This is the second in a series of three articles on "dog health questions and answers".

You can use it to gain better understanding of your pet's health, but don't try to make a diagnosis on your own. If you suspect there is something wrong with your pet, take him to a veterinarian.

OK, here are five more...

Dog Health Questions and Answers

1. How can I tell if my puppy's frequent urination is due to urinary infection?

Take a closer look at his urine. Does it look "different"? Physical signs of a possible urinary infection include blood or crystals in urine. Of course, your puppy may be suffering from something more serious, such as kidney disease. Don't delay and take him to a veterinarian.

2. My dog appears to be in good health but has been having diarrhea for the last couple of days. Is there anything wrong with him?

Diarrhea that lasts more than a day can cause complications, including dehydration. Even if it turns out there is nothing wrong with your dog, it's better to take him to a veterinarian.

3. What's causing my puppy's bad breath?

This has to be one of the most common dog health questions around! The most common culprit is bad dental hygiene. Plaque and calculus deposits on your dog's teeth can cause bad breath. So can gingivitis. Refer to Part 1 of this article for more on dental care for dogs.

4. How much exercise does my dog need?

It all depends on the size and breed of your dog. Age is also important. In general, larger breeds require more exercise than smaller breeds and younger dogs need more exercise than older dogs. Additionally, some breeds require more exercise than other breeds, even if they are of the same size. As a general guideline, an average dog needs to exercise 2 or 3 times per day for at least 15 minutes.

5. What is the correct way to remove ticks from my dog?

This is another common dog health question. Hold a cotton swab soaked in mineral oil against the tick for about 30 seconds. Use tweezers to squeeze the skin that surrounds the tick and grab its head. Slowly and without twisting, pull it straight out. When you finish, clean the spot with rubbing alcohol and don't forget to wash your hands.

I hope you found these "dog health questions and answers" informative and helpful. I will complete this series in the next article.

Ed Nodelman is a dog owner and a trainer with a special interest in puppy training. He is also a member of Association of Pet Dog Trainers(APDT).

For more information on dog health problems, visit www.puppy-training-solutions.com