

     

    What Are the Sources of Sodium in Dog Foods?

    Meat, poultry, fish, and eggs are good sources of sodium. IAMS™ dog food is made with chicken, which is a great source of protein.

    Sodium also might be included in commercial pet foods in the form of table salt (sometimes listed on the ingredient panel as salt). Salt is an important palatant for animals, as well as for people.

     

    How Much Sodium Do Dogs Need?

    The Association of American Feed Control Officials recommends that dry dog foods contain at least 0.3% sodium for both maintenance and to support normal growth and development. This is the minimum recommended levels.
     

    While high sodium intake might cause increased thirst and water consumption, the extra sodium is excreted in the urine of dogs. Healthy dogs are able to consume diets with higher sodium levels than those found in most commercial pet foods without increased blood pressure or gain in body water.
     

    Therefore, the sodium level in commercial pet foods is not a cause for concern in healthy animals.

     

    the importance of sodium in your dog s diet

     

    When Might Sodium Restriction Be Recommended?

    A veterinarian might recommend decreasing a dog's sodium intake if the animal has some types of kidney, liver, or heart disease, in order to help decrease high blood pressure or the accumulation of excessive body fluid.
     

    Although older dogs might be more likely to develop these diseases, healthy older dogs do not require a low- or reduced-sodium diet.

     

    Nutritional Application

    The sodium level in our dog foods is appropriate for a healthy dog. The sodium content in these foods is balanced in proper proportions with energy, other minerals, vitamins, fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.

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