Dog Disorders - Alleviate Your Dog's Common Physical Disorders - By: April Claeyssens

We all want our dogs to live a long and healthy life. Dogs, just as humans, can contract an infinite range of physical disorders. Physical dog disorders can range from minor to major. Below we will discuss the most common physical dog disorders and what you can do to ease your best friend's discomfort.

In discussing physical dog disorders we'll stick to the most common dog disorders:

- Skin disorders
- Allergies
- Heat exhaustion
- Ear infections
- Gastrointestinal disorders

All of these common physical dog disorders can be dealt with. Usually a little medicine and a lot of love can go a long way. If you end up taking your dog to the vet, make sure you follow all directions for medication received.

Skin Disorders: Most skin disorders occur from contact allergies. Excessive itching or scratching is the first sign. Itching can be due to certain infections and/or dermatitis. If your dog has excessive itching he most likely has a bacterial or fungal skin infection. Both of these can be dangerous if not treated. Staph is the most common bacterial infection. Fungal infections include ringworm and usually affect younger dogs. The other culprit to excessive itching is fleas. Even after you've given your dog flea medication he can remain itchy for awhile. So keep an eye on him to make sure all fleas are gone. Flies and parasites can also be a problem

Allergy Disorders: Some dogs are just sensitive when they come in contact with pollen, chemicals, paints, detergents and other such agents. Once the vet has determined which allergy is affecting your dog he can be successfully treated.

Heat Exhaustion: Dogs can easily get heat exhaustion when dealing with extreme temperatures. Never leave your dog in the car. A locked up car can easily reach 118 degrees and within a few minutes kill your dog. Keep your dog hydrated especially in warm months.

Ear Infections: These infections make your dog miserable but are easy to treat. The culprits behind ear infections are bacteria or yeast. Dogs will shake their heads a lot and/or scratch their ears constantly. It is usually accompanied by an offensive odor. There are a few varieties of ear infections so take your dog to the vet right away as some can be dangerous

Gastrointestinal Disorders: This physical dog disorder usually means your dog is not able to eliminate properly. This can cause great distress and discomfort. As with humans, dogs need to eliminate regularly. You'll know he's suffering because the dog will be lethargic, doesn't want to play or can't stand for any length of time. Best thing to do is see your vet. Sometimes extensive tests need to be performed because there are many causes to this disorder.

Others things that can keep your dog in good health are lots of water, adequate exercise and include some dog training.

Physical dog disorders can affect any dog. Some purebreds have more problems but this guide is for the average mixed dog. Each of the above physical disorders is not harmful as long as you take care of the problem right away. Please don't let your dog suffer by not paying attention. Be your dog's hero and eliminate his discomfort.

About the Author

Hi, my name is April. I've written this article about physical dog disorders so you'll understand how dogs feel physically. Most of these behaviors can be helped with some care and a little dog training. Please visit my website and click on dog training at www.shoppingonlineexpress.com.

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