Dogs, these loyal companions, deserve our full attention when it comes to their health. Like us, they can get sick, feel pain or simply need specific care to live a long and fulfilling life. But what are the essential actions to ensure their well-being? And how to recognize the signs of a health problem?
In this guide, we explore everything you need to know to take care of your dog, from prevention to essential care, including common illnesses and fascinating anecdotes.
The basics of good canine health
A balanced diet for a healthy life
Diet plays a fundamental role in the health of dogs. Poor nutrition can lead to problems such as obesity, digestive disorders or deficiencies. Did you know that around 56% of domestic dogs are overweight or obese ?
Some practical advice:
- Choose high-quality kibble adapted to the age, size and activity of your dog.
- Avoid toxic foods like chocolate, onion, or raisins.
- Introduce new foods gradually to avoid digestive upset.
| Category | Foods to Favor | Foods to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | Chicken, turkey, fish (boneless), cooked eggs | Poorly prepared raw meat, cooked bones |
| Fruits | Apples (seedless), bananas, blueberries, watermelon (seedless) | Raisins, raisins, avocado |
| Vegetables | Carrots, zucchini, green beans | Onions, garlic, mushrooms |
| Dairy | Plain yogurt, low-lactose cheese | Whole milk, ice cream |
| Other | Cooked rice, sweet potato, oats | Chocolate, coffee, macadamia nuts |
Essential Preventative Care: Protect Your Dog’s Health Effectively
Prevention is the key to keeping your dog healthy. Here are the essentials:
- Vaccinations : Protect your dog against serious diseases like rabies or parvovirus.
- Antiparasitic treatments : Fleas and ticks can transmit serious diseases.
- Dewormers : To be administered regularly, according to the recommendations of your veterinarian.
Anecdote: In 1890, a rabies epidemic led researchers to develop the first vaccine for dogs, saving thousands of lives. Even today, these vaccinations remain an absolute priority.
For detailed information on vaccination schedules, visit website of the International Canine Federation.
Common Diseases in Dogs
How to detect signs of discomfort?
A dog cannot verbalize its pain, but it can express it through its behavior. If your dog shows signs such as:
- Loss of appetite.
- A lack of energy or unusual lethargy.
- Frequent vomiting or diarrhea.
Do not delay in consulting a veterinarian.
Common diseases in dogs and how to prevent them
Certain illnesses affect our companions more frequently. Here are the most common:
- Ear infections : Very common in breeds with long ears like Cocker Spaniels.
- Hip dysplasia : Especially in large breeds like Labrador Retrievers.
- Dental diseases : 80% of dogs over 3 years old suffer from dental problems.
| Disease | Symptoms | Solutions |
|---|---|---|
| Ear infections | Head shaking, flushing, odor | Regular cleanings, antifungal or antibiotic treatment |
| Hip dysplasia | Lameness, difficulty getting up | Physiotherapy, weight management, surgery if necessary |
Practical advice:
- Introduce a dental brushing routine from an early age to prevent tartar buildup.
- In summer, watch for heatstroke and always provide access to cool water.
- In winter, clean your dog’s paws after walks to remove road salt.
The importance of physical exercise for health
Physical activity is crucial to preventing problems like obesity, arthritis or anxiety. Did you know that an active dog can live up to 2 more years than a sedentary dog?
Some activities to try:
- Cani-cross for master sportsmen.
- Daily walks appropriate for age and breed.
- Agility, which stimulates both body and mind.
- There swimming with your dog to strengthen your ties
Inspiring stories: Dogs, our heroes
Dogs never cease to amaze us with their exceptional abilities. Thanks to their sense of smell 10,000 times more precise than that of humans, they detect serious diseases such as cancer or diabetes with impressive precision, which can reach 97% !
Inspiring story: Daisy, the Labrador hero
In Britain, Daisy detected more than 500 cases of cancer by sniffing biological samples, saving lives and contributing to scientific research.
Another anecdote, In 2001, a dog named Endal saved his master’s life by helping him after a fall and calling for help using a specially designed telephone.
Or, in 2023, a dog named Max saved an entire family by alerting the emergency services during a fire. These stories demonstrate the incredible bond between dogs and their owners.
To discover the best breeds suited to your lifestyle, consult our articles on dog breeds.
Mental health and emotional well-being
A happy dog is a healthy dog. Their mental health depends on their environment, interactions with their owner, and their daily stimulation.
Tips for emotional well-being:
- Spend time with your dog to strengthen your bond.
- Offer him interactive toys or intelligence games.
- Consider a second pet if your dog shows signs of loneliness.
To go further…
1. Regular brushing: a key step
- Frequency:
- Long-haired dogs : Every day to avoid knots and mats.
- Short-haired dogs : Once or twice a week to remove dead hair.
- Benefits:
- Stimulates blood circulation.
- Keeps the coat shiny and healthy.
- Tip: Use a brush adapted to the type of coat (pin brush for long hair, grooming glove for short hair).
2. Bathing: maintaining clean and healthy skin
- Frequency:
- Every 1 to 3 months, depending on activity level and environment.
- More frequent for very active dogs or dogs prone to skin problems.
- Suitable products:
- Use a shampoo specially designed for dogs, with a neutral pH.
- Avoid human products, which can irritate their skin.
- Tip: Rinse thoroughly to avoid soap residue, which can cause itching.
3. Ear Care
- Why: Dogs’ ears, especially those with floppy ears (like Cocker Spaniels), are prone to infections.
- How often: Check and clean the ears every 2 weeks.
- How:
- Use a suitable cleaning solution.
- Avoid inserting objects such as cotton buds.
- Signs of infection: Redness, bad odor, frequent scratching.
4. Nail Trimming
- How often: Every 3 to 4 weeks, or whenever the nails click on the floor.
- Why:
- Overgrown nails can cause discomfort or posture problems.
- Tip: Use a suitable nail clipper. If you are new to nail trimming, ask a vet or groomer to show you the correct method.
5. Eye Cleaning
- Why: Some dogs (especially those with prominent eyes like Bulldogs) accumulate secretions.
- Frequency: Clean eyes with a damp cloth or veterinary wipes every 1-2 days.
- Tip: Inspect regularly for signs of irritation or infection.
6. Dental care: an often overlooked element
- Frequency : Brush your dog’s teeth 2 to 3 times a week.
- How :
- Use a toothbrush and toothpaste made specifically for dogs.
- Complete with dental toys or treats.
- Trick : Introduce the brushing routine from an early age so your dog gets used to it.
7. General inspection during grooming
- Take advantage of grooming to inspect the skin, paws and ears.
- Search for:
- Bumps, redness, or painful areas.
- Parasites like fleas or ticks.
8. Breed Adaptation
- Wire-haired dogs (e.g. Terriers) : They require “stripping” (manual hair removal) to maintain the texture of their coat.
- Hairless dogs (e.g. Chinese Crested Dog) : Apply moisturizer to prevent their skin from becoming dry.
9. Call a professional if necessary
- When :
- If your dog has a complex coat (e.g.: Bichon Frize, Poodle).
- If you notice problems like knots that cannot be untied or claws that are too long.
Your dog’s health is in your hands. By adopting the right reflexes, being attentive to his needs and working with your veterinarian, you are giving him a life full of happiness and vitality.
Summary of key elements to optimize your dog’s health:
- Balanced and adapted diet.
- Regular preventive care.
- Physical activity adapted to your age and race.
- Monitoring for signs of discomfort and regular veterinary visits.
- Pay attention to their emotional well-being.
Taking care of your dog’s health means giving him a life filled with happiness and precious moments. With a little effort and a lot of love, you can ensure a fulfilling life for him.