Dogs, as the loyal companions of humans, share a lot of joy and color to people's lives. Nowadays many the elderly and the young like to keep dogs. As pets, canines are regarded as part of the family. Their health is of crucial importance to pet parents. Perhaps as a new dog parent, you really want to know about the knowledge of dog health care. This article will introduce the knowledge of dog health care in detail from the following multiple health aspects for you. I hope it will be helpful to you.
I、Why do dogs have health problems?
There are various reasons why dogs have health problems. On the one hand, an unreasonable diet, such as unbalanced nutrition or intake of harmful substances, can affect their body functions. On the other hand, lack of exercise may lead to a decline in a dog's physical functions and reduced immunity. In addition, genetic factors may make dogs inherently susceptible to certain diseases. Germs and parasites in the environment can also cause infectious diseases. Moreover, accidental injuries and stress responses can also have an adverse impact on a dog's health.
i、Dietary factors
1.Unbalanced nutrition
If a dog's food lacks necessary nutrients, various health problems will arise. Conversely, excessive amounts of certain nutrients can also be harmful. For example, excessive salt intake may increase the burden on the kidneys and even cause problems such as high blood pressure.
2.Poor food quality
Low-quality dog food or spoiled food may contain harmful substances. Spoiled food will breed bacteria, viruses and parasites, and dogs are prone to vomiting, diarrhea, food poisoning and other conditions after eating.
3.Food allergies and intolerance
Dogs may be allergic to certain food ingredients, such as beef, chicken, grains, etc. Food allergies can cause skin itching, rashes, hair loss, ear infections, and may also be accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain.
ii、Environmental factors
1. Poor living environment
An unclean living environment is prone to breeding bacteria, virus and parasites. Extreme changes in temperature and humidity can also affect a dog's health.
2. Chemical substances and toxins
Household cleaning products, pesticides, plants (such as some plants that are toxic to dogs like lilies and daffodils), paints, etc. may all contain chemical substances that are toxic to dogs. After dogs come into contact with or ingest these substances, they may exhibit poisoning symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, difficulty breathing, etc. In severe cases, it can even endanger life. The outdoor environment also poses risks. For example, polluted water sources and grasslands contaminated by pesticides may expose dogs to harmful substances.
iii、Genetic factors
1. Congenital diseases
Some breeds of dogs are naturally prone to certain genetic diseases. These congenital diseases may start to appear in dogs at a young age or gradually worsen as they grow older, having a serious impact on the quality of life and lifespan of dogs.
2. Differences in susceptibility
Dogs of different breeds have different susceptibilities to certain diseases. For example, some breeds have weaker resistance to certain viral infections (such as parvovirus), which is related to their genetic genes. This susceptibility makes them more likely to fall ill when exposed to pathogens, and the condition may be more severe.
iv、Lifestyle and behavioral factors
1. Lack of exercise or excessive exercise
Dogs that lack exercise are prone to obesity. Obesity can lead to a series of health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and joint diseases. In addition, lack of exercise may also lead to muscle atrophy and constipation. However, excessive exercise can also cause harm to dogs, especially for some small breeds or elderly dogs. Excessive exercise may lead to muscle strains and joint injuries, especially when engaging in intense exercise without proper warm-up.
2. Psychological stress and anxiety
Dogs, like humans, are affected by psychological factors. Environmental changes (such as moving, change of owner), long periods of being alone (separation anxiety), noise, etc. may bring stress and anxiety to dogs. In a long-term state of stress and anxiety, a dog's immune system may be suppressed, making it more prone to diseases. Moreover, behavioral problems such as chewing furniture and excessive barking may also occur.
v、Healthcare factors
1. Failure to vaccinate and deworm in a timely manner
Vaccines can effectively prevent dogs from contracting some serious infectious diseases such as rabies, canine distemper, and parvovirus disease. Parasite infection is also one of the common health problems for dogs.
2. Neglecting regular physical examinations
Many diseases may not have obvious symptoms in the early stage. Through physical examinations, some abnormal conditions can be found, such as early-stage tumors and abnormal organ functions. If regular physical examinations are neglected, by the time dogs show obvious symptoms, the disease may have developed to a relatively serious degree, increasing the difficulty of treatment.
II、What vitamin supplements can we choose to support the healthy issues of dog ?
i、 Vision health
Good vision health is of crucial importance to dogs. It safeguards their safety and ease in daily activities, enabling them to accurately judge direction and avoid obstacles. When your pets are walking, running or playing, they can proceed smoothly. In terms of social interaction, good vision helps dogs understand the intentions and behaviors of people and other animals, promoting friendly interactions. For finding food and water sources, clear vision allows dogs to easily seek for them and maintain the necessities for survival. At the same time, vision health is also related to the psychological state of dogs, avoiding anxiety and uneasiness caused by decreased vision and maintaining their positive attitude towards life. It has a profound impact on the overall physical and mental health of dogs in life. Vitamin A plays a key role in a dog's vision health. Food or supplements containing 1000 IU of vitamin A can help dogs maintain good vision. Owners can choose foods rich in vitamin A, such as liver, carrots, etc., and add them in moderation to a dog's diet. At the same time, be careful to avoid dogs being exposed to strong light for a long time to prevent damage to the eyes. Take dogs to see a veterinarian regularly for eye examinations to detect and deal with eye problems early.
ii、Immune function & Skin health
The immune system is vitally important for dogs. It is like a loyal guardian of health, constantly protecting dogs from various threats from the outside world. When facing countless pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, the immune system can quickly recognize and launch precise attacks to prevent them from causing harm in dogs' bodies and avoid disease infection. It not only plays a role when diseases invade the body, but also actively participates in maintaining the inner comprehensive balance. It can promptly remove abnormal cells that appear in the body, reduce the risk of cancer, and properly regulate inflammatory responses to ensure normal physiological functions of the body. When dogs face situations such as environmental changes and dietary changes, the immune system is a key factor in helping them adapt these phenomena. In short, the immune system is like a silent and loyal solider, comprehensively protecting the health of dogs. From preventing diseases to maintaining stable body functions and adapting to life changes, every link is inseparable from its meticulous care. It is the fundamental guarantee for dogs to live happily and grow healthily.
The health of a dog's skin is of crucial importance. Firstly, healthy skin is the first line of defense for a dog's body, effectively blocking the invasion of external germs, parasites, and so on. Just like a solid city wall, it protects the internal organs of a dog's body from being harmed. For example, intact skin can prevent bacteria from invading the body, reducing the risk of contracting diseases.
Secondly, a good skin condition helps maintain a dog's body temperature regulation function. Dogs dissipate heat and retain warmth through their skin. In hot weather, healthy skin can help dogs release internal heat through sweating and other ways to prevent heatstroke. In cold weather, it can also play a certain role in keeping warm and maintaining the normal body temperature. Moreover, skin health is bound up with a dog's quality of life. If there are skin problems such as itching, redness, and hair loss, it will bring out great discomfort to dogs and affect their daily activities and moods. Dogs may scratch all the time because of itching, leading to damaged skin, aggravated infections, and even triggering other issues. Moreover, unhealthy skin may also have an impact on your puppy's appearance, making it look less energetic and lively. In a conclusion, paying attention to your pet's skin health is an vital part of ensuring their overall health and happy life.
Vitamins A, E, and C all play important roles in supporting a dog's immune function. In addition to being important for vision, vitamin A is also involved in immune responses. Vitamin E, as an antioxidant, can protect cells from damage and enhance the immune system. Vitamin C also has an antioxidant effect and supports immune health. In addition, ingredients such as Qrill™ pet (krill meal), salmon oil, quercetin, turmeric (turmeric root) extract, and Bacillus coagulans can also regulate immune responses. These ingredients work together to help improve a dog's immunity and enable it to better resist diseases. Pet parents can choose high-quality dog food and supplements containing these ingredients. At the same time, pay attention to observing a dog's skin condition. If abnormalities such as itching, redness, hair loss, etc. are found, take the dog to see a veterinarian in time. Avoid dogs coming into contact with substances that may cause allergies, such as pollen and dust mites.
iii、Bone health
The health of bones are very essential to the puppy’s daily life. Healthy bones are the mainstay of the body, just like the frame of a tall building, providing the basic form and structural stability for its entire body. It enables dogs to stand, walk, run, and jump, and complete a variety of daily activities and movements.
Good bone development means that the body proportions are joined coordinately and its movements are flexible. For example, strong limb bones can make a dog more powerful when running and more agile when jumping, adapting to different environments. On the contrary, if there are problems with the bones, such as osteoporosis, fractures, or joint diseases, it will seriously affect the quality of life of dogs. Osteoporosis may cause dogs to easily get tired, move slowly, and even suffer fractures under slight external forces. Joint diseases will provoke pain and sorts, limit a dog's activities, and make it unwilling to walk, thereby affecting the development of its muscles and overall metabolism. Moreover, unhealthy bones may also affect a dog's psychological state, making it become irritable or depressed. In a word, paying attention to your pet's bone health is the key to ensuring a happy life.
1. Vitamin D3 and calcium absorption
Vitamin D3 is crucial for a dog's bone health as it helps with calcium absorption. Owners can choose dog food containing an appropriate amount of vitamin D3 or give dogs vitamin D3 supplements under the advice of a veterinarian. At the same time, ensure that dogs have enough exercise. Moderate exercise can promote the growth and development of bones. But be careful to avoid excessive and intense exercise to prevent damage to bones.
2. Controlling weight
Excessive weight will put additional pressure on a dog's bones and increase the risk of joint diseases. Owners should reasonably control a dog's diet and avoid overfeeding to ensure that dogs maintain a healthy weight.
iv、Nervous system& energy supplementation and metabolism
1. The role of vitamins
Thiamine (vitamin B1), pyridoxine (vitamin B6), vitamin B12, etc. are very important for a dog's nervous system health. These vitamins are involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters and the normal function of the nervous system. In addition, these vitamins play an important role in a dog's energy production and metabolism, involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to provide energy for dogs.
2. Avoiding nerve damage
Avoid dogs coming into contact with toxic substances such as pesticides and cleaning agents, as these substances may cause damage to a dog's nervous system. At the same time, pay attention to protecting a dog's head and spine to avoid external injuries.
3. Moderate exercise and regular routine
Proper exercise can promote a dog's metabolism and increase energy consumption. At the same time, keeping a regular routine and allowing dogs to have enough rest also helps maintain their normal metabolism.
For more supplement recommendations, please click here.
Noora Daily Multi is a comprehensive health supplement designed to complement today's dog diets by providing 21 essential nutrients. It supports overall health maintenance and well-being in dogs of all ages, ensuring they receive a balanced intake of vital vitamins and minerals.
Appearance/Taste: The supplement comes in a vegetable flavor, which is appealing to dogs and encourages consumption.
Size: Each chew is formulated to be 3.5 grams, making it a manageable size for dogs to chew comfortably.
Quantity: 60 chews in each bottle, a total of 210 g (7.41 oz).
III、Dogs of different breeds require different care methods.
i、Small canines (such as Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers)
1、Dietary aspects
Small dogs have smaller appetites but a faster metabolism than bigger ones, so they need nutritionally rich and high energy foods. The kibble is usually smaller in size, when you feed them, make it convenient for small dogs to chew. their stomach capacity is limited, should be fed small meals frequently. They can be fed 3 to 4 times a day. For example, Pomeranians are inclined to tear stains. In their diet, hypoallergenic and low-salt foods can be chosen to reduce the occurrence of tear stains. The size of snacks should be suitable for the mouths of small dogs, and the amount should be strictly controlled to prevent obesity. For extremely small dog breeds like Chihuahuas, it is easy for their weight to exceed the standard, this is affecting their health.
2、Exercise aspects
The bones and joints of small dogs are relatively fragile and are not suitable for intensive exercise for a long time. A 30-minute to 1-hour walk every day or some simple interactive games indoors, such as playing with a small rubber ball, can meet their exercise needs. Avoid letting them jump from high places to prevent injuries. For example, the leg bones of Yorkshire Terriers are slender, jumping may cause damage to their legs.
2、Hygiene aspects
The fur of small puppies is usually long and thick (such as that of Yorkshire Terriers). Owners need to brush their pets’ coat frequently. Brushing once a day can prevent tangles. When bathing them, owners should pay attention to keeping them warm as they are easily chilled. The bathing frequency can be once every 1 to 2 months. Since the ears and eyes of small puppies are relatively sensitive, extra care should be taken when cleaning them. Ear cleaning can be done once a week using mild ear cleaning solution to avoid damaging the ear canal. Eye cleaning should be done every day by gently wiping away secretions.
3、Medical care aspects
Small canines are prone to dental problems. Brush their teeth regularly at least 2 to 3 times a week. In addition, small dogs may be at risk of hypoglycemia, especially puppies. So focus on their condition and avoid long periods without eating to prevent low blood sugar. For example, Pomeranians are also liable to hereditary diseases such as patellar dislocation. Regular veterinary checkups (at least once a year) can help detect and deal with these issues early.
ii、Medium-sized dogs (such as Border Collies, Huskies, Shiba Inus)
1、Dietary aspects
Medium-sized dogs need sufficient protein to maintain muscle and physical activity. Choose healthy food specifically for medium-sized dogs that is rich in high-quality animal protein and adjust the feeding amount according to their activity level. For example, as a working dog, Border Collies have a large amount of activities and require a relatively large amount of food. Generally, adult medium-sized dogs can be fed twice a day. Appropriate amounts of meat can be added to supplement protein, such as cooked chicken or beef, but don't overdo it to avoid obesity. Ensure sufficient drinking water. Especially for active dog like Huskies, they would like to drink a lot of water after exercise. An automatic water dispenser can be used to ensure clean water at all times.
2、Exercise aspects
Medium-sized dogs are usually energetic and need a lot of exercise to burn off energy. Border Collies may need 1 to 2 hours of outdoor activities every day, including walking, playing frisbee, and agility training. Huskies especially need enough space to run. Shiba Inus are relatively independent but also need at least 1 hour of exercise every day, such as walking in the park or playing some simple chasing games. When exercising, owners should be careful to protect their joints. You can provide them with some toys that can exercise joints, such as chew toys, to protect joint health while playing.
3、Hygiene aspects
Hair care for medium-sized dogs varies by breed. For example, Border Collies have long hair and need regular brushing, 2 to 3 times a week. Huskies have thick and double-layered fur. During the shedding season, they need to be brushed every day to prevent fur from flying everywhere. The bathing frequency can be once every 2 to 3 months. Oral hygiene is equally important. Brushing teeth 2 to 3 times a week can prevent bad breath and dental diseases. Pay attention to ear and eye hygiene as well. Clean ears 1 to 2 times a week and wipe around the eyes every day.
4、Medical care aspects
Medium-sized dogs are tend to hereditary diseases such as hip dysplasia, especially Shiba Inus. Regular veterinary checkups (at least once a year), including X-ray examinations, can help monitor the health of bones and joints. At the same time, vaccinations and deworming should be done on time. According to their activity range (such as Huskies that are often outdoors), external deworming may need to be done more frequently, once a month, and internal deworming every 3 to 6 months.
iii、Large dogs (such as German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers)
1、Dietary aspects
Large dogs need a lot of nutrition during the development stage to support the growth of bones and muscles. Choose dog food suitable for large dogs. The content of minerals such as calcium and phosphorus should be reasonable to prevent bone diseases. For example, during the puppy stage of German Shepherds, special attention should be paid to balanced nutrition to avoid poor bone development due to malnutrition. Adult large dogs can be fed twice a day. The feeding amount each time should be adjusted according to body weight and activity level. Large dogs are apt to digestive problems such as gastric torsion, so avoid strenuous exercise immediately after eating. Some probiotics can be added to the food to help digestion and maintain intestinal health.
2、Exercise aspects
Large dogs also have a great need for exercise, but be careful to control the exercise intensity, especially during the puppy stage. For example, Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers are gentle and lively, they like sports such as swimming. One to two hours of walking, swimming, or other outdoor activities can be arranged every day. As police dogs or working dogs, German Shepherds need to carry out some targeted training activities such as tracking and obedience training. At the same time, ensure sufficient free activity time.
On account of large size, prolonged exercise on hard surfaces may cause damage to joints. Large dogs can exercise on soft surfaces such as grass and you can give their joints appropriate massages after exercise to relieve fatigue.
3、Hygiene aspects
The fur of large dogs is generally thick and needs regular brushing to remove dead hair and dander. For example, the fur of Golden Retrievers is soft and long, you need to brush the fur at least 2 to 3 times a week. The fur of German Shepherds is short but thick and also needs to be brushed about twice a week. The bathing frequency can be once every 2 to 3 months, but make sure to rinse thoroughly to avoid leaving any shampoo residue. In terms of oral hygiene, since the teeth of large dogs are larger, more attention should be paid to preventing plaque and tartar. Brush teeth 2 to 3 times a week and provide some large-sized dental chews to help them clean teeth. Ear and eye hygiene should also be maintained. Clean ears 1 to 2 times a week and wipe around the eyes every day.
4、Medical care aspects
Large dogs are prone to bone diseases such as osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia. Regular veterinary checkups (at least once a year), including bone examinations and blood tests, are very necessary. Vaccination and deworming procedures should be strictly implemented. Internal deworming should be done every 3 to 6 months, and external deworming should be done once a month to prevent parasite infections. Since large dogs have a wide range of activities, they have relatively more opportunities to come into contact with parasites.
