Having a puppy is a great way to add to your family, but there are many health problems that can affect the health of your pet. This article will highlight some of the more common illnesses that dogs and cats can get, and what you can do to protect your pet from these diseases.
Patellar luxation
Among the most common causes of lameness in dogs, luxating patella can cause severe pain. In severe cases, limb amputation may be necessary. The goal of treatment is to relieve pain, increase mobility, and improve function. The prognosis for the disease is generally good.
The luxating patella occurs when the kneecap moves outside the groove where it should rest. This abnormal positioning can cause instability and chronic inflammation in the joint. If left untreated, it can lead to the breakdown of the cruciate ligaments.
The condition is usually hereditary. It is also caused by trauma. In addition, a dog’s weight and size can play a part in the onset of the disease. Overweight or obese dogs are at higher risk for developing the condition.
The condition can be treated with medication and surgery. If the luxation is mild, it may be able to be managed with exercise restriction and pain medications. Surgical treatment can take several weeks to show improvements.
Physical therapy can help rebuild muscle strength and reduce inflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be used to control the pain. However, surgery is often the best option.
A dog’s weight and age can also play a role in the severity of the disease. Overweight or obese dogs have a greater chance of developing luxating patella.
Demodectic mange
Usually, dogs develop demodectic mange during their puppy years. Puppies have not yet developed an immune system, so they are often exposed to a large number of germs and parasites. This makes them prime targets for a parasite population explosion.
If you suspect your Pug is suffering from this condition, contact your veterinarian. They will take samples of the dog’s skin and perform a microscopic examination. This will allow your vet to determine if your Pug has mites. If they are present, you will need to provide a shampoo containing the appropriate miticides.
Normally, normal dogs have a few mites on their skin. When the immune system is working properly, these mites do not cause any harm. However, there are some dogs with genetically-determined defects that may not be able to control the numbers of these mites.
If your Pug has a weak immune system, you will need to treat the problem as soon as possible. This is to ensure that it does not spread.
Demodectic mange in Pugs occurs in two forms: juvenile onset and generalized. Both types of the disease can be serious. If you suspect your Pug has demodectic mange, it is important that you begin treatment right away.
Allergies
Whether you’re considering getting a pug puppy or you already have one, you should know what you can do to prevent or minimize allergy symptoms. Allergies can be caused by a variety of factors, including your pet’s hair, saliva, and food.
The best way to avoid or reduce allergy symptoms is to make sure your dog’s environment is clean and free of allergens. This can be done by vacuuming regularly, washing bed linens, and sweeping often.
Other tips to keep your pug’s home clean include using a pet dander filter, avoiding pet hair on furniture, and educating your dog on off-limits zones.
If you are concerned about your dog’s allergies, it’s a good idea to see a vet. Some types of allergies can be managed with medicine or by avoiding allergens in the first place.
If you’re considering getting a pug, it’s a good idea to check with your vet before adopting. There are certain breeds that are better at reducing allergic reactions, so be sure to take these into consideration.
While you’re at the veterinarian, ask about allergy vaccines or immunotherapy. These treatments are administered under the skin and work by building your dog’s immunity to the allergens.
Vaccine sensitivity
Vaccine sensitivity in pug puppies isn’t an unknown phenomenon. In fact, it is a very common side effect of vaccination. Fortunately, most dogs are fully recovered within a few days of their vaccine. Those with more serious reactions should consult their veterinarian for a thorough evaluation.
The symptoms associated with a mild reaction include fever, lethargy, and coughing. Symptoms associated with a moderate to severe reaction can include facial swelling, hives, and vomiting. The worst thing you can do for your puppy is to allow an infection to develop.
The best way to avoid vaccine sensitivity in pug puppies is to consult your veterinarian before you vaccinate. They will give you the facts and answer your questions. They will also ensure that your puppy is protected from viruses and other diseases. They can also provide you with valuable information about the vaccines that you are considering.
A hypersensitivity reaction is much more serious than a nonallergic reaction. These reactions are usually induced by the immune system. Symptoms can take up to 48 hours to manifest. It is also important to know that many vaccines are preservative-free and don’t contain mercury, which was previously thought to be harmful.
Tracheas
Among the many common canine diseases, tracheas of Pug puppies is a problem that can lead to chronic coughing. This condition, which affects a significant number of miniature dogs, can cause breathing problems and can even be life threatening.
There are several treatments for tracheal collapse. Depending on the severity of the case, surgical exploration may be recommended. This type of surgery aims to restore the normal blood supply to the area.
There are also herbal supplements that can be taken over a long period of time to help the dog heal and improve its overall health. These include flower essences, Western herbs, and a variety of medications that assist the breathing process.
Dogs that are suffering from tracheal hypoplasia are at an increased risk for developing infections. As such, they need to be monitored closely by a veterinarian. In addition, they need to be kept at a healthy body weight. If the dog is overweight, it is important to have him or her on a weight loss program.
Symptoms of tracheal hypoplasia may appear at a young age. However, they can also develop later in the dog’s life. This is because the trachea is not fully formed and may be affected by other conditions.
Face wrinkles
Keeping your pug wrinkles clean is a crucial part of maintaining their health. Dirt, debris and moisture can get trapped in these folds, creating a perfect environment for bacteria to grow. They can also lead to an infection.
You can clean pug wrinkles by using a soft wash cloth or cotton ball. Do not use a scented wipe, as they will irritate the skin. If you need to clean your dog’s face in a pinch, consider using a hypoallergenic baby wipe.
You can also use antibacterial medicated wipes. These wipes contain chlorhexidine and ketoconazole, which are effective against bacterial infections. They are available over the counter. They should be applied two to three times a day.
In addition to preventing infections, regular cleaning of your dog’s facial wrinkles can help you prevent itching and discomfort. Wrinkles can also trap sweat and other debris. They may even have an unpleasant odor.
If you do not clean your wrinkles regularly, you might find that you need to take your dog to the veterinarian. A vet can determine the exact type of infection and prescribe medication.
Aside from preventing infections, cleaning your pug’s wrinkles can help keep your puppy from itching and scratching. In fact, it can even lower your vet bill!
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Whether you’re looking for a new puppy or your dog is older, you should always be aware of the symptoms of Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). This genetic condition is passed down from one generation to the next and can cause blindness.
PRA affects the photoreceptor cells of the retina. These cells capture light and send images to the brain. The retina contains two types of photoreceptor cells: rods and cones. The rods help us see in low-light conditions, while the cones are responsible for day and night vision.
The retina is a highly specialized tissue that captures light. The pigmented layer protects the rods and cones, acting like the film inside a camera. The cells of the retina degenerate over time, leading to total blindness in affected dogs.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy occurs in several breeds of animals, but there are certain breeds that are more likely to develop the disease than others. Some of these breeds include Labrador Retrievers, Bullmastiffs, Old English Mastiffs, and Siberian Huskies.
Early signs of PRA are not often noticeable until later stages of the disease. These include night blindness and difficulty seeing moving objects. Affected pets may also have dilated pupils and reflect light more strongly than normal.
