DOG HEALTH ISSUES

Adapted from
www.healthypets.in
Todays Tips-Dog health issues
Dogs of all ages are susceptible to infectious hepatitis - a dog health issue every dog owner should protect his animal against. Because approximately eighty percent of all dogs over one year of age are exposed to hepatitis, vaccination against the disease usually is considered a must.Hepatitis is caused by a virus which infects the kidneys and is eliminated in the urine even after the animal has recovered. Symptoms of this disease may vary in severity from dog to dog, but they usually include a fever of at least 104 degrees Fahrenheit.As the infection progresses with this serious dog health issues, the animal becomes listless, shows lack of appetite, develops an extreme thirst, and has watery discharge from his eyes. In addition, his throat, especially the tonsils, become swollen.Statistics indicate that the mortality rate for dogs with this disease is very high. Those dogs that recover usually eat well, but are slow to regain lost weight. For these reasons you should consult your family veterinarian immediately upon recognizing the symptoms and get the appropriate medication administered to the puppy as early as possible.
How Does The Virus Spread?
Major dog health issues such as infectious hepatitis is a disease that usually affects young puppies although it can strike dogs of any age. The virus is not airborne and it is not likely that your puppy will contract hepatitis in this manner.The hepatitis virus attacks a puppy when he comes in direct contact with the saliva or urine of infected animals. When given proper medication, the disease settles in the kidneys and is eliminated through your pup's urine.The virus may also be passed on to a puppy in an indirect way. Objects made out of wood or pieces of clothing may harbor canine hepatitis virus that may be transferred to others and cause severe dog health issues within the recipient.Urine from recovered animals also contains hepatitis virus and is a major factor in the spread of the disease. The urine of an infected animal is dangerous for some time following recovery. Pet owners should keep these dog health issues in mind when taking their pets out for their daily walks.
A Good Vaccination Program
A solid vaccination programme against dog health issues such as infectious hepatitis usually consists of two doses for puppy's under three months of age. The first dose is to be given after weaning and the second dose two to three weeks later. Dogs older than three months should respond to a single dose inoculation.Life-long preventions of major dog health issues for your dog or puppy can be maintained with an annual vaccination program. Please schedule an appointment with your veterinarian for an examination to ensure your pet is up-to-date with his shots to maintain good dog health.