Luckily for dog owners, dog healthcare is generally good and though they can quite frequently suffer from minor ailments it is actually quite rare for them to become seriously ill.  However, it is important that you are aware of the signs and symptoms of the more serious illnesses as the more quickly they are treated, the  more likely your dog is to recover. The best way to check for symptoms of all kinds of illnesses is to pay particular attention whilst dog grooming.  Depending on the length of your dog’s coat this will be anything from a daily to a weekly occupation. 

Use an online pet grooming guide for information on the tools required and the best way to brush your dog.  Generally the worst thing that you will discover are fleas and ticks but occasionally you may notice something more serious. Though many areas of the world are now free of rabies, if you live in a country where it hasn’t been eradicated then you should watch out for the following signs:  initially your pet may have a high temperature, minor changes in its behaviour and slow eye movements.  These will progress on to more aggressive behaviour, barking and irritability.  Finally the dog will lose control of its movements.  Though there is no cure for this illness, there is a vaccine available. Dog heartworm is a parasite passed on through the bit of a mosquito.  The parasite causes infection in the heart, lungs and arteries and, because it finds it easier to spread in multiplying cells, is more common in puppies.

The initial symptoms are a mild cough and extreme tiredness and if left untreated can lead to death.  Dog vaccinations can prevent puppies from contracting this disease. Another serious disease that can affect dog health is distemper.  Unfortunately it is incurable and frequently results in death.  In the beginning symptoms include runny eyes and nose, a cough, diarrhoea and a congested chest and eventually the dog will become paralysed. As you can see, good dog care is the most essential element in keeping your dog healthy.