Care For Me, I'm Yours

Just in from VPI, the pet insurance company that sends your pets birthday cards (among other things), the list of the five most common canine ailments. Drum roll please:

1. Ear infections
2. Skin allergies
3. Pyoderma/Hot Spots
4. Gastritis/Vomiting
5. Enteritis/Diarrhea

Of course if you have dogs, you will probably be familiar with all of the above, but I think it is always helpful to know when an illness is routine, as opposed to life threatening. It is also important to note that both severe gastritis and severe enteritis can be life threatening.

VPI's take on the above is that prevention can ward off many of these health problems. Cleaning a dog's ears routinely is a good way to keep wax and dirt from building up. Regular bathing and grooming may help keep skin allergies, including hot spots, in check and careful diet, exercise and policing of dog toileting areas are good ways to help stave off stomach upsets.

In other words, you are responsible for preventing as well as treating your dog's routine illnesses so try not to shirk your responsibilities. Remember, your dog's health is in your hands.