No matter what type of dog you have, it is likely that he will face one or more of the most common dog ailments at some point in his lifetime. Many of these conditions are relatively mild, but others are more serious and require prompt treatment. Fortunately, there are a wide variety of treatments to some of the most frequently occurring canine health conditions.
Bacterial Infections
Your pet is likely to suffer from a bacterial infection at some point over the course of his life. These infections may be isolated in one part of the body or may have spread, the latter case being the more serious. There are a wide variety of antibiotics available for the treatment of bacterial infections. Drugs like Keflex, Terramycin, Baytril and Sumycin all act to inhibit the growth of bacteria and to eliminate the infection at its source. These drugs are not interchangeable, however, and it is important to discuss your dog's condition with your vet before administering any antibiotic.
Parasites
Fleas, ticks, mites and worms are frequent problems for dogs and dog owners alike. In some cases, such as heartworm, preventative medicine is the best option. Treat your puppies with Heartgard or other prescription medicines that prevent this dangerous parasite from entering your pet's system. Other times, as in cases of ringworm or external parasites, you may need to treat an infestation after it occurs. Revolution, Inceptor and Droncit are three of the most common prescription treatments for parasitic infestations.
Allergies
Although it is impossible to completely eliminate your pet's allergies, you can nevertheless manage his symptoms with the help of prescription medications. The exact treatment depends upon your pet's allergy type and the severity of his reaction. Anti-histamines are the medicines of choice in the case of allergies, as they help to reduce inflammation caused by the negative reaction. Rimadyl and diphenhydramine are commonly prescribed to address the symptoms of canine allergies. However, it is equally important that you work to eliminate the offending allergen from your dog's food or environment.
Obesity
Obesity is a condition that leads to a variety of other dangerous health problems, including diabetes and kidney disease. In many cases, your veterinarian can help to treat your pet's obesity by prescribing a specially formulated diet for your dog. These foods provide your dog with a sufficient quantity of food that is lower in caloric content, helping your pet to lose weight without leaving him hungry. Science Diet, Iams and several of the other major dog food manufacturers have created prescription-only diets to help address canine obesity. You may also consider appetite suppressants and other medications in these cases.
Indigestion and Stomach Upset
Dogs suffer from stomach problems for a number of different reasons. Your pet may become temporarily sick after eating something that he shouldn't. He may also develop indigestion due to stress and anxiety. Whatever the case, drugs like acepromazine can help to relieve your pet's vomiting, diarrhea and other symptoms related to stomach upset.
If your pet suffers from one of these conditions, speak with your veterinarian about the possibility of addressing his ailment with a prescription medicine.