Nebraska is a state of extremes. Residents either experience teeth-chattering cold during winter or sweltering heat in summer. With extreme humidity during summer months and fast drops in temperatures in winter months, dogs often experience illnesses that are less common in other regions of the country. Regular vet checkups for your dog can prevent these illnesses from taking hold of your pet, so here are five illnesses to look out for.
Ear Mites and Ear Infections
Ears tend to be a common issue among dogs in Nebraska. Various types of infections take place for different reasons, especially in dogs who spend a lot of time outdoors. According to the American Kennel Club, these infections are more prevalent in dogs with large floppy ears but can also occur in any dog that has a skin condition.
Humidity is a main cause of ear mites, while cold weather tends to see more dogs at the vet for virus related ear infections. Thanks to the commonality of these conditions, there’s a massive range of ear medication available at your vet. If you want to make sure you prevent these ailments from developing, be sure to take out vet insurance so that you can feel free to visit your Nebraska vet at least every three months for a quick check-up.
Skin Diseases
Books can be written (and have been written) about the various canine skin diseases out there. These, as a category, make up for a large portion of veterinary visits in Nebraska, and there are so many that a whole arsenal of medicines needs to be kept on the premises.
Keep an eye out for flakey skin, incessant scratching, and overly oily skin on your dog’s chest area. Skin conditions are incredibly uncomfortable for dogs that have them, and the sooner you can offer them some relief, the better. If you see your dog scratching more than often, it’s best to nip any potential skin conditions in the bud before it gets out of control. Nebraska is a humid state, so skin conditions are more common in dogs that live there.
Canine Pneumovirus
Fairly new on the scene in terms of how common it is, the canine pneumovirus has taken Nebraska by storm in recent months. According to news reports, many pet owners have reported muffled breathing in their dogs, leading them to visit their local veterinarian in a panic as to what could be the cause.
The Nebraska Humane Society recently identified the problem as canine pneumonia, and since it’s caused by a virus, they believe it may be contagious to other dogs. Also known as kennel cough, the canine pneumovirus can be fatal to dogs who don’t get treatment. If you’re looking out for symptoms, be aware of your dog coughing, gagging, or producing thick saliva.
Obesity
Believe it or not, obesity in dogs is way more common than malnutrition in the US. People are unaware of how to properly feed their dogs a healthy and balanced diet, and this has led to many obesity-related illnesses in dogs. Nebraska is no exception, with many a vet visit being the result of canine obesity.
Fortunately your vet can help you choose better nutrition for your dog, with multiple good dog food brands becoming available. But discipline is also necessary, as many, many dog owners simply can’t help treating their dogs to unhealthy titbits or food from their own plates. Sometimes, it’s best for your dog if you ignore those puppy eyes and stick to a strict, healthy eating routine.
Bone Degeneration and Joint Pain
Some dogs suffer from bone and joint pain as they get older, but others are actually born with this condition due to their genetic history. These illnesses are incredibly painful for dogs, but most dogs don’t show it, leaving their owners completely unaware of the issue. For this reason, regular vet checkups are essential, especially if your dog is older than seven years.
There are some home remedies that can help with your dog’s joint pain, but veterinary advice is often the best course of action if you notice your dog might be in pain. Diet may also play a role here. If your dog is overweight, they will suffer more from joint strain and general discomfort. Good oils added to their food have been said to improve overall dog health in terms of their bones, but more research needs to be conducted to prove this.
Final Thoughts
If you live in Nebraska (or are thinking of moving there in the near future), remember to look out for these five common illnesses in dogs. Acting preemptively is the best way to avoid further problems down the line, so don’t neglect those regular vet checkups and always prioritize your dog’s health as actively as you do your own.
