Prevent These Common Dog Health Symptoms Now - Keys to Your Dog's Longevity

How will you know that your dog is not feeling well? Is he ill or just tired? Some dog health symptoms may already be showing but you still don't know it. It is important as dog parents to pay attention to your dog's health. A grunt, a whimper, or a whine from your dog can mean they are feeling something that you, the owner, may not recognize at first. Having a thorough understanding of the dog symptom checker and prevention guidelines are the keys to ensuring the safety of your beloved family addition.

1. The Wrong Foods- One of the most important steps you can take deals with every day eating habits. While some pet owners feel they are 'treating' their dog by giving them table scraps or a sweet nibble of human food, it is important to know the dangerous foods we humans enjoy but are harmful to dogs. Ensuring your pet never eats these foods may prevent it from illness, even death. Some of these foods include:

Chocolate- Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine, which is a stimulant that, when mixed with caffeine and theophylline, may result in rapid heart rate, hallucinations, epileptic seizures, internal bleeding, heart attack, and even death.

Avocado- Persin, a fungicidal toxin contained in the seeds, leaves, bark and fruit, while safe for humans, can be toxic to your dog and cause vomiting and diarrhea.

Fat trimmings- If you are tempted to offer up some juicy fat trimmings to your dog, stop. This innocent enough habit can result in your dog developing pancreatitis.

Alcoholic Beverages- A drunken dog acts the same way as an intoxicated man. Beer is from a plant called hops that can cause malignant hyperthermia that is fatal to dogs.

Macadamia Nuts- These nuts may be pleasing for humans but never for dogs. Dog health symptoms may be visible as soon as they've had some. Once eaten, dogs may suffer tremors, stiffness, hyperthermia, and abdominal pain.

Onions- This contains thiosulfate that may result to hemolytic anemia in dogs.

Besides dangerous foods, there are also harmful household substances you should be aware to keep the dogs away from it. A few of these are:

Mouse and Rat Poison - These poisons are very attractive to dogs. These poisons contain cholecalciferol that causes hypercalcemia and hyperphostamia.

Zinc - Ingestion causes severe hemolytic anemia.

Antifreeze - Once ingested it affects the liver and often results in kidney failure.

2. Allergies- Allergies, such a flea allergies, often result in infections commonly seen on the dog's ears, nose, mouth, and skin. Common allergy symptoms include:

Shedding, dry/itchy skin
Paw chewing
Smelly ears
Upset stomach
Poor coat
Hot spots
Self-mutilation

3. Lack of Exercise- Just as humans require exercise for proper health maintenance, so do dogs. Remember, your dog is dependent on you to provide it with ample opportunities for exercise, whether it's playing fetch in your backyard or going for a neighborhood stroll together. Don't just assume because you have a big yard that your dog will get enough exercise on its own. Take time to exercise 'with' your dog. You will both reap the benefits.

Common symptoms of lack of exercise include:
Poor muscle tone
Obesity
Little or no energy
Emotional problems

If not addressed, your dog's lack of exercise can lead to serious health conditions, such as heart problems and bone disorders, which can shorten the life of your family member. It is up to you, not your dog, to make sure he is getting enough exercise. Illnesses, like diabetes, which result from fatty and excess sugars, and obesity, which results from overeating are our responsibility as good dog parents to prevent.