Appropriate care is very crucial in keeping your dog healthy throughout its life. This includes proper nutrition and exercise; routine veterinary care for vaccinations, parasite control, and dental care; grooming; and protection from household and environmental hazards. Focusing on preventive healthcare is the most important step to prevent disease and detect health issues early, when they may be easier and more affordable to manage.
Dogs can suffer from a wide range of illnesses caused by viruses, bacteria and parasites. Some breeds are also susceptible to degenerative processes that affect skeleton, muscles and nerves. Some of these illnesses are perfectly preventable. Others are treatable, both in short and long term. Some may require complex procedures, others may require just a pill a day.
Most important for any dog owner is to be able to recognize the subtle signs of unwellness in their dog. The sooner the unwellness or sickness is detected and reported, the easier it will be the fix it. Acting fast is extremely important as dogs often show signs of illness when it’s been brewing for a while.
For a list of veterinary clinics and veterinarians and their contacts, please visit our health partners page.
How To Recognise Your Dog Is Sick
You are more familiar with your dog than anyone else and you should watch it carefully for subtle signs of illness that another person or even a veterinarian may miss. Dogs can’t talk so they rely on you recognizing the signs that they are not doing well.
General signs of illness include a lack of appetite or decreased activity. If your dog skips a meal once, it may not be a sign for concern. But eating poorly or skipping two or more meals may indicate something is not right.
More specific signs include vomiting and diarrhea, urinating more (or less) frequently, coughing and sneezing, or unusual discharge from body openings such as eyes, ears, nose, vulva, or prepuce. Illness can also show up as a loss of hair or itchy areas.
Problems with the musculoskeletal system are often seen as stiffness or lameness. Pay attention, especially with older dogs, to how they sit down and get up. If the action is accompanied by squealing or crying, there may be something really wrong.
If your dog shows any of these signs for a day or more, contacting your veterinarian is a good idea. The veterinarian may give you further instructions or advise on a treatment protocol if the symptoms are clear and point to an illness that is easily diagnosed. Anything more complex requires a trip to the clinic.
Taking the body temperature when you notice signs of illness is the best and the fastest way to confirm your worries. You should have a dedicated thermometer for your dogs. Best way to take temperature is to gently insert the thermometer into the rectum through the anal opening. Always use a clean thermometer rubbed with a bit of petroleum jelly. Normal body temperature for dogs ranges between 38oC to 39.2oC. There can be a small variation for particular individuals under specific circumstances. All this information can be very help if reported to your vet when you call.
Nutrition
Your dog must always have access to fresh and clean drinking water. Dogs do not have sweat glands and they cool themselves through panting and salivation. They need to replenish water in order for their bodies to function properly. Observe how much your dog drinks. Usually it’s a quarter cup per kilogram of body weight. If your dog drinks less, or much more – just keep an eye on it and call the vet if you think it’s necessary.
Dogs also require proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins as essential nutrients of the dog’s regular diet, involved in all of the basic functions of the body. The minimum and maximum dietary requirement has been established for many nutrients. Different breeds require different quantities of food and nutrients, and it is always advised to study the breed of your dog in order to provide the correct nutrition.
Most dogs do well on ready-made food like dry food, canned food or combination. In Uganda, meat trimmings cooked with maize flour are the most common dog food, yet this type of feeding has a number of limitations and risks. Puppies, pregnant and lactating mothers, the sick and senior dogs, as well as dogs with allergies, require special dietary formulations as recommended by the vet.
Overweight (obese) and underweight dogs are both becoming a huge problem. The owner must make an effort to give the dog a balanced diet that will help the dog get into the healthy shape. Exercise plays a big part in managing obese dogs.
If you are in doubt on how to feed obese or underfed dogs, consult your veterinarian for a proper guidance in regards to the right dietary needs of your dog, basing on its situation.
Exercise
Just like humans, exercise has numerous benefits for your dog’s mental and physical health. It’s a great way to get rid of excess energy and provide mental stimulation. Of course, it also keeps your dog’s bones, muscles, and heart strong and maintains a healthy weight, which is crucial for your pet’s longevity and quality of life.
Long walks or jogging together with your dog provides much more than just exercise. Your dog is bonding with you and enjoying the quality time together. You can use this time to do some light training and reinforcement of commands your dog already knows.
Playing in your yard with different toys like a frisbee, ball and other toys you can throw and your dog can bring back to you, are a very stimulating and enjoyable activity for your dog. Teaching your dog various tricks is another way to exercise and spend time together.
- Routine Wellness Exams
Prioritizing routine wellness exams by your veterinarian is essential for detecting the subtle signs of illness early. If you have a senior pet or one with a health condition, these visits should take place more often.
Wellness exam comprises of a thorough examination of the functioning of all body systems. A blood, urine and stool sample may be collected for a lab analysis. In case of known problems like hips dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and any other skeletal problems, an X-ray may be required to compare and follow up.
Dental check is also a part of the routine wellness exam. Teeth are required to chew food throughout your dog’s life. Any broken and rotten teeth should be removed to avoid prolonged pain and irritation of the gums.
Annual wellness exam will allow your vet to monitor your pet’s health and keep him comfortable and happy for as long as possible. Annual exams also offer the perfect opportunity to discuss any concerns you might have about your dog’s health or behavior. Be sure to write down your questions so you don’t forget to ask, and in order to address all your concerns adequately.
- Vaccination
Vaccination is a key component of preventive medicine in dogs, just as in people. Vaccinations are given to stimulate the immune system against infection before exposure to a disease. Several vaccines are routinely given to dogs as the core defense against serious infectious illness (for example, parvovirus, rabies, distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, influenza). Booster vaccinations are given every year throughout the dog’s life to ensure ongoing protection.
In Uganda, we follow the vaccination schedule below:
| 6 weeks | 8 weeks | 12 weeks | Annually | |
| Anti-Parvovirus Vaccine | Ö | Ö | ||
| Anti-Rabies Vaccine | Ö | Ö | ||
| Cocktail Vaccine (DHPP-L) | Ö | Ö |
Parvovirus is the main cause of death in puppies but it equally occurs in adult unvaccinated dogs and can still be fatal. The virus causes severe diarrhea, vomiting, fever and dehydration. The virus transmits through contaminated faeces or even just through contact with contaminated objects (you can carry it home on your shoes). Early vaccination of puppies is essential but note that the first vaccine does not provide full immunity and until all vaccinations are complete, your puppies should be isolated from other dogs.
Rabies is a very serious disease that can cross from wild animals to dogs and from dogs to humans. It is a deadly disease and should a person contract it, without immediate treatment death is a certain outcome. Rabies vaccine is given at 12 weeks and thereafter annually. For dogs who travel to certain countries, a titer test for rabies antibodies is required, with a high antibody count as a result. Only then will a dog be permitted to enter a country where rabies has been eradicated.
Cocktail vaccine offers protection against several diseases, each explained below.
Canine Distemper is highly contagious and potentially deadly disease that affects the respiratory, nervous, gastrointestinal and urogenital systems.
Canine Adenovirus causes infectious hepatitis or a respiratory disease, depending on whether it is caused by CAV-1 or CAV-2.
Parvovirus is also covered in the cocktail vaccine.
Canine Parainfluenza or kennel cough is a respiratory disease, highly infectious and airborne. Infected dogs cough sounding like ducks. In most cases the disease clears after several days.
Leptospirosis is transmitted by rats and mice. A dog gets infected by licking the urine of these animals. Leptospirosis causes serious damage to kidneys and liver, and can be fatal.
Vaccination that is done one schedule will keep your dog free of these potentially deadly and contagious diseases, and will give you a peace of mind knowing that your dog is protected.
- Parasite Control
The primary intestinal parasites of dogs are worms, Giardia and coccidia. The parasites damage the digestive tract or interfere with absorption of essential nutrients, or both. These can be monitored during the regular wellness checkup by the vet collecting a fecal sample from your dog for laboratory analysis. Sanitation and regular deworming throughout the dog’s life (every 1 to 3 months) is key to prevention.
Common external parasites include mosquitoes, flies, fleas, ticks, and mange mites. Monthly preventive treatments are available to control fleas and ticks, and are administered as medicated shampoos, chewable products, body sprays or “spot-on” preparations. Mange mites can be detected by scraping the skin of infected areas for signs of mites or their eggs under a microscope. Signs of mange include red, scaly areas or bald patches on the skin. Some of these parasites are also vectors for diseases such as Tick fever that is spread by the brown dog tick.
If your dog is eating well but is losing weight, first suspects are the worms. A dog can even cough out a worm – don’t be scared, the worm is coming out of the stomach and not the lungs. Sometimes you will find live worms in dog’s faeces. Arrange to give deworming therapy immediately and make sure you follow the instructions to give the correct dosage. Underdosage and overdosage can have serious consequences.
You may notice that your dog is scratching a lot, even though you apply topical medication for external parasites (medical shampoo, spray, pour-on). Your dog may be allergic to flea and tick bites and even though you got rid of them, the allergy can be fully blown and require medication. The allergy manifests itself through red, irritated patches on the skin. Dog is constantly scratching and licking, so the patches are not healing. Call your veterinarian for advice or go and visit the clinic so that appropriate therapy can be prescribed.
Mango flies commonly lay their eggs in humid environment. They are particularly attracted to the smell of urine and will happily lay eggs on bedding and mattresses that are not clean. When your dog lies on that bedding, eggs transfer onto the skin and penetrate it, making tiny red and itchy bumps on the skin. Over time, a mango worm develops and due to its body structure, the dog can not scratch it out. In rainy season , always check for these bumps on the skin and ask your veterinarian to show you how to remove these worms, or let him do it for you.
Tick Fever is quite a severe disease, if neglected. If you notice many ticks on your dog, be observant after the treatment. If the dog becomes lethargic and slows down on food, check the body temperature. If high, this is an emergency, go to the clinic and get appropriate treatment.
Don’t allow the parasites to interfere with the health of your dog. Ensure your dog has fresh food, fresh water, clean and dry place to sleep and plenty of time spent outdoors.
- Dental Care
Dogs need dental attention throughout their lives. You can help keep your dog’s teeth and gums in good condition by feeding the right food, offering the right toys, brushing your dog’s teeth regularly, and/or following a program of professional dental cleaning and oral care performed by your veterinarian. Good dental care reduces the development of plaque which, if untreated, can progress to gum and jaw infections and life-threatening systemic diseases. In severe cases of dental disease, extraction is common.
- Grooming
Your dog’s hair coat should be brushed regularly to remove shed hair and prevent hair mats. Grooming is especially important for dogs with thick or shaggy hair coat that mats or tangles easily. Mats can irritate the skin, and the moist, stuffy condition underneath them leaves the skin more susceptible to bacterial or parasite infections. Mats should be removed with clippers or scissors carefully not to cut the skin underneath. Periodic bathing with a pet shampoo is also important for maintaining healthy skin and fur. However, excessive bathing can irritate and dry the skin and hair. On average, most dogs do not need to be bathed more than once a month, depending on weather conditions, coat color and life style (indoor or outdoor pet).
Professional grooming is becoming popular in Uganda and there are already a few certified groomers you can call. Professional grooming is recommended for dogs who should maintain a certain shape, according to their breed standard. It is also recommended to long-haired dogs of mixed breed because owners often fail to keep the mats under control. Depending on the breed of the dog, professional grooming is done every three to six months. Professional groomer can also notice health issues like wounds, blisters on the feet, ear and eye infections, skin infections and so on. However, professional groomer is not a veterinarian and whereas he can advise you that the problem exists, he will not be able to treat it. Always take your dog to a veterinarian for proper treatment and management of any health issues.
- Population control
All dogs should be spayed or neutered unless they are going to be used for breeding. This prevents unwanted puppies and avoids potentially serious future medical problems, such as prostate disease in males, and uterine infection or mammary cancer in females.
Spaying and neutering can also improve behavior, especially with aggressive dogs.
Spaying is a surgical procedure that removes the ovaries and in some cases the uterus, from female dogs. For best result, the female should be allowed to come into her first heat cycle but should not mate. Mating in the first heat cycle is too early as the female is not fully developed. The first heat cycle will come soon after the 6 months of age and a female is fully mature and reproductively capable only at two years of age. If your female dog is not a promising breeding female, spay her as early as possible to avoid the unwanted puppies. Spaying should be performed at the clinic as total anesthesia and sterile environment is required.
Neutering surgery can be performed at any stage of life after 6 months, depending on particular circumstances. Surgical procedure consists of the removal of both testicles. It should be done at the clinic although it is not impossible to do it at the home environment. Total anesthesia is required but the wound is much smaller and much les invasive than the spaying procedure for females.
Spaying and neutering surgery is the only recommended birth control for dogs. Never administer contraceptive medication (injections or tablets) to your dog because these are associated with serious health risks such as infections and cancers of the reproductive system. In most cases, administering such will cause immediate body imbalance and manifest in obesity. Excessive body fat is fertile ground for development of cancers which may be difficult to observe or timely diagnose.
Most human medication and particularly contraceptives are not meant to be given to dogs. Spaying and neutering is the only appropriate way to go.