When it comes to Border Collie health problems, there are many potential ailments that can catch you and your pup off guard. The results can be both emotionally devastating and expensive if they are not dealt with quickly and effectively. Instead of responding to potential health problems as they arrive, learn what you can do to avoid them in the first place and keep your dog happy and healthy.
Potential Dog Health Problems
Dogs can suffer from any number of health issues, the same as human beings. The difference is that your dog cannot tell you “I have a stomach ache”. He/She will often suffer in silence until there is a very real pain that needs to be treated. So, it’s important to recognize the symptoms and the actions you can take to avoid these issues in the first place.
Infections – Dogs can suffer from a number of potential infections, in their ears, on their skin, in their eyes and their teeth. Ear infections are the most common and are often due to a foreign body or bacteria getting in there. Check your dog’s ears frequently for red spots, swelling, excess moisture, or dirt. Of all dog health problems, infections are the easiest to prevent. Clean your dog’s eyes, brush their teeth and brush their hair regularly to avoid any potential bacteria build up.
Allergies – Dogs have many forms of allergies. By far the most common is a flea allergy that can cause hot spots and lead to infections. Make sure you get flea medication for your dog every month and have a vet examine them regularly to ensure they are healthy. Additionally, if their skin problems lead to ear infections or other hot spots, it may be a food allergy – a more severe issue that should be addressed by a veterinarian.
Diabetes – Dog health problems tend to mirror human issues in many ways and diabetes is one such potential disease. Excess rich, fatty and sugary foods can result in pancreatic issues that cause diabetes. To avoid diabetes, keep your dog on a strict diet of dog foods with minimal table scraps or excess meals. If your dog is diagnosed with diabetes, you’ll need to see a vet regularly and may need to administer regular shots.
Arthritis and Dysplasia – Some dogs are highly susceptible to joint problems. Purebreds especially have a long history of arthritic dog health problems due to their longer, narrower joints. Make sure your dog receives the necessary vitamins and minerals it requires each day and that your vet checks the joints for degeneration at least once a year.
Obesity – Obesity is one of the most common and deadly dog health problems and is directly caused by eating too much and not exercising enough. Obesity itself doesn’t lead to mortality, but the higher rates of heart failure, tumors, liver disease, and skin problems are all very dangerous if not dealt with immediately. Obesity can be treated with a careful diet and a keen eye to a dog’s activity levels.
If your dog gets plenty of exercise, eats well every day, and is kept clean and well-groomed, many of these health problems will never be an issue. Even then, you should make sure you visit your vet annually to check for any potential issues. The earlier you catch a disease, the better it can be treated.
