There are plenty of health problems and issues that a dog can have, and regular visits to the vet are the best way to keep your dog happy and healthy. Here are just a few of the health problems in dogs.

Fleas

Fleas are tiny parasites that feed on blood and whose bites can cause irritation and itching. They can spread diseases, cause skin irritation, anemia and can cause your dog to scratch so much that wounds or bald spots may appear. They can be transmitted from other dogs, cats, your garden or home, and even yourself. If you suspect your dog has fleas, a vet such as this veterinarian in Morristown can provide treatment and advice to get rid of the fleas. You should use preventative treatments recommended to you by your vet all year round to ensure your pet remains healthy.

Heartworm

Heartworms are parasitic roundworms that spread through mosquito bites. They live in the heart and other associated blood vessels, are extremely serious, and can potentially be fatal. It affects dogs, cats, ferrets, and other mammals such as foxes. Dogs are the natural host, which means that the heartworms that live inside them can reproduce and mature, meaning their numbers increase if left untreated. Your dog can be tested for heartworms by their vet, and this is important as there are limited early signs of the disease, so testing is required to catch it early on and treat it.

Ticks

Ticks are ectoparasites that feed on blood and live on the outside of the body. They are usually large enough to see or feel. Ticks can transmit blood-borne viruses and cause irritation, itching, redness, and tick paralysis. As with many parasites, prevention is better than cure, and your vet can recommend products that will help prevent outbreaks from affecting your dog. Generally, dogs get ticks when they are outside, in high grasses or woodland, such as the ticks waiting and latching onto the dog. The number of ticks in a geographical area can vary depending on my factors, so it is best you use your preventative methods all year round, and your vet can assist you with the best products to use to keep your dog healthy.

Allergies

Just like humans, your dog can have many different allergies. They can include allergies to fleas and ticks, food allergies, and skin allergies. The best way to find out if your dog has allergies to get them tested by a vet, who can then provide treatment or nutritional counseling to help manage the allergy. Food allergies are fairly common, and symptoms include gastrointestinal issues, constant licking of their paws, or chronic ear infections, among other things. It is also common for sogs to be allergic to fleas, causing them to react with dermatitis when bitten by a flea. Scratching and biting to relieve the itch can lead to further skin problems such as bleeding and sores.

Your dog may encounter many health problems, and these are just a few of them. This is not medical advice, and the best way to keep your dog healthy is to regularly visit your vet, as they will help you manage any ongoing issues and spot any new ones.