Keeping your dog healthy : Part 2

Skin and coat
Your dog’s coat can tell you a lot about its general health. When you groom your pet you will notice any changes suck as bald patches, which could mean a skin infection. Your dog may be suffering from a mite infection, such as mange or eczema. If your pet has a skin problem, you should take it to the vet. The sooner you identify a problem, the easier it will be for your vet to treat it.

Worming
All puppies and dogs must regularly be given medicine to protect them from internal parasites, such as tapeworm. Puppies can be infected by worms before and after birth and should be regularly wormed up to the age of five months. After that they can be rewormed every six months. Treatments for tape worm can be given every year to an adult dog. Your vet will be able to advise you about suitable worming medicines.

Fleas
Dogs and puppies can easily pick up fleas. If your dog is affected, you can treat the problem with sprays and powders from your vet or pet supply store. You should ask for a preparation that will kill both flea eggs and larvae. Your dog should also wear a special collar to kill fleas.

Treating your pet’s bedding
If there is a severe outbreak of fleas it is essential to treat your pet’s bed and any furniture that it likes to sit on using a spray or powder. This should also be a formula that kills both flea eggs and larvae. Another parasite, the tick, which is usually picked up in the countryside from farm animals such as sheep, can also be treated with a special spray.

Checklist-pet health
Check your dog’s ears and eyes every week for signs of infection. Ask your vet for advice on worming your puppy or dog. During grooming, check your dog’s coat carefully for bald patches. Buy your dog a special collar to help keep it free of fleas.