As a responsible dog parent, you try your best to keep your pet healthy and happy but sometimes giving medication to your pet can become difficult. You feed your canine friend a balanced, nutritious diet, keep him active with regular walks and playing fetch, perform routine grooming and got him a dog bed that provides maximum comfort. Still, no matter how good you care for your pet, sometimes he can get sick. That said, it’s important that you know how to recognise the signs and symptoms of common illnesses and address the condition as soon as possible.
What Is the Most Common Illness in Dogs?
There are numerous illnesses and ailments that can afflict dogs, whether they are young or old. You might be shocked at how frequent some of these are. According to studies, illness or injury is the third most prevalent cause for vet appointments, following check-ups and immunisations. Some will be simple to address while others will need more advanced care. To ensure the best outcome for your furry friend, instead of turning to Dr Google, consult your vet as soon as possible. Veterinarians can best determine when dogs need medication and what kind is right for your pet.
As for what kind of medications are used for animals, sometimes an over-the-counter product may be enough to address the condition, but there are cases when prescribed medication such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, steroids, etc, may be necessary. If your vet prescribes a medicine for your fido, know that you don’t necessarily have to buy directly from them. Just like with human medicine, you can also order prescription pet medications online, at more affordable prices.
Nowadays, there are numerous websites that allow you to upload a copy of a prescription, and some will even call your veterinarian’s office directly once you place an order. Although there are risks associated with purchasing pet medications online, there are ways to avoid them. Reliable internet pharmacies will ensure compliance with federal rules, and there are some key indicators to look for.
A legitimate online pet pharmacy, for example, will always demand a prescription from a veterinarian before filling any drug order. Also, consider doing research online to determine the pharmacy’s overall reputation and keep an eye for warnings. Keep in mind that all internet pharmacies must be licensed by the Board of Pharmacy in their individual state.
Here is a list of some of the most common dog health problems and the medication used to address them.
Ear Infections
It’s common for dogs to have ear infections, particularly long-eared breeds and those who spend a lot of time outside.
Dirt, dust, or other foreign objects, such as grass seeds, can sometimes become trapped inside your dog’s ear, causing it to become itchy and, eventually, infected. If your dog is often pawing at their ears and shaking their heads, he probably has an ear infection. Signs of infection include red or crusty ears, with a discharge or odor. Vets tend to prescribe ear drops with antibiotics to fight off the infection. To prevent this kind of illness you should clean your dog’s ears regularly.
Diarrhea
Another common type of disease in dogs, diarrhea can happen due to a variety of reasons, some of which are dangerous, while others are as simple as a change in diet for a sensitive stomach. Dehydration may develop depending on the intensity of the diarrhea, which can lead to more significant health issues such as weakness, collapse, and seizures.
Diarrhea will usually go away with time, a healthy diet, and lots of relaxation. Chronic diarrhea, on the other hand, can be a symptom of a more serious illness, such as inflammatory bowel disease, kidney or liver disease, infections, or even cancer. If the condition lasts longer than a week, it’s time to see your veterinarian. Make sure to always transport your pet in a dog carrier to make the ride as safe and comfortable as possible for both of you.
Metronidazole is the most commonly prescribed medicine for diarrhea. While metronidazole isn’t a magic cure, it does target bacteria, protozoa, and inflammation. Tylosin is another regularly used drug. A probiotic may also be prescribed by your veterinarian to assist restore balance to your dog’s gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
Fleas and Ticks
Chances are that your dog will get these parasites often during his lifetime. Fleas jump from host to host, and your dog will usually take them up if he comes into contact with an affected animal. Even if a dog just has one flea, he can experience extreme itching all over the body. Scratching, pawing, and licking bites to ease irritation can cause inflammation, infection, and even hair loss. The correct medication can help you get rid of fleas easily and there are a variety of remedies available online and at your local pet store to help protect your dog from future infestations.
Ticks, on the other hand, are far more difficult to treat. The Paralysis Tick, which is widespread on Australia’s east coast between August and February, can cause major health problems for your dog, including blood poisoning and even death. If your dog lives outside, comes into contact with wildlife, or has access to bushy or grassy areas, where these parasites lurk until your pet passes by, he or she is significantly more likely to pick up a paralysis tick. The isoxazoline class of flea and tick pills for dogs has been shown to be very effective against both fleas and ticks.
How to Give Medication to Your Pet?
First of all, it’s very important that you understand that if the vet has prescribed your dog pet meds, it’s for their benefit. This, however, doesn’t mean your dog will take them. To make things easy, there are some tricks that you can use.
Ask for a Tablet That Tastes Good
Nowadays, you can find a large variety of edible tablets available for dogs. If your dog isn’t picky about their diet, this can be the easiest and most pleasant means of medicating them. Because the whole aim of these tablets is that they are ‘tasty,’ it is critical that you do not leave them within your pet’s reach.
Use Food to Hide Pills In
Some dogs, particularly those that are highly food motivated, may be persuaded to consume their medicines disguised as treats. There are now specially flavored dog pill pocket treats on the market that allows you to place the pill in the treat and then give it to your dog. If you’re making your own, the ideal foods to conceal dog medicines in should be a little sticky so that they adhere to the tablet and mask the flavor nicely. Commonly utilized strategies include butter, cucumber, and ham chunks. Consider starting with a few empty threats before loading them up.
In the case of liquid medication, use a pharmaceutical treat made specifically for this purpose or mix it with canned food. If you want to make sure your dog consumes all of the medication, don’t put it in a larger portion that he won’t be able to finish.
Some dogs will refuse to eat medicated food, or they may have dietary restrictions that prevent you from using this method. If this is the case, your dog’s medication must be given directly into his mouth.
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