IAMS PH
Your Dog’s Health, from 1 to 8 Years
Your Dog’s Health, from 1 to 8 Years

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Adult Dogs Health Care Guide

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Just like humans, dogs too need constant care and support throughout their lifetime. We all know puppies need more attention and care; however, did you know? Adult dog health is also equally important. In fact, dogs’ health is the primary responsibility of every pet parent. Providing the right nutrition and health care largely contributes to your pooch’s health. Keeping the four-legged angel away from the harmful pathogens, germs, and unhygienic surroundings is also a prime responsibility of every caregiver. A dog’s behavior, mood, and diet can say a lot about its baby’s health and fitness. Hence, as a dog parent, you must keep a close eye on your pet’s behavioral changes.
 

Signs of a healthy dog

There are many signs that help pet caregivers keep a tab on their canine companion’s health. Given below are a few signs to look for to understand your dog’s health and fitness status:

  • Shiny fur: Your pooch’s fur gives you direct insight into its health. You can easily identify a dog’s health with a single glance at its fur. A glossy, shiny fur with no parasites or bald spots is considered healthy. However, you must know that a certain degree of shedding is considered normal in some breeds.
  • Bright eyes: Another sign of a healthy dog is bright, shiny eyes. If your dog’s eyes are perfectly bright and have no issues of discharge or watering, it is considered a healthy sign.
  • Smooth skin: You should constantly check your fur baby’s skin alongside glancing over their fur. Your pet’s skin should ideally be free of any scratches, rashes, growth, and redness.
  • Clean ears: Another sign of a healthy adult dog are clean ears. Your dog’s ears should have no discharge, wax, or swelling as they could be a sign of an ear infection.
  • Temperature: 101°F to 102.5°F is the average normal body temperature for dogs. Your pooch’s health might be at risk in case of low or high temperature. Hence, you should constantly record their body temperature to ensure they are fit and fine.
  • Oral health: Adult dog health is also linked to gum, teeth, and mouth hygiene. Signs of healthy oral health in dogs include strong teeth, pink and normal gums, and no foul smell.
  • Normal stool: A healthy dog will not have any issues passing stool or urinating. You should constantly check your dog’s stool to look for signs of constipation and diarrhea. Signs of parasites and worms in stool can also be symptoms of an unhealthy dog.

Signs of a sick dog

Knowing about the symptoms of a sick dog helps caregivers identify and treat their pooch’s medical condition in time. Given below are a few signs and symptoms that might help you recognize any dog illness:

  • Loss of appetite: If you notice your pooch eating lesser or not being as enthusiastic about treats and mealtime, then there could be a potential health concern. Loss of appetite could be linked to stomach issues, gastrointestinal issues, or other illnesses.
  • Cough: Constant sneezing and coughing are signs of flu. Even though most adult dogs recover from flu within a few weeks, they can sometimes develop other bacterial infections. Hence, it is better to get them treated at the earliest to avoid such concerns.
  • Pain: If you notice your pet frequently chewing on their joints, limping, or whimpering, then they could be suffering from some sort of pain. Visit a vet at the earliest to get the issue diagnosed and start the necessary treatment.
  • Irritation: Constant irritation, aggression, and uncalled change in behavior is other signs of undiagnosed illness in dogs. Unlike humans, dogs cannot express their feelings in words. Hence, you need to pay close attention to their behavior to understand their complaints and concerns. Visible signs of irritation, barking, and sometimes lethargy could also be considered a sign of illness in adult dogs.
  • Diarrhea and vomiting: Dogs often vomit or pass stool when suffering from an upset stomach. Watery stool and constant urge to pee or pass stool are a few known signs of potential illness in dogs. If you notice your pet vomiting or suffering from diarrhea, you should consult a vet at the earliest.

Maintaining your pet’s health is an essential part of caring for them. Visiting a vet is necessary for getting your pooch vaccinated and regularly checked. Veterinarian doctors also prepare diet charts and suggest health supplements for your dog depending on its health requirements. In conclusion, looking for signs of sickness and constantly inspecting your dog's physical and psychological well-being ensures that your furry friend is hale and hearty.

Frequently asked questions

  1. What are some common dog’s health issues?
  2. Heartworms, canine influenza, parasites, and leptospirosis are some common health issues faced by dogs.

  3. How do I know if my dog is healthy?
  4. If your dog shows no signs or symptoms of illness, eats well, rests enough, and is in a pleasant mood on most days, then your dog is more likely to be healthy.

  5. What are the signs of a healthy dog?
  6. A clean, shiny coat, healthy pink gum, smooth skin, and normal body temperature are a few signs of a healthy dog.

  • Puppy Basics: Feeding Tips for the First 6 Months
    Puppy Basics: Feeding Tips for the First 6 Months-mob
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    Puppy Basics: Feeding Tips for the First 6 Months

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    The timeline for feeding your puppy changes rapidly over the first six months. Learn what and how you should feed your puppy based on the key development milestones she will experience.

     

    Why Is It Important to Know Milestones for Puppy Development?

    Due to breed differences and animal individuality, it is impossible to predict exact dates for a puppy’s growth and development milestones. However, by using the following milestones as a guide for healthy growth, developmental problems can be spotted — and possibly prevented — early on. By knowing these milestones, you’ll also know when your puppy is ready to begin weaning.

     

    Puppy Developmental Milestones

    AgeMilestone
    7-10 days oldPuppies double their birth weight.
    Puppies begin to urinate and defecate on their own.
    10-18 days oldPuppies attempt to stand.  
    Puppies’ eyes begin to open.
    Puppies’ ears begin to open.
    18-21 days oldPuppies hear and respond to noises.
    Puppies begin to walk.
    3 weeks oldBegin weaning process for orphaned puppies.
    Puppies begin responsive vocalization.
    Deciduous (baby) teeth will begin erupting.
    4 weeks oldBegin weaning process for mother-fed puppies.
    3–6 months oldPuppies’ adult teeth erupt.

     

    How to Wean Puppies with IAMS™

    When your puppy is ready to begin weaning (at around 4 weeks for mother-fed puppies and 3 weeks for orphaned puppies), use this step-by-step process:
     

    1. Introduce a small amount of water in a shallow dish. Most puppies will play in the water; however, within four or five days, your puppy will begin to develop drinking skills. Some animals might require longer periods for training, so don’t be discouraged if your puppy resists bowl training.
    2. Begin mixing an IAMS ProActive Health™ Smart Puppy Original food with water. Be sure to provide a separate dish for fresh water.
    3. Gradually increase the amount of soft food while decreasing the amount of water in the mixture until your puppy is eating soft food only.
    4. Repeat the process, mixing the appropriate dry IAMS puppy food with the soft food, and then increase the solid food while decreasing the soft food until the transition is complete.
       

    The entire process should take approximately three weeks.

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    article feeding tips for the first 6 months header
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