Although there are a great number of hereditary conditions found in the canine species, a lot of these dog health issues can be successfully managed to have no serious impact on the dog's ability to lead a normal, happy life. Some of the more common hereditary dog health issues include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), von Willebrand's disease, and conjunctivitis. Although there are serious and fatal hereditary diseases and conditions, the dog health issues listed above are treatable and manageable, plus will be much less severe when identified early rather than later in the dogs life.

The following is a general introduction to the canine hereditary conditions and the dog health concerns faced by a great number of pets every year.

Dog Hip Dysplasia

Almost any breed of dog can have problems with hip dysplasia, although larger breeds are often more at risk for inheriting the condition. Hip dysplasia is actually an irregularity in the hip joint that eventually leads to degeneration and damage of the joint. Dogs can be treated with steroids and oral anti-inflammatories to help manage the condition, plus surgical processes can repair and strengthen the joint. All breeding males and females should be tested for hip and joint problems, especially in the lines where hip dysplasia is known to exist.

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It was early in the morning, and the sun was already up. My border collie puppies and I had just been outside for their morning routine walk, their tiny feet wet from the heavy morning dew. Another day of hot weather was in the making. The steady hum of local insects were beginning to swarm around the flowerbeds and garden area. As I nonchalantly observed Mother Nature in progress, I saw my dogs scratching from one end to another, with an age-old problem that had not yet shown its ugly head this season. Fleas.

Probably more than my dogs, I hate fleas with a passion. Once they have started their cycle, it is a continuous battle until the first freeze outside. This famous irritable parasite has a reputation that is known to have killed more victims than those who have died in all the world wars. The bubonic plague, which caused the deaths of more than 200 million people in the 14^th century, is just one of the many win-win situations caused by this little creature.

The Result of Modern Pollution

Under “Pet-Grub.com” there was article about a Native Canadian woman who stated her forefathers never had a problem with the flea, because “it was basically a result of modern pollution and damage to the environment.” Her tribe was from an area that bordered B.C., Alaska and the Yukon border, and the author of the article was interested in why this woman’s forefathers survived in insect heaven in their early days. The author of the article, along with myself, was very surprised at the answer as most of the world today prides themselves on their cleanliness and sanitary living. Guess we were wrong.

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Short haired dog breeds may not look like they shed as much and may not require as much grooming as longer haired breeds, but this is a true misconception. Often the dog grooming requirements of short haired breeds are just as demanding as longer haired breeds, especially those that have a double coat and "blow" each spring and fall. Blowing the coat refers to those breeds that shed out the inner coat over the hot summer months.

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Long haired dog breeds do need more consistent dog grooming routines than their short haired counterparts. This is simply because longer hair is more likely to tangle and mat, making grooming a priority for owners. Mats and tangles in the hair are more than just a cosmetic issue, they can lead to skin irritations, lesions and infections, especially if they are on the underside, leg and belly areas. This is because the knots and tangles rub against the skin when the dog is sleeping or sitting, resulting in what would be the equivalent of bedsores on a person.

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No matter how large or small your dog is, regular dog bathing needs to be a part of the grooming routine. Dog grooming isn't just about brushing, it is also about keeping the skin and coat healthy and well managed. Brushing your dog is a major part of the routine, however don't forget that a bath helps to remove dirt and oils close to the skin, plus it can help relieve itching and even help with dry skin problems if done correctly.

Dog Bathing And Breeds

First and foremost owners need to realize that frequent dog bathing is not essential, nor is it healthy or recommended for most breeds of dogs. This would include all terriers, most of the working, hunting and herding dogs. Nature has provided these dogs, for the most part, with one of two types of coats. One type is the double coat, a longer, thicker, slightly oily water resistant or repelling outer coat and a downy, soft insulating undercoat. The other type is more typically of the terriers, a wiry, harsh coarse coat that repels water plus also protects the rest of the body from brambles and bushes.

Washing these dogs will strip the natural oils from the coat, resulting in limp, flat and dull looking hair. The other possibility is dry, frizzy hair that looks like it has been subjected to a bad perm! Always check with your breeder or do some research on the breed to find out how often to bathe as part of your dog grooming routine.

Dog Grooming Products

Only use dog bathing products that are formulated for dogs. Never use human hair care products on dogs. Human hair products including shampoos and conditioners are developed for human hair pH, which is different than that of dogs. In addition human products are full of perfumes and additives that can trigger skin allergies in many different dogs, regardless of their breed. If you don't have dog shampoo for some reason, diluted baby shampoo can be used in a pinch, however a dog shampoo and conditioner really is the best option.

There are special herbal and natural shampoos and conditioners that can be used to help with dull coats, dry skin, hot spots, allergies and helping to control odors. There are also medicated shampoos for dogs that may be needed to control insects, fleas or parasites on the skin. Read all labels carefully and if you have any questions talk to your vet before using it on the dog.

Rinse, Rinse, Rinse

The biggest mistake that people make when starting out on a dog bathing routine is that they simply don't rinse all the shampoo or conditioner out of the dog's coat. This leaves the coat looking dull and greasy, plus it will lead to itching and scratching. Rinse your dog completely, from neck to tail, paying particular attention to the underside of the dog. Keep rinsing until the water runs from the body completely free from soap or bubbles, then rinse one more time to make sure.

Dog bathing needs to be fun for both the dog and the people, so add a few treats and plan to spend time praising and petting your dog in this part of the dog grooming routine.

Dog grooming and dog bathing are both very important parts of the dog’s life, especially if your dog sleeps with you or lounges around on the couch with you. In addition to demonstrating what the dog’s health is, skin and coat conditions can indicate worms that are present, parasites on the skin, inadequate food intake, mites, ringworms, dehydration or other conditions.  Clipping toenails, hair cuts, and cleaning the ears are just a few parts of the total grooming over the dog’s life – it will help if they like it and are mannerly while it is being done.  And there are ways to train the dog when it is a puppy, to accept this as second-hand nature over time.  Be gentle and make it fun, and before long a routine to bath your dog will be in place.

Why Groom A Dog?

One of the most important reasons to enjoy dog grooming is that it provides time to inspect the dog from top to bottom. It gives owners a chance to see just how their dog is doing and watch for any changes in skin, coat, nails or teeth. Most breeders start puppies out at two weeks of age to enjoy grooming, with their toenails being clipped and their first set of routine worming starting.  Ears are checked at this time, also.

As you work with them, gently massaging their body and ears, gently talking to them so they spend most of the time positively listening. A dog can only focus on one thing at a time, and it is better they listen to you rather than stressing out over dog grooming routines. This removes fear from the picture, putting it on the backseat, and encourages a positive response from them.  So, you can tell how much time your puppy spent being handled and groomed by its original breeder from its reaction to your own handling and grooming.  When you first pick out a puppy, this is a good way to check out the puppy for socialization issues such as comfort with handling and grooming.

Avoiding Painful Situations

To hurt a dog or cause the dog pain is going to cause you trouble in the future, so for example, when clipping toenails know where to clip and be gentle.  Also, pain in a certain area shows a medical problem that needs to be examined more thoroughly.  Be observant and look carefully.  If you think something looks infected or could be serious, go to the vet and have it examined.  Things that are small can be ignored or missed, eventually leading into something bigger.  Infections, torn toenails, or stickers in the paw, are only a few of the problems that can occur.  Grooming is an excellent way to examine the dog for observation and prevention of these things.

Both dog grooming and dog bathing need to be routines that you establish with your pet. Routine grooming will also help in keeping on top of your dog's overall health and well being, which is definitely important to all owners.

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