To ensure effective training, the dog should be healthy. Often, they will not respond well to the training routine if they show signs of fatigue or are sick. Abnormal health symptom is generally an early sign or warning of disease. Usually, when you notice symptoms developing, you should take preventive measures and not wait until it’s too late. Most often, people will take things for granted, and one should never overlook this matter because all diseases can become harder to cure as they advance to a later stage. Disease and sickness can prove to be a nightmare to every pet owner, especially to the dogs having to endure these difficult times, and this will adversely affect how they respond to the training. Depending on which sickness, dog health symptoms may vary and show different characteristics. We shall discuss some of the common dog health symptoms and the disease associated with them.

Decrease in activity

When ill, dogs are naturally reluctant to move or respond to calls. Things or activities which they enjoyed doing previously may not be exhibited during these times. Do check also whether your dogs have been sleeping longer hours than normal. Sometimes the decrease in activity can be due to bodily injury or internal injury. If this is the case, you should find or check for any physical wounds. Be prepared because it is a warning of more bad news to come.

Abnormal bowel discharge

For those observant owners, checking the stools for any abnormal discharge is always recommended. Sometimes, but not always, if the dog is suffering from worm infections, you could easily find worms discharge along with the stools. If the discharge is too watery, it could also mean that the dog is being unhealthy.

Decrease in appetite

Appetite is always a good indicator of any sign of illness. If you notice the dogs suddenly experiencing a decrease in appetite, you should start being alarmed. If weight loss follows suit, you should check for worm infections, as this is the most probable cause.

Increase fluid discharge

Sometimes, you will notice a high discharge of fluids from the ear, nose, and eyes. This is especially the case when the discharge is colored.

Itching and scratching

When you see this occur, the first thing that comes to mind is fleas infestation. But also check for skin problems and whether there might be ringworm spots.

Always remember that prevention is better than cure. So if you notice strange behavior, don’t wait until it’s too late before you take action.

Dry Dog Food Vs. Canned Dog Food

Everyone goes to a store and sees two different kinds of food for their dogs. One kind is the regular dry kind that is popular everywhere and is fed to your dog the most. Another kind is canned dog food with more moisture, but who knows if it is as good as dry food look at its price. So now here is the explanation of these two different kinds of food and the good and bad of both.

Dry Dog Food

Many of these products are rice or soy-based and highly nutritious. Fit for just about any dog, these are the best food your dog can have. As long as you have a nice bowl of water for your dog, this will be the healthiest and cheapest choice. Dry dog foods have a lot of nutrients in them, so you don’t have to worry for the most part about their diets or anything like that. Also, you can get a big 50lb bag for about $20-$40, so that is very easy to think about getting. First, however, think about your dog for a moment. Is this the best food that you can give your dog?

Canned Dog Food

Canned dog food is very moist and juicy; it will make your dog’s mouth water at the sight of it. However, not many nutrients can be put in with all the water in the can, hence why pills come in dry form. Plus, the price of each can is about $1-$3, so you have to watch how much you get. Since there are not as many nutrients in the same amount of canned dog food as dry dog food, you need to feed your dog more food to fill that gap. Calorie wise many canned foods are fattening compared to dry food for dogs.

I suggest that you use traditional dry dog food. Cheaper and more nutritious are the best deals available on the market. Though every once in a while, I think your dog needs something to eat, so please give it some canned dog food. It is like comparing a steak to a salad; even though the salad is healthier and very cost-efficient, this doesn’t mean you don’t want to have steak every once in a while. Think about your dogs; they have a feeling. Remember that.