5 Canine Health Concerns For New Pet Owners
Thinking of giving a pet as a present this season? Know how to the spot signs of common doggy ailments.
It’s easy to be enchanted by the picture-perfect image of a puppy under the Christmas tree. Many people are moved by it: A recent study shows that Google searches for puppies to buy almost doubled over the last 90 days.
However, your parents had a point back when you were 12 years old. Owning a dog is a huge responsibility, and not one to be taken lightly. Pets require time, attention and care. They also require vet checkups and have many health concerns of their own to watch out for and tend to. This is one of the reasons why the number of animals surrendered to animal shelters rises the first few months after Christmas.
Pet nutrition experts PetLab keeps tabs on pet health internet trends and has recently shared its findings about the most-searched-for pet health concerns in the U.S. The list is expansive and illustrates the care that dog owners put into the health of their animals.
“It is only natural, we, as pet owners are conscious of the health of our pets,” says Christopher Masanto, co-founder and CEO of PetLab. “It is important we remain vigilant in spotting any signs they may be experiencing illness or unease—especially new owners, who are helping their pet settle into a new environment.”
So, before you tie a bow around a puppy’s neck this Christmas, keep in mind these five commonly searched for canine health concerns.
Ear Infection. American dog owners seem to be most concerned about their pups having an ear infection, the most searched-for canine health concern in 33 of the 50 states. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, which has Bergen locations in Ho-Ho-Kus, Closter, Old Tappan and Ridgewood, ear infections in dogs can be painful, and many pooches will shake their head or scratch their ear to relieve the discomfort. Another sign owners can look for is a black or yellowish discharge in the ear.
Pancreatitis. The second most searched-for dog health condition in the U.S. has an average monthly search volume of 829 per 100,000 population. It’s a potentially life-threatening disease, so owners who observe symptoms such as a hunched back, repeated vomiting, loss of appetite, fever and weakness should contact their veterinarian immediately.
Parvovirus. Canine parvovirus places has a national average of 647 monthly searches per 100,000. This is a condition specific to dogs and causes lethargy, loss of appetite and abdominal pain and can include vomiting and diarrhea.
Diarrhea. The research found that diarrhea in dogs is the fourth most searched-for concern for owners across America. Unformed or loose stools are usually associated with minor conditions or an intestinal infection from bacteria that can be resolved quickly with treatment. It can also be the result of stress. Owners whose dogs have ongoing diarrhea should contact their vet, as the condition can also be the result of a more serious illness.
Ticks. These parasites are the fifth most-searched canine ailment, and can cause blood-born illnesses. According to New Bridge Veterinary Practice in Bergenfield, pet owners may not always be able to tell if their pet has parasites, as some ticks are very tiny (only the size of a pinhead). A veterinarian can recommend tests to tell if your pet has parasites and can recommend medications to help control fleas, ticks, heartworms and intestinal parasites. “Preventing parasites in your pets also helps protect children and other family members,” the vets say.
Before you welcome a furry friend to your family, be sure to talk to the person receiving your gift first before you leave a puppy under the Christmas tree.
