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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In most cases dog health concerns and illnesses are not evident for a long period of time before being diagnosed. However some of the dog problems related to the condition may be there but are so mild that owners don't realize their importance. Having a good understanding of dog health and dog care can help you identify these precursor symptoms that can lead to an earlier diagnosis and better treatment outcome.

Early Signs of Dog Problems and Dog Health Issues

There are several key factors in dog care and dog health monitoring that will help you report issues to your vet and provide the necessary information. The symptoms or signs that may indicate minor or major dog health issues include:

• Changes in the coat
  This can often be a coat that changes from a lustrous, shiny coat to a dry, brittle or dull looking coat. Hair loss may or may not accompany this change in the coat either in a uniform manner across the entire dog's body or just in patches or spots.
• Lethargic behavior
  Even those dogs that are over seven years of age are far from senior pets. Any dramatic or gradual decrease in your dog's normal energy or activity levels is typically the first sign that something is not right. These dog problems can range from a simple digestive problem or parasite infestation to a serious neurological or circulatory problem.
• Eating and appetite changes
  Dogs should not have large changes in the amount of food they eat after they mature. Of course dogs that work or are very active are going to eat more than dogs that rest all day, but their appetites are consistent from day to day. When a dog suddenly goes off his or her food, dramatically cuts down their food consumption or leaves food in the dish this can be a signal that all is not well. In addition dogs that suddenly begin to eat more than usual or appear constantly hungry can also be ill or have some type of parasite or other dog health problem.
• Temperament changes
  Dogs that are in pain will not always react in the same manner. Some dogs will hide and try to stay away from people and other animals, while others may look to their owners for comfort. Most dogs will react with growls, whines or even snapping at people when the area that is hurting is touched or tested.
• Stiffness
  Muscle stiffness is not just symptomatic of aging, it can occur in growing puppies and even adult dogs that are at the peak of their physical abilities. Muscle stiffness, paralysis and tremors or seizures can signal everything from some type of poisoning to neurological conditions or metabolic conditions.

Always keep a careful record of any unusual behavior you notice in your dog. Dog health, dog care and dog problems relating to changes in the normal behavior should be discussed with your vet as soon as possible to start working towards a diagnosis and treatment if necessary.

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All reputable breeders are aware of the breeding date of females and are able to provide appropriate dog care during the pregnancy. Many will count six weeks from the breeding date on the calendar, and then begin pre-whelping dog care. Usually, the females are brought into a special whelping area for lots of TLC. She is put on a special diet of high protein, wormed and has a bed that will become her nest when the babies arrive. Over the two weeks, she is handled a lot, groomed and the closer to the due date given lots of time to sleep and relax.

Food For The Pregnant Mother

Up until the last two weeks of the pregnancy before the mother whelps, she can be fed her regular diet. She will go through a streak where she eats and eats, almost as if she cannot get her fill. But two weeks before she is due, it is a good idea to allow her “all you want to eat” puppy food with high protein, as this is the time when the puppies grow the most. As she gets closer to whelping, she will eat less, but this is not a sign of concerns over dog health, it is perfectly natural. Typically the day of delivery she will not eat at all – but some of the dogs will eat all that day and even during delivery. Most breeders will know how their female reacts during pregnancy and her behavior is a signal with regards to dog health issues and dog care during this time.

It may be important to carefully monitor the female's bowel movement during the pregnancy. A small amount of natural or lamb and rice canned food may be added to the kibble to help keep stools soft and the digestive system working well. Avoid foods with lots of corn or preservatives as these can cause allergic reactions in both mom and puppies.

Worming During Pregnancy

Worming is the most important thing for a breeder to keep up on. Most breeders worm at least two weeks before the puppies are due as part of their dog care pre-whelping routine. The female is weighed at this time to adjust the dosage correctly. It is important for dog health to not over medicate or under medicate with regards to the wormer. Some of the top wormers are Pyrantel and Ivermectin. Pyrantel is often used on the  pregnant mother instead of Ivermectin, as it is kinder on her system and gentler on the puppies.

Pyrantel is safely used with pregnant females, and can be used with dogs, cattle, horses, sheep, and pigs. It is used for the treatment of roundworms, in addition to hookworms, threadworms, and pinworms, being repeated 2 to 4 weeks apart in order to eliminate all stages of the parasite. Many vets prefer the brand Nemex for pyrantel worming, but it is a common wormer and can be found in most animal stores. 

Roundworms and Puppies

Roundworms enter the system of the embryonic development and live puppy through the infected mother, so this is why worming the mother two weeks before delivery should be routine.  This can be repeated every two weeks with the puppies until they are taken home by their new owners.

Dog care during pregnancy is more than just good management, it also includes looking after dog health issues as well as the relaxation and comfort of the mother and the puppies.

There are hundreds of dogs every year that die from being fed common foods for humans that are actually poisons for dogs. Often these poisons result in serious dog health issues that have long term neurological or metabolic consequences to the dog. In many cases the owner's didn't realize the potential hazards of feeding what appeared to be harmless foods to their dogs until the dog become ill or even died from consuming the food.

To best manage dog health issues and foods it is important to understand what poisons may be present in your kitchen or pantry right now. Even though your dog may not have direct access, owners need to know what not to give their dog, even in small amounts as a treat or an additive in food. These common foods that are poisons are the reason that table scraps are so harmful to dogs since these potential toxins can be present in small amounts, gradually causing dog health problems.

The following is a partial list of the most common foods that are poisons or toxins to dogs:

• Grapes and Raisins
  The exact toxin in grapes or raisins that causes the reaction is not known, but dogs that get into larger amounts of these foods will suffer kidney failure and death if not treated. The kidney will be permanently damaged which can lead to ongoing health issues if enough of the product is consumed.
• Alcoholic beverages
  While not considered foods, alcoholic beverages can cause your dog to go into a coma and can even cause poisoning and death if consumed in large enough quantities based on the size of the dog. A toy dog that only weighs 6 pounds doesn't need to consume very much alcohol to become intoxicated and possibly have a serious reaction. Often dogs are very attracted to beer and the sodas used in mixed drinks and they simply help themselves when the owner is not looking.
• Artificial Sweeteners
  In large enough amounts these foods or food supplements have even proven to be poisons for humans, so they certainly will affect a dog's health. Symptoms typically include seizures and neurological problems that develop after consuming candies or processed foods containing artificial sweeteners.
• Coffee, Tea, Chocolate, Cola
  These products all contain caffeine as well as theobromine and/or theophylline. Ingestion of caffeine products results in seizures and neurological problems, many which are permanent. Like with most of the food poisons, the exact amount that is problematic will depend on the dog's size, health and sensitivity to the compound or toxin.
• Garlic and Onions
  These foods contain sulfoxides and disulfides which are poisons to dogs, cats and other pets. Some dogs have almost no reaction, however others will become severely anemic as sulfoxides and disulfides can cause red blood cells to rupture.

Foods that can become poisons to your dog are found in all kitchens. Being a responsible pet owner and ensuring your dog's health includes knowing what foods may be a problem and avoiding any of these poisons getting into your dog's food in his or her reach.

There are several different reasons why dog health is so closely tied with exercise routines and overall dog care programs such as feeding, grooming and training. Exercise is not just an extra activity for canines; it is actually required for proper body functioning, digestion and circulation. Dogs that are excessively sedate, the "couch potato" dogs, are much more likely to be obese, have respiratory, neurological and circulatory problems as well as develop conditions such as diabetes and joint and muscle problems. They also tend to have a shorter lifespan and more chronic health conditions as they age.

Breed Issues

Exercise is critical for all breeds, however some dogs, based on breed, age and health levels, will require different types of exercise. Dog health issues do vary with several factors and knowing what conditioning level your dog is in will help you determine what level of exercise they need. Some breeds, such as long backed dogs like Dachshunds and Bassett Hounds, need routine exercise to keep their weight down as well as strengthen the muscles along their spine for support. It is important with these types of dogs to provide the right type of exercise as part of your dog care routine. This means no jumping but lots of walking, swimming and running.

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