Just like humans, dogs can fall victim to heart conditions, kidney disease, cancers, allergies, arthritis and joint disorders, and other serious medical conditions that can affect the quality of the individual’s life. Dogs from breed lines that have been excessively interbred may be genetically at high risk for these conditions (among others). http://www.dogfriendly.com/server/general/portal/general/dogpurchase.shtml Buying a puppy or dog from a dog breeder whose dogs are tested and certified to be free of defective genes particular to that breed will ensure that your dog has the best chances for a healthy life. Ask to see the papers; don’t just take their word for it!

Unfortunately, in the mad rush to produce designer dogs (cross breed dogs that have two different pure breed parents) or the current fad pure breed, many irresponsible (or simply unknowledgeable) dog breeders have created a glut of genetically inferior dogs. As with pure breed dogs, ask the designer dog breeder to verify that his parent stock has been certified to be free of defective genetic material.http://www.dogfriendly.com/server/general/portal/general/dogpurchase.shtml

Whether you choose a pure breed dog or designer dog, do not buy a puppy from a pet store! Responsible breeders seldom sell their stock to pet stores. These pets are usually produced in puppy mills and bred for attractive appearances, with little regard to health issues. The likelihood is high that these dogs will be genetically inferior or suffer from infectious diseases.http://www.dogfriendly.com/server/general/portal/general/dogpurchase.shtml

Some dog lovers prefer mixed breed dogs (often referred to “Heinz 57 Varieties” or mutts), believing they are healthier than pure breeds. Puppies of miscellaneous parentage do tend to be quite healthy, since they are drawing on a wider gene pool, but they are generally no healthier than pure breed dogs from good breed lines.http://dogs.about.com/od/dogbreeds/qt/joyofmutts.htm

Many adoptable dogs are available from animal shelters and rescue missions, and bringing one of these dogs into your home is a wonderful and selfless thing to do, but you probably won’t have access to any information about the parentage of the dog, or whether he may be at high risk for inheritable illnesses.

If a puppy or mature dog whose parentage is questionable captures your heart and you must have him, take him to your own veterinarian to have his overall health evaluated after you bring him home. Genetic testing is an option after the dog is a year or two old, and can make you and your dog’s veterinarian aware of risks to your dog’s health.http://www.dogfriendly.com/server/general/portal/general/dogpurchase.shtml Regular check-ups help ensure that these conditions are caught early while treatment is still relatively simple and inexpensive.

Don’t let your dog down! Make sure he has a proper diet and plenty of exercise to avoid weight gain and associated medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes and joint disorders. Consult your veterinarian regularly and follow his advice. Use this guide to learn more about dog health and how to keep your dog healthy and happy!

The first signs of diabetes are increased urination and extreme thirst, and the dog may begin to lose weight even though his appetite remains good. He may become lethargic, unenthusiastic about play and exercise. Ask your veterinarian to give your dog a thorough examination if he begins to show signs of diabetes. Untreated, diabetes can lead to blindness, organ failure and death.

Treating your dog for diabetes almost always involves monitoring his blood sugar levels and giving daily insulin injections. Your vet will train you how to do this properly, and the experience is usually more unnerving for the owner than for the dog. Some dogs with diabetes may respond to oral therapy.

Injury, infection, an unhealthy lifestyle, or just wear and tear on the body can cause acquired heart diseases in dogs. Reduce your dog’s chances of getting heart disease by feeding him a proper diet, keeping his weight down, and making sure he gets plenty of exercise to keep him feeling young and active.

Different types of heart disease have different symptoms, but generally a dog with any type of heart disease will become unwilling to play or exercise like he used to. He may pant at rest or have a dry cough. Loss of weight and poor appetite are also common symptoms of heart disease in dogs. Take your dog to the veterinarian for an evaluation if he has any of these symptoms or has other unusual changes in behavior.