Dogs and puppies are delicate pets that require maximum attention. Dogs are the friendliest animals that deserve to receive the love they give in equal degree through good care. Your dog eats the food you eat, and contracts the same diseases as humans. Their bodies are just like your body, and therefore it requires the same nutrients your body requires to remain healthy and strong.

Your pet requires a balanced diet to keep its body organs functioning well. Feeding your dog with an unbalanced diet will interfere with its wellness. Exposing it to health risks will expose it to diseases. In addition, any dysfunction in the organs of your dog or puppy leads to major complications, just like in humans.

Your dog can experience organ failure such as liver failure, dysfunction of the pancreas as well as coronary diseases. The following is a list of the common health issues that affect dogs and puppies.

Diabetes mellitus

Dogs and puppies suffer from diabetes, just like humans. Diabetes mellitus is an inherited condition especially in female dogs. Other risk factors for diabetes mellitus in dogs and puppies include improper nutrition, stress, obesity and hormonal problems. Just like in humans, diabetes in dogs and puppies is attributed to a pancreatic dysfunction.

The signs and symptoms of diabetes mellitus in dogs and puppies are the same as in humans. Therefore, diabetes mellitus is marked by excessive thirst and frequent passing of water, abdominal pain and excessive loss of weight. A diabetic dog can also experience depression.

Your vet officer can give advice on the best treatments that can help manage this condition. However, a diet rich in fiber can help the pet respond faster to treatments. Be cautious of its overall wellness by consulting on the most appropriate diet for your pet. There is no known cure for this condition, and the best way to handle diabetes mellitus in dogs and puppies is by feeding it well and engaging it in regular exercise.

Dermatitis

Dermatitis in dogs and puppies is usually caused by allergic reactions to dust, pollen, food or other environmental factors. Your pet is likely to respond by scratching or licking of the affected area. If you watch closely, you will realize that the skin is flaky. Dermatitis can also be caused by parasites such as lice, fleas or mites. Once these parasites bite your dog, it responds by biting back or scratching to ease the irritation and pain. Bacterial infections and hormonal imbalances are other causes of dermatitis.

Once you see your dog biting or scratching itself, it is advisable to give it a diet rich in proteins to repair damaged skin cells. Essential fatty acids can help moisturize the skin of your dog or puppy and thus prevent the flaky appearance. You are also advised to include some antioxidants in the meal to help prevent these allergic reactions.

Gastrointestinal disorders

Your dog or puppy may experience some disturbances during the digestion process. This condition is often caused by changes in diet, spoiled food or lack of sufficient diet fiber. Symptoms of gastrointestinal disturbances in dogs and puppies include constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, flatulence and general weakness of the body.

There are various types of gastrointestinal disturbances, some of which are caused by issues such as cancer and stress. It is therefore advisable to call the Vet once your pet shows the signs. In the meantime, you can provide it with a diet rich in soluble fiber, deworming to kill intestinal parasites, feed it with fresh fruits and avoid introducing it to new food.

Overweight

Do you know that overweight in dogs and puppies is a serious health issue? Look out for signs of laziness and excessive weight gain in your pet. Weight gain is usually detected by inspecting the waistline of your dog. If it is not sunken, your dog has gained excess weight and requires medical attention.

In order to address weight issues in dogs and puppies, it is essential to organize for regular workout sessions with your pet. In addition to provision of a healthy diet, take your pet for weight check every month to monitor its weight.

Developmental disorders

Growth disorders mainly affect puppies, and are associated with poor nutrition. These disorders include conditions such as bowed legs, muscle wasting, painful around the joint area, obesity and poor posture. In order to deal with this health issue, it is advisable to consult your Vet in order to obtain a dietary recommendation for your puppy.