Dog day? Go fur it.. Canine MoT time
THEY say every dog has its day ... and this week it comes true.
Saturday is National Dog Day, when we celebrate man’s best friend.
So there’s no better time to brush up your canine care knowledge with these tips from AniForte head vet Dr Philipp Schledorn. JOINT PROBLEMS These are very common in dogs, particularly larger breeds.
It is often made much worse if the dog is overweight – putting extra strain on joints, which can lead to arthritis.
The extreme pain from arthritis can lead to muscle tension, but so too does over-eating, so weigh food carefully.
Rather than rest, controlled exercise is encouraged to get nutrients and oxygen to the joint. Try a little swimming, underwater walking or physical therapy, three to four times a day. GUM DISEASE This is a result of a poor diet – one that lacks nutrients such as protein and omega 3, or contains harmful, artificial preservatives and synthetic minerals.
Signs are bad breath, loss of appetite OUR vet Brian Faulkner, from Petplan, has 16 years of experience and is a freelance working all over the country. Send your questions to Brian at: Petplan, Great West House, Great West Road, Brentford, Middlesex, TW8 9DX or via Petplan’s Facebook page facebook.com/ PetplanUK. or inflamed gums. Usually it is caused by tooth tartar, a result of bacteria gathering in a dog’s saliva.
A balanced diet stops the build-up of waste matter and, in turn, of tartar. Anti-plaque dog chews also help. PARASITES Warm weather means more time outdoors in grassland and fields, where parasites dwell, giving them plenty of chance to latch on to dogs.
Examine your dog after each outing for signs of ticks, which can cause itchy skin and serious diseases. They look similar to spiders with an egg-shaped body and can hide, so check well. Use a tick remover tool to lift them off.
With long fur, run your fingers through to check for anything unusual. Pay attention to the head, neck and feet where parasites tend to attach. OVERINDULGING Pet obesity is a worry – make sure you can feel your dog’s ribs and that the curve to their lower body is visible.
A dog should have no difficulty getting up – if they look to be struggling, excess weight may be a cause. Beware if they have breathing issues on a walk or tire more quickly than they used to. I HAVE an eightyear-old collie whose teeth are looking worn down. Is this just normal for her age or should I have this checked?