Kennel cough, like its name, is a respiratory condition most dogs pick up whenever people decide to board their animals or place them in kennels where they are in constant, close proximity to other dogs. This is usually how the disease spreads so fast, but like I said earlier, it’s not the cough that is the problem, it’s what can develop. Diseases like pneumonia and a serious breakdown in your canine’s ability to resist illness are all some of the more major results of kennel cough. That’s why kennel cough should be treated the minute symptoms present. Otherwise, it could be too late for your canine companion and nobody wants that.

If the dog has developed diabetes as a genetic predisposition, it is also essential to maintain a proper diet. Insulin shots may need to be given every twelve hours and diet and feeding times will also have to be regulated. Again, consult with your veterinarian about the proper diet and any medications your dog may require. If necessary, your vet may be able to recommend a veterinary diet or diabetic specialist for you to discuss your pet’s dietary needs and habits.

It is absolutely essential that this disease be treated properly for your dog’s health. If left untreated, your dog can be susceptible to diabetic coma, death, cataracts and blindness, and kidney disease. These are all possible just as in human diabetics. It’s important to regulate diet and find healthy, wholesome treats for your dog’s enjoyment.

However, feeding cat food, which tends to be richer and more concentrated, to a dog could cause obesity, thus diabetes, thus indirectly result in cataracts. Dogs should also not be fed cat food for several other reasons. The most obvious is that as it is richer, it can result in stomach upsets and diarrhea. The second is, as mentioned before, cat food is not designed to be eaten by dogs. The two species have different nutritional needs. For example, cats will generally refuse to eat vegetables, whilst dogs have been known to eat all kinds of vegetables and most will even eat grass. Your dog getting into your cat’s food occasionally, however, is not a health problem unless, of course, the cat catches him at it. However, the reverse is potentially true; a cat fed solely on dog food will be deficient in taurine, which dogs do not require, and taurine deficiency can, indeed, cause cataracts.

Warning signs of impacted anal glands include your dog having a swollen anus, dragging or scooting their bum on the floor, licking or biting their tail and anus as well as a foul smell. If you notice these signs, your dog’s anal glands may need to be expressed manually by a groomer, veterinarian, or even yourself. If this becomes a chronic problem, your pet may be placed on a high fiber diet or have the glands removed surgically. While impacted anal glands do not affect the overall health of the dog, they do cause your pet extreme discomfort, which is why it is best to have the dog’s anal glands expressed.Still bored? Click to continue: Eww, WTF is in My Food?!