Not only will this keep your pup healthy and happy, but it will also help prevent behavioral problems from developing. In this article, we will discuss the importance of dog exercise and provide some tips on how to get your furry friend moving.

Why is Dog Exercise Important?

Dogs require consistent physical activity in order to stay fit and trim. When dogs exercise, their bodies release endorphins and other chemicals that make them feel good. These chemicals are known as neurotransmitters, and they help to improve mood and reduce anxiety levels in canines.

In addition to keeping your dog’s body healthy, exercise can also provide a mental health boost. As mentioned above, working out causes the release of endorphins which make dogs feel happy. In many cases, this feeling is long-lasting and may even help with depression in some pups. Regularly exercising your dog will not only increase his overall health but will also keep him calm and content for years to come.

When Is My Dog Ready for Exercise?

All dogs are capable of exercising, but that doesn’t mean they all enjoy it equally. Some pups would prefer a relaxing day on the couch over a rousing game of fetch any day while others need lots of activity in order to be truly happy. Before you start working out with your dog, it is important to consider his age and breed.

Puppies are usually ready for exercise once they have completed their first round of puppy vaccinations. However, you should always speak to your veterinarian about when it would be safe to begin exercising your pup.

Working out too strenuously or for too long could cause serious harm. On the other hand, if you wait too long to get started with an exercise routine you run the risk of delaying development in young dogs that need lots of physical activity.

There are some breeds whose adult size is comparable to that of a full-grown puppy. If this describes your canine friend you will want to avoid strenuous activities for at least one year after he has been fully vaccinated. Otherwise, your large pooch could be at risk of injury.

Generally speaking, most adult dogs are ready for exercise once they have completed their second round of puppy vaccinations. Again, it is important to speak with your veterinarian about the proper time to begin exercising your furry friend.

Once you have received the green light from your vet, you will want to work with Fido on building his stamina by gradually increasing the length and intensity of his daily workouts over a period of several weeks or months. This will help him adjust slowly to strenuous activity and prevent injuries that may occur as a result of beginning an exercise regimen too quickly.

How Much Exercise Does My Dog Need?

Now that you know when it is time for Fido to get moving, you will need to determine the best type of exercise for your canine companion. Dogs can get their daily dose of physical activity in a variety of ways which include the following:

• Obedience training/agility training
• Fetching games
• Long walks on a leash

If possible it is best not to rely on only one form of activity for your dog’s daily exercise needs. Instead, aim for at least two or three types of exercise spread out over several days. For example, if Fido loves playing fetch it might be best to combine this game with an obedience training session twice per week. This way he will always have variety in his daily grind and you don’t need to worry about him getting bored.

It is also important to consider the differences in energy levels between breeds. Some pooches have so much pent-up energy they may suffer from stress if they are not given enough chances to burn it off each day. If you have one of these high-strung hounds, try playing fetch for thirty minutes before doing indoor activities such as obedience training or teaching Fido new tricks.

While it is important to provide your pup with plenty of exercise, you will need to be careful about overdoing it, especially when working out with an older breed. If your senior dog is having a hard time walking after exercise or shows signs of **discomfort—such as limping—**it might be best for him to take a few days off until he has healed completely.

It can also be helpful to increase the frequency and decrease the duration of his workouts in an effort to prevent injuries from occurring. Older dogs can benefit greatly from dog strollers which can provide them with lots of healthy outdoor activity without overdoing it. However, you should never force your pooch to use a stroller if he is not comfortable doing so.

Always consult your veterinarian about whether or not Fido has reached a stage where daily exercise in the form of walking would be dangerous for him or if there are precautions that need to be taken.

A happy and healthy pooch can be a furry friend that brings lots of happiness into your life. So remember that in order for Fido to live up to his name he may need daily workouts in addition to lots of love and attention.

What Is the Best Workout for a Dog?

There are many different types of exercise that dogs can do. Some of the most common forms of canine workout include:

• Jogging with an owner
• Playing fetch or frisbee
• Swimming at a dog park

Each of these activities provides great opportunities for dogs to burn calories and stay fit. However, it is important to note that Fido will not be able to fully enjoy himself if he is not having fun.

This means that you should avoid forcing your dog to do an activity or sport that he does not like in order to get in shape. Instead, try engaging him in a few different activities each day so he can pick what he wants to do.

Fido will likely enjoy activities that provide lots of mental stimulation as well as those which challenge his spatial awareness and body control. Furthermore, some pups love to be challenged with new tricks and/or multiple rounds of a game.

If you are ever in doubt about what type of workout your dog is enjoying the most, try playing fetch with a variety of different toys to see which one your buddy likes best. Once you have figured it out, stick with that specific toy every time you go for a jog or play at the park.

Conclusion

Dogs are fantastic companions and pets, but they need to be taken care of. If you can’t take your dog for a walk every day or exercise with them at the park, it is important that you find ways to keep their brain active so they don’t get bored.

Exercise isn’t just good for physical health; it also has mental benefits which will help out in training sessions. These are some ideas on how to give your pup plenty of exercise without having too much time or energy yourself. What have been your favorite activities with your pet? Let us know in the comments below.

FAQ

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions:

Q. Is It Possible to Exercise My Dog Indoors?

Ans: Yes, indoor exercise is a great way to keep your dog healthy and happy. There are plenty of games you can play indoors including fetch or Tug of War. Keep in mind that it will be easier for you to tire out your pup if you have a smaller breed with less energy.

Q. Is a 20-Minute Walk Sufficient for a Dog?

Ans: Yes, a 20-minute walk is a great way to get your dog out and exercise. However, it may be better for older dogs to take walks very slowly since they might have more difficulty walking longer distances.

Q. When Should I Take My Dog for a Walk?

Ans: It’s best to walk your dog earlier in the day so they don’t have to go potty at night. If you are taking them out after the sun goes down, bring a flashlight since it will be harder for Fido to see where he is going.

Q. Why Does My Dog Get Hot When I Take Him for a Walk?

Ans: Dogs will get hot when you take them for a walk in the summer since their body cannot regulate temperature very well. Make sure to bring plenty of water and explore shady areas of town.

Q. Should I Take My Dog for a Walk in the Rain?

Ans: If there is a thunderstorm, it is best to take your pup indoors. However, if you have a rainy day planned out try taking your dog for a stroll in the rain! Their fur will keep them nice and dry while they run around in the puddles.

The post Dog Exercise Keep Your Pooch Healthy and Happy appeared first on Pets Information.

What is Kennel Cough?

The term “kennel cough” specifically refers to a type of respiratory infection caused by one of several viruses and/or bacteria. Symptoms usually include a harsh, dry cough that sounds like “honking.” Other symptoms can include gagging, retching, runny nose, and fever. Because the symptoms are similar to those seen with other diseases such as pneumonia and bronchitis, kennel cough should be treated as a serious condition.

If your dog has coughed for more than two weeks, you should take it to the vet right once. A mild form of kennel cough is fairly common among dogs that have frequent exposure to crowds of animals or go to doggy day camp or doggy daycare. The more intense form of the disease is less common and occurs mostly in dogs who go to boarding facilities, grooming facilities, or dog shows.

What Causes Kennel Cough?

There are several causes of kennel cough. The most common causes include: –

• Bordetella bronchiseptica
• Canine adenovirus type-2
• Canine parainfluenza virus

These are bacteria that can be found in the mouths of 70% of all dogs, but it only causes problems in those whose immune systems have been weakened by stress, illness, or advanced age. The canine adenovirus type-2 is also fairly common among dogs and usually isn’t a problem unless it’s contracted with parainfluenza. Kennel cough can also be caused by non-infectious irritants such as fumes from cleaning products, tobacco smoke, or perfume.

In most cases, kennel cough is caused by a combination of these factors. Stress plays an important role in the disease because it weakens immunity and makes dogs more susceptible to contracting infections. Kennel cough is highly contagious and spreads through contact with other dogs via air droplets, aerosolized particles, or direct contact.

The virus can live on surfaces for up to 24 hours which means that it can be passed along from one dog to another even if they’ve never come into physical contact before! Dogs don’t usually start coughing right away because it takes 3-10 days after exposure before symptoms appear.

Symptoms usually develop in three stages:

• Watery eyes and nostrils
• A dry, hacking cough with nasal discharge, sneezing or gagging
• Severe coughing

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Kennel Cough?

A loud, dry cough that sounds like “honking” is one of the most common signs of kennel cough. Other symptoms can include gagging, retching, runny nose, and fever. Because the symptoms are similar to those seen with other diseases such as pneumonia and bronchitis, kennel cough should be treated as a serious condition.

Other symptoms of kennel cough in dogs include: –

• Watery eyes and/or nasal discharge
• Inflamed airways
• Nasal discharges that are yellow or green
• Eye inflammation ( conjunctivitis )

Your dog’s coughing may become more severe when it exercises or is excited. If the coughing becomes paroxysmal, seems to get worse at night, or causes your dog to gasp for breath, you should contact your vet immediately. These symptoms suggest that there’s something else wrong with your dog and they need further testing.

What Should I Do When My Dog Coughs?

First of all, don’t get too worked up! Many dogs who contract kennel cough quickly recover without any treatment. If your dog is a long-term resident of a boarding facility, you should isolate it from the other dogs as soon as possible. If your dog has been coughing for more than two weeks, take them to see a veterinarian at once. You can also expect to pay anywhere from $20-$75 dollars to have the vet diagnose and treat the condition.

Sadly, there is no treatment for kennel cough. The most your vet can do is prescribe antibiotics to treat secondary infections and manage symptoms over the course of a week or two.

In severe cases, dogs may be prescribed prednisone which has more of a steroidal effect on the body. This drug can help reduce inflammation in the airways, making it easier for your dog to breathe until the infection clears up.

Can I Give Aspirin to My Dog

No! Aspirin is not advised since it raises the risk of bleeding by reducing platelet aggregation. If you give your dog aspirin when they have an infection, their chance of developing gastrointestinal problems such as ulcers also goes up!

You should take precautions to keep other pets in your home from contracting kennel cough. Consult your vet about canine influenza vaccinations (which can help prevent kennel cough, among other things). If you board your dog at a facility or take them to the dog park regularly, try to limit their exposure as much as possible by keeping them away from crowds and places where there are likely to be lots of other dogs.

Your veterinarian should offer some specific guidelines that will make it easier for you to avoid getting other dogs sick without isolating your pet completely.

What Can I Do To Prevent Kennel Cough?

Kennel cough is relatively easy to prevent because many of the steps involved are simply common sense! First of all, keep your dog up-to-date on its vaccines so that it has strong protection against canine influenza. You can also vaccinate your dog for kennel cough because it’s often included in the “5-way” vaccination that protects against five common diseases in puppies.

As a general rule, avoid taking your dog to places where there are lots of other dogs unless you have no other choice. Always wash and disinfect after returning from a place like this before touching or playing with your own dog. If possible, board your pets at home instead of sending them to a boarding facility so they don’t catch anything new!

Conclusion

Kennel Cough is a contagious respiratory disease that can easily spread to other animals and humans. The best way to protect pets from contracting this illness is through vaccination, which should be administered by your veterinarian or someone who has been trained in the process of administering vaccines.

If you suspect that your dog might have contracted Kennel Cough, it’s important for you to understand how the symptoms may appear so that you know when it’s time to take action. You’ll also want to make sure that any other animals in your home are vaccinated against the virus as well.

FAQ

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions:

Q. How can I cure kennel cough in my dog at home?

Ans: Your veterinarian can recommend medications that will help manage your dog’s symptoms until they are able to recover on their own. Don’t attempt to treat the condition with home remedies, antibiotics, or over-the-counter remedies because you may make it worse!

Q. Is kennel cough contagious for humans?

Ans: Yes, Kennel Cough is highly contagious for humans which means precautions should be taken in order to prevent infection. It’s important to avoid touching your nose, eyes, or mouth before thoroughly washing your hands after handling a dog with Kennel Cough. When working near dogs like this, cover your mouth and nose to avoid getting the virus in your respiratory system.

Q. What are the different types of kennel cough?

Ans: Two of the most common types are Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis (often called “kennel cough”) and Canine Distemper, although other variants may also occur. The two main types are Parainfluenza and Bordetella, both of which can cause severe cold-like symptoms similar to kennel cough.

Q. Is it possible for kennel cough to go away on its own?

Ans: Yes, many of the symptoms of Kennel Cough will resolve themselves within seven days. This doesn’t mean that it’s safe to ignore the warning signs of this virus because some dogs may need medication in order to complete their recovery.

Q. What is the difference between kennel cough and canine influenza?

Ans: Kennel Cough is more likely to make your dog feel like they have a sore throat whereas Canine Influenza can cause vomiting or diarrhea as well as respiratory problems. Unlike Kennel Cough, Canine Influenza also has the potential to cause pneumonia if left untreated.

Q. Is honey good for dogs?

Ans: Honey is not toxic to dogs and it does contain some antioxidants that they would benefit from. However, you should never feed your pet honey because it may cause them to develop botulism which can be fatal.

Q. How do I get rid of kennel cough in my home?

Ans: If a dog in your house has Kennel Cough, you’ll need to thoroughly clean their toys, bowls, and any other items so they don’t continue to spread the virus. Ensure that all items have been disinfected by washing them with a diluted bleach solution or putting them in the dishwasher for at least 30 minutes at 120 degrees Fahrenheit before re-using them!

Q. How Much Coughing Does a Dog Do With Kennel Cough?

Ans: It’s common for dogs to have mild symptoms of Kennel Cough, which may include cough or two, but severe symptoms can include intense coughing that lasts for several days. It usually resolves itself after about one week and should not require medical treatment unless it lasts longer than this period.

Q. Is kennel cough the worst at bedtime?

Ans: Many dogs may struggle to sleep when they have Kennel Cough because their throat or chest region will feel really sore. You may need to keep your dog in a separate space at night and provide them with extra food and water until the symptoms go away, which can take about one week.

The post Kennel Cough in Dogs & Things You Need to Know appeared first on Pets Information.

It is important for pet owners to be informed of the signs and symptoms of these diseases so that their pets can be treated as soon as possible. In this blog post, I will share 9 common dog diseases and their corresponding symptoms and treatments.

Let’s get started.

Related: What to Get Someone Whose Dog Died

The Most Common Dog Illnesses

Below are some most common dog diseases with their symptoms and treatment. I want to make sure that your little pup is okay.

1. Dog Flu

Dog flu is one of the most common illnesses. It is also known as the canine influenza virus (CIV) and it is a highly contagious disease. This disease can be transferred from dog to dog through contact with bodily fluids, such as nasal discharge and saliva, which may occur during the course of normal activity such as sharing food bowls or toys or playing together.

Symptoms of Flu

Following are some symptoms of dog flu:

• High Fever or Temperature
• Tiredness
• Eye Discharge
• Runny Nose
• Cough

If your dog shows these symptoms, you should take him/her to the vet as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and treatment.

2. Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure in dogs is one of the leading causes of death in dogs, just as it is for humans. One form of heart disease that commonly affects older dogs is congestive heart failure (CHF). With CHF, the heart becomes unable to pump enough blood throughout the body to meet its needs.

Which causes fluid to build up in various parts including the lungs and abdominal cavity. This causes breathing difficulty and bloating which are two primary symptoms associated with CHF. If your dog has congestive heart failure then you should do proper treatment because the survival time is expected to be between 6 and 14 months.

Symptoms Heart Failure

The following are the most common symptom of CHF.

• Cough that has either no cause or cannot be controlled
• Increased breathing rate
• Increased respiratory effort
• Nasal discharge
• Loss of appetite and weight
• Fatigue
• Exercise intolerance
• Fainting spells

If you notice any of these symptoms, you should take your dog to the vet as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Related: Kennel Cough in Dogs & Things You Need to Know

3. Parvovirus

This disease often referred to as canine parvo is an extremely contagious disease that is caused by a virus. It can be transferred to other pets through contact with feces containing the virus.

This may be brought on by playing in areas where other dogs have recently defecated or through contact with an infected dog’s bodily fluids. It is also called deadly dog disease because till now there is no treatment for parvovirus.

Symptoms

The symptoms of parvovirus are very serious that can lead to the death of your pet.

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea (often severe)
• Lethargy
• High fever
• A painful abdomen
• Loss of appetite

Some cats are also vulnerable to this disease so owners should keep their cats away from any areas where they might come into contact with contaminated feces. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for parvovirus.

4. Giardia

Giardia is caused by an intestinal parasite called Giardiasis which is acquired when dogs ingest the feces of infected animals or come into contact with contaminated water sources. It infects older dogs but more frequently infects puppies.

Symptoms of Giardia

Symptoms of giardia are not easy to trace but below are some most common you can see.

• Fatigue
• Weight loss despite normal appetite
• Poor coat condition
• Chronic intermittent diarrhea

If you see any of these symptoms in your dog, make sure to go to a vet. The good news is that this disease is curable and your dog can fully recover from their giardia infection within 1 to 2 weeks.

5. Lyme Disease

This disease is caused by a bacterium called Borrelia which is transmitted through the bite of infected ticks. Most cases are reported in the U.S, but can also be found in other areas around the world including Canada, Europe, Central Asia, Russia, and China.

Your pet may come into contact with these ticks while playing outside or they may even pick them up on their fur during their daily outdoor routines.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Lyme disease are the following:

• Lethargy
• Lameness (involving one or more legs)
• High fever
• Loss of appetite
• Swollen lymph nodes

If your dog has symptoms of Lyme disease, you can give him/her antibiotics that will kill the bacteria. But it is a good practice to visit a vet for confirmation.

6. Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a single-celled organism, Toxoplasma gondii, capable of infecting both dog and owner alike. This disease affects pregnant dogs just as it does humans and cats.

Toxoplasmosis Symptoms in Dogs

Since protozoa are found in all body tissues, the symptoms of this illness are different from other.

• FeverDiarrhea
• Decrease in appetite
• Jaundice
• Paralysis
• Muscle weakness
• Coughing or breathing difficulties
• Eye inflammation

If you can get to the vet on time, there is a 95% chance that your pet will recover from toxoplasmosis however, if their symptoms have advanced beyond the first stage then they may need to stay on the medication indefinitely.

7: Heartworm Disease

Heartworm disease is caused by parasitic worms called Dirofilaria immitis which reside in the heart, pulmonary arteries, and blood vessels of your pet. Heartworm disease is a very serious condition that can lead to death if left untreated.

Symptoms

Although many dogs show no symptoms of heartworm disease during their first year of infection, about 20% will exhibit some type of clinical sign. But still there are some common symptoms

• Coughing
• Difficulty in breathing
• Fatigue and loss of appetite
• Bulging ribs

If you notice any respiratory problems such as shortness of breath or rapid breathing then make an appointment with your veterinarian at once.

8. Cryptococcus

It is a fungal disease that affects an animal’s respiratory system and nervous system. Discharge from the eyes and nose, loss of appetite, depression, fever, coughing, and abnormal breathing are all symptoms.

Symptoms of Cryptococcus

In general, symptoms of cryptococcosis include following:

• Chest pain
• Dry cough
• Headache
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Blurred or double vision
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Unusual and excessive sweating at night
• Swollen glands

The list of symptoms is long so make sure to act as soon as you discovered any of this in your dog.

9: Dermatomyositis

Dermatomyositis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of skin and muscle tissue which can lead to serious complications if left untreated. Your dog’s muscle tissue becomes weak as a result of this disease, so they may not be able to stand or walk properly let alone do normal activities such as fetching or running around.

Symptoms

If your dog is experiencing any of the following symptoms then they may have dermatomyositis:

• Muscle weakness
• Poor appetite
• Stiffness in their legs or abdomen
• Weight loss
• Excessive panting
• Increased heart rate

Since there isn’t any medication that can cure dermatomyositis in dogs, your vet will run tests to determine if your pet has this type of disease through the use of blood tests and X-rays.

Frequent grooming is also necessary for your pets. So ask your vet about the best way to groom them at home. If you’re unable to take care of this yourself then make sure to take them on a regular basis to get groomed by professionals at least once per month.

Related: Bathing Your Dog Like a Pro-Vet

Final Words

There are so many diseases that can affect your pet, it’s important to remain vigilant of any changes in their behavior and appearance. It may be difficult at first but make sure to create a checklist before you visit the vet for an examination.

One final note of caution is that many illnesses are fatal if left untreated which means you should take your pet to the vet immediately for a diagnosis instead of trying home remedies or new supplements you found online that may end up harming them even more.

FAQ

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions:

Q. How to Identify Dog Illness Symptoms?

Ans: It’s important for you to know the warning signs of dog illness so that you can get your pet the help it needs as soon as possible. Here are a few of the most common symptoms to be on the lookout for:

• Changes in behavior, such as becoming lethargic or inactive, refusing to eat or drink, panting more than usual, acting restless or irritable coughing and sneezing.
• Swellings or lumps on the body
• Excessive scratching, licking, or biting of one specific area
• Abnormal bleeding, such as from the nose, mouth, rectum, or eyes
• Vomiting and diarrhea

If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, don’t wait – take him to the vet right away. Many illnesses can be treated successfully if caught early, but if left untreated they can lead to much more serious health problems. So keep a close eye on your pup and be prepared to take quick action.

Q. How Many Dog Illnesses Are There?

Ans: There are many dog illnesses out there, but according to the Animal Welfare Institute, there are more than 20. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and some can even be deadly if not treated properly.

It’s important to keep your dog healthy by taking him or her for regular checkups at the vet and also by being aware of the most common canine illnesses. That way you can nip them in the bud before they have a chance to take hold. Stay vigilant and your pup will always be wagging his tail.

Q. How Long Does Old Dog Disease Last?

Ans: It’s hard to say exactly how long old dog disease will last, as the illness can vary depending on the individual pet. However, most dogs eventually recover within two to three weeks – though it’s important to provide them with plenty of supportive care during that time.

The post Most Common Dog Diseases You Need to Know About appeared first on Pets Information.