Dog Health Handbook

The Dog Health Handbook is written by editors and writers that are committed to providing the latest information on canine care.

Each page starts with an overview of the canine disease or condition,  followed by a description of common symptoms, what to expect when you go to the veterinarian for a diagnosis and treatment options.

Canine medicine is constantly changing. New developments in human medicine are often brought to veterinary medicine. Obviously, while not every drug that helps with human ailments improves dog health, many do. When available, we provide the results from recent clinical studies so that an owner can bring this information to the attention of a veterinarian that may not be as familiar with the literature.

Remember that this is only a handbook. It is not written by veterinarians, but by concerned researchers and writers who seek to take veterinary information and make it as understandable as possible. We will go out of our way to write our canine health articles in plain English, with medical terms in parenthesis.

This is not a replacement for a veterinarian and is not meant to provide advice for your dog's specific condition. The editors of the Dog Health Handbook as that you always contact a veterinary health professional and use this guide as part of the conversation.

Our policy is to reference all article sources. This way our readers can refer to the original reference if they would like more information on a particular disease or condition.

Our standard is to write as if it is information we would want to know if our loved dog was suffering from one of the conditions described. We hope to live up to this standard and we ask that our readers provide input when they believe we don't or if there is some new veterinary development that we should be aware of.

Please write to us with your suggestions, ideas or canine health question. We are researching new topics each week, so if you don't find the information you are looking for, just click the "contact us" link below. 

We look forward to hearing from you.

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Canine Addisons Disease
Canine Addisons Disease is a condition that occurs when there is damange to the adrenal cortex, causing a decrease in the production of hormone.

Dog Adrenal Glands
Dog adrenal glands. Read about the role of the adrenal glands and adrenal tumors in triggering conditions such as Cushing's disease and Addison's disease.

Dog Allergies
Dog allergies can be due to inhalents in the environemnt such as canine seasonal allergies, flea or insect bites or food allergies. Treatment varies based on the underlying cause with several conventional and natural options.

Canine Anal Glands
Canine Anal Glands. Read our guide to the symptoms and treatment options for dog anal sac disease and other problems with the anal glands.

Canine Anorexia
Canine anorexia involves determining the underlying cause and experimentation with providing different foods and flavors. Dogs are naturaly picky eaters.

Dog Debarking
Dog debarking describes an approach by an owner to keep a dog from barking. Several approaches are used including training, via the use of medications and special canine debarking collars.

Dog Bladder Problems
Dog bladder problems can be caused by many underlying conditions including infection, stone formation and in rare cases cancer. TRead our guide to the various problems and detailed descriptions of how to help your dog.

Dog Bloat
Dog bloat guide. Read about the symtpoms, diagnosis and treatment of bloat. Made famous in the movie Marley and me, this article contains information on this life threatening condition.

dog blood
Dog blood is comprised of plasma, which contains white blood cells (WBC), red blood cells (RBC) and platelets. Elevated levels of these and other blood components can indicate a variety of diseases as described here.

Cancer In Dogs
Cancer in dogs takes many forms and is common. This guide provides information on the symptoms and treatment options for the many forms of canine cancer and provides additional resources for information on clinical trials.

Canine Colitis
Canine colitis is thought to be caused by many different types of pathogens such as bacteria, fungi and protozoa (eg; worms) which results in inflammation of the colon and large intestine. Dog colitis treatmen options are described here as well as steps to calm the condition.

Dogs and Constipation
Dogs and constipation is caused by a lack of water in the colon, a blockage, injury or neuromuscular disorder. The most common forms of canine constipation can be cured by adding more fiber to the diet, and the use of home remedies.

Dog Cough
Dog Cough. Understand the different types of canine coughs including symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options.

Cushings Disease in Dogs
Cushings disease in dogs is due to either a problem in the pituitary glands or adrenal glands. The multiple associated symptoms are difficult to interpret since they are not specific to the disease. Learn about canind suchings disease including the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of this dog health problem.

Dog Diabetes
Dog diabetes information and overview. Read about the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options for helping a dog with diabetes.

Dog with Diarrhea
Dog with diarrhea can be caused by parasites, infection, food poisoining or a recent change in the diet. Treatment depends on the underlying cause with most dogs requiring a small fast followed by a limited diet.

Distemper in Dogs
Distemper in dogs is a contagious disease that is spread from dog to dog. Read about canine distemper symptoms, diagnosis, conventional and natural distemper treatment options.

Dogs and Fleas
Dogs and Fleas. Learn about how to help a dog with fleas including treating your dog, home and outdoor areas. Fleas in dogs can be difficult to remove, but there are some simple things you can do.

Dog Flu (H3N8)
Dog flu (H3N*) is a realtively new discovery and is based on the Equine Influenza Virus. Canine flu is not a lethal form of influenza in the majority of cases, and causes symptoms such as sneezing, fever and nasal discharge.

Dog Hip Surgery
Dog hip surgery guide. Read an overview of the diagnosis, sysmptoms and treatment options for hip surgery in dogs.

Canine Urinary Incontinence
Canine urinary incontinence. See our guide the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for urinary incontinence in dogs.

Canine Ketoacidosis
Canine ketoacidosis guide. Read about the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of this condition that is triggered by dog diabetes.

Canine Knee Surgery
Canine knee surgery involves correction of problems with the bones, muscles and ligaments. The stifle joint or knee of the dog suffers from problems that are inherited, from injury or arthritis. This guide reviews the causes of knee problems in dogs and treatment options including surgery, medications and natural approaches.

Canine Lice
Canine lice move from host to host with direct contact. The best approach for eliminating dog lice is to use a shampoo that contains pyrethrins.

Canine Liver Problems
Canine liver problems can have multiple causes include hepatitis, bacterial infection, fungal infection or other causes described here.

Canine Lyme Disease Symptoms
Canine lyme disease symptoms. Read our guide to the symptoms of canine lyme disease, diagnostic and treatment approaches. Dogs wtih lyme disease will completely recover after 1 month of antibiotics.

Dog Mange Symptoms
Dog Mange Symptoms. Symptoms of mange are dependent on the type of mange your dog is suffering from. See our guide to the symptoms of mange and dog mange treatment options.

Parvo Dogs
Parvo dogs is a highly contagious virus that is contracted through direct contact with a contiminated dog or object. Dog parvo can be lethal in puppies or younger dogs, but can have no symptoms in older dogs. Treatment involves fluid therapies, symptomatic treatment and other types of supportive care.

Pancreatitis in Dogs
Pancreatitis in dogs is supposed to have multiple causes including diet, injury and reactions to certain medications. Mild cases of canine pancreatitis are treatable, although thte prognosis is not good for chronic or severe forms of the condition.

Ringworm on Dogs
Ringworm on dogs is cuased by a fungal infection on the skin that looks like a ring. See a ringworm picture, diagnosis and ringworm treatment options for dogs..

Dog Skin Disorders
Dog skin disorders are treated based on the underlying cause. This can include allergy, pararsites (insects) or an auto-immune response from the body to name a few. This guide provides pictures of common canine skin conditions and treatment options for each.

Dog Upset Stomach
Dog upset stomach guide. Understand the symptoms and treatment approaches for helping a dog with an upset stomach.

Thyroid Problems in Dogs
Thyroid problems in dogs are usually inherited. Information on the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of canine thyroid disease including hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidsim.

Dog Urinary Problems
Dog urinary problems. Read about the many issues that can cause canine urinary problems and the related treatment options.

Canine Urinary Tract Infection
Canine urinary tract infection. Learn what to expect from your veterinarian for urinary infecttion in dogs. Read our tips for how to prevent the UTI from reoccuring.

Dog Worms
Dog worms spread through the feces or are passed from mother to puppy. Treatment involves prescription medications and prevented with a topical or oral medication.

Dog Stuff
Dog Stuff Ideas. See the best ideas we've found on how to save money and find interesting products for your dog.

The Dog Health Handbook Blog
The Dog Health Handbook is committed to providing up to date information on the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of common dog health problems.

Dog-Health-Handbook.com Privacy Policy
Dog Health Handbook Privacy Policy. This site is committed to protecting our reader's privacy.

Veterinarian Questions
Veterinarian questions can be asked online from either a paid service or by submitting a question to our site. We'll answer 1 dog vet question free every week.

Dog Health Handbook
Dog health handbook believes that an informed owner is a dog's best friend. About us and FCC Disclosure.

Canine IBD
Canine IBD has no known cause, but is thought to be triggered by a food allergy, parasites or bacterial infection. Treatment focuses on symptoms relief for the life of the dog until a cause can be identified if at all.

Canine Bowel Obstruction
Canine bowel obstruction can be caused by a foreign object or an intestinal problem. Treatment usually involves surgical correction of the problem.

Dog Ear
Dog ear is highly susceptible to infection and parasites. Treatment requires the use of topical ointments, cleaning solutions and in the case of infectio antibiotics. Learn about ear problems and how to keep a canine ear clean and disease free.

Pet Health Insurance
Pet health insurance comparison. Compare monthly costs, deductibles and what is covered for different pet health policies.

Different Dog Breeds
Different dog breeds have varied genetic traits and health issues. This is our directory of some of the best dog breed information on the Internet.

Older Dog Health Problems
Older dog health problems are described here as well as symptoms to look for and suggested steps you can take to help with senior dog health related issues.

Dog Dehydration
Dog dehydration is the result of symptoms such as vomiting and diahrrea. Symptoms and treatment approaches are described here.

Dog Bowel
Dog bowel is made up of the small and large intestine. Canine bowel diseases are described including related symptoms and suggested treatment options. .


Addisons Disease
Adrenal Glands
Allergies
Anal Glands
Anorexia
Barking
Bladder
Bloat
Blood
Cancer
Colitis
Constipation
Cough
Cushing's Disease
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Distemper
Fleas
Flu
Hip
Incontinence
Ketoacidosis
Knee (Stifle)
Lice
Liver
Lyme Disease
Mange
Parvo
Pancreatitis
Ringworm
Skin
Stomach
Thyroid
Urinary Problems
Urinary Tract Infection
Worms
Dog Care Ideas
Read Our Blog
Privacy Policy
Ask a Veterinarian
About/Disclosure
IBD (Bowel Disease)
Bowel
Ear
Insurance
Breed Information
Older Dog Health
Dehydration
Bowel
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