These 10 most common health problems for dogs in descending order of frequency are:

Ear infections

Skin allergies

Pyoderma (hot spots)

Stomach upsets

Intestinal inflammation/diarrhea

Bladder disease

Eye infections

Arthritis

Hypothyroidism

Sprains

When it comes to feeding your dog, the quality of the food is more important than most people think.  Many people try to economize by feeding their dog the most inexpensive food they can find.  Unfortunately for you and your dog this is a false economy.  The problem with this is that a dog needs certain proteins, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients to have optimum health.

Without these nutrients you dog will likely have health problems and you will end up spending all the money you saved on dog food (and more) on veterinary bills instead.  And you and your dog will have to suffer the effects of his or her poor health.

Take the time to compare ingredients and make sure your dog is getting the best quality dog food possible.  (See the post on comparing dog food ingredients for how to make comparisons of various dog food brands.)  Do your dog and yourself a favor by making sure he is getting the nutrition he needs to live a long and healthy life.

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Bark for the Cure(TM), an organization created by Freshpet(R), is doing fundraising specifically targeted towards canine cancer research, which is the number one natural cause of death in older dogs according to the Veterinary Oncology & Hematology Center.

This research may also help produce breakthroughs in the prevention, treatment and cures of human cancers — in particular childhood cancers.

According to Dr. Andrew Jones, DVM more than 50% of dogs and cats that are over the age of ten will develop cancer.

Signs that your dog may have cancer include, a firm lump that grows and does not go away, increased appetite with continued weight loss, respiratory problems and overall weakness (if they are becoming anemic).

The exact causes of cancer are still not clear. There is a genetic correlation which is shown by an increased incidence in certain breeds such as Golden Retrievers and Boxers.

Exposure to smog, herbicides, and insecticides also play a role as contributing factors.

Of utmost importance is Dog Food – preservatives and other chemical additives may also cause cancer.
On the other hand, when the body is provided with food that is nutritionally rich and free from harmful additives it is then supported with the building blocks needed to maintain healthy cells and repair the damaged ones, and healing from within can occur.

Just like your own body, the most important step you can take towards creating health and vigor in your dog is to consider carefully what goes in his/her mouth.

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/las-dogs-unite-bark-cure/story.aspx?guid=%7B2F864530-74B1-44B7-AEC2-B0CF592A4E91%7D&dist=hppr

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