What a Dog REALLY Needs

Loyal, friendly, protective, affectionate, fun.  Those qualities have earned dogs a special place in the lives and hearts of humans.  Most dogs now are owned as pets mainly because they are THE ideal pets.  A dog will always try to keep you pleased and smiling. It will never hold grudges against you, and will never judge you for your looks or mistakes. It isn't called man's best friend for nothing. 

Dogs have a basic need for shelter, good nutrition, exercise and companionship.  A dog will rely on its owner for all of these needs, in addition to training and protection. These are all basic needs, but a dog also needs veterinary care.

If a person has a dog for a pet, it is a good idea to ensure that it is seen by a vet regularly.  Dogs are prone to a wide array of illnesses and diseases and it is best that he gets vaccinated against these diseases.  Some of the most fatal diseases that a dog can contract are listed below along with the proper vaccination to prevent them:

1.  Canine Adenovirus - or Infectious Canine Hepatitis (ICH). ICH is an extremely contagious disease that is only dogs transmitted to other canine animals. This disease is transmitted in urine and eye or nasal secretions of animals with this disease and affects the liver, kidneys and lining of the blood vessels. Dogs of all ages are prone to acquire this disease, although puppies and younger dogs are at a higher risk.

2.  Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) - It is transmitted through contact with infected dogs and affects the gastrointestinal, respiratory and central nervous systems.  This disease is often fatal to puppies and adult dogs.

3.  Para Influenza - Also known as tracheobronchitis, it is a contagious infection of dogs seriously affecting young puppies' upper respiratory system.  Its symptoms are gagging and coughing. Dogs in stressful and crowded conditions are at the highest risk for this disease.

4.  Parvovirus - This is an extremely contagious viral disease that affects white blood cells, the intestines, and heart.  It is characterized by vomiting, severe diarrhea and fever. It is often fatal in puppies. At the highest risk for this disease are dogs in crowded places such as dog shows and kennels.

5.  Rabies - Rabies can affect all warm-blooded animals that are unvaccinated against the disease, including humans.  It affects the brain and is always deadly.  Pets get exposed to rabies from the bites of wild animals which include bats, raccoons, foxes and skunks.

The bottom line is to keep a dog disease-free. Have it vaccinated. After all, what a dog really needs is. . .good health!