You’ve probably heard quite a few times that having a dog can improve your overall health quite a bit. It’s rumored now that keeping your pet as healthy as you possibly can will also help you be healthy as well. What many pet owners don’t realize is that there are many health ailments out there that humans and dogs have in common. Have you ever wondered what those ailments are? Read on below to find out.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is just one of the health ailments that humans and dogs have in common. There are two kinds of seizures that affect dogs. These seizures are focal and generalized. It is estimated that 5 out of every 7 dogs are likely to get seizures. The best thing you can do if you think your dog is having seizures is to make an appointment with your vet for help with a diagnosis. What does a dog seizure look like is a common question asked by many pet owners and can be answered by your vet as well.
Arthritis
Just like your joints wear out over time, so do the joints of your loyal canine. This causes inflammation and pain, just as it does in humans. Signs of arthritis in your dog may include limping or licking at parts of their anatomy that may be hurting from the inflammation and pain. Sometimes switching to a low-calorie dog food can help an obese pet to lose some of their weight, making it easier on the joints. Just like in humans, using a heating pad can help relieve the pain and swelling as well.
Obesity
Just because they are dogs doesn’t mean that your pet can’t be affected by being overweight. It is highly possible for a dog to become obese. As a matter of fact, many vets consider obesity to be the number one problem with the health of dogs today. Your dog should have an hourglass figure and if you can’t feel their ribs, without really prodding for them, then your pup may need a diet. Limiting the amount of treats you allow your pet and letting them out to exercise for 30 minutes a day should help them to lose the weight they need to be healthy.
Dementia
It is estimated that over 70 percent of dogs will exhibit some signs of dementia as they age. Dementia is a degenerative brain disease that attacks the brains of many humans and dogs alike as they get older. There is little that can be done about dogs with dementia, just keep them comfortable and let them know they are loved are the only recommendations.
Cancer
Just like with humans, dogs can develop certain types of cancer as well. Any signs of lumps, bumps, fatigue, vomiting, or frequent diarrhea can be signs of a form of cancer. If you see that your dog is experiencing any of these things on a regular basis, you need to get him to a vet as soon as possible.
These are just a few of the common health ailments that dogs and humans have in common. From cancer to dementia and from epilepsy to obesity, you need to keep looking for signs that your dog may have developed any of these health ailments. The best way to do that is frequent vet visits, just like you do with your own health, preventative medicine is key!
