There are many common dog diseases and illnesses out there that can make our companions sick. However, keeping your dog healthy can reduce the risk of these common diseases and health issues and increase their life expectancy. You yourself can prevent your dog from these diseases, and make sure you make the vet your friend so you can have access to routine veterinary exams that can help you discover any health issue if present before they get out of control.
In this guide, we will discuss some of the most common dog diseases and health problems that new and existing pet parents should know about for the safety and well-being of their dogs.
Skin Issues
This is the most common but not the most dangerous dog health problem, as most dogs experience various skin issues. There are multiple causes and signs attached to these problems; itching and scratching are typically the most common signs of skin issues. The skin may appear red, inflamed, flaky, scaly, or otherwise abnormal and may cause loose patches of hair.
Dogs develop skin problems not just from dirt but also from allergies, parasites, and skin infections. It is important to see your vet if you notice your dog constantly scratching or chewing or the skin abnormally before your dog becomes downright miserable.
Ear Infections
Often caused by the overgrowth of yeast or bacteria, making dogs shake their heads and scratch their ears. They are common, and most dog owners don’t notice them until they become very visible and bad, as they dig really close to their dogs’ ears. When dogs have ear infections, there is ear discharge or debris, and the ears can have a bad odour.
Ear infections may be itchy or even painful. When left untreated for a long time, they can cause serious damage. Try to always check your dog’s ears anytime you are with them, and make sure you contact your vet if your dog is exhibiting signs of an ear infection for more than a day or two. In addition, ear infections sometimes accompany skin issues.
Rabies
This is the most dangerous disease in dogs as it can also be transmitted to humans. Rabies is a viral disease that is usually transmitted through bites or scratches from an infected animal. This disease causes neurological dysfunction that leads to death, and there is no treatment for dogs that have been affected by rabies yet. The only thing you need to do is have your vet administer anti-rabies medication to your dogs to prevent it. Although you may not often hear about rabies cases nowadays, it shouldn’t still be neglected, as the risk to pets and humans is very real.
Parvo
Canine parvovirus, similar to rabies in the aspect of the amount of risk, although it can’t be transmitted to humans, is a highly contagious disease that most commonly affects puppies and unvaccinated adult dogs, especially dogs with weak immune. The virus attacks fast, dividing bone marrow and intestine cells, leading to severe diarrhoea, vomiting, and lethargy.
If left untreated, parvo is usually fatal and can kill a dog or puppy quickly, not even up to 7 days, and some pups don’t survive despite aggressive treatment. Prevention is key to protecting your dog against a disease like this. You can do this by completing all puppy vaccinations as your vet recommends and keeping your puppy away from unknown dogs until they’re fully vaccinated.
Dental Disease
Dental issues are another serious and often overlooked health concern for dogs, as most dog owners don’t pay attention to these areas. People think that dogs’ mouths shouldn’t smell well because they don’t brush every day, but bad breath is not a good sign in dogs and can be a sign of dental disease.
Plaque and tartar in your dog’s mouth hold harmful bacteria that can damage their teeth and gums. These bacteria can enter the bloodstream, which might hurt the heart and kidneys. To keep your dog safe, the best approach is to prevent problems from happening.
Parasites
Parasites are everywhere in your dog’s world. There are two types of parasites: external parasites and internal parasites. These are the worst parasites, as some dog owners don’t easily notice their dog has internal parasites. External parasites include fleas and ticks, which should be treated with a preventative like a tick collar or chemical. Internal parasites like heartworms and intestinal worms typically require medication to be treated. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent parasites from attacking your dog, usually with monthly preventive treatments like deworming and some other ways.
Obesity
Obesity is a common health problem in dogs like pug and the Labrador. It’s also one of the most preventable dog issues. However, when dogs exceed their ideal weight, which is obesity, this excess body weight can lead to some other serious health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and orthopaedic problems. Fortunately, obesity, when detected early, can be easily treated and often reversed through proper diet and some workouts.
Also read: Bloat in puppies
Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections are common in dogs but mostly in female dogs. Signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI) include urinating inappropriately, urinating often, feeling very thirsty, having bloody urine, and feeling unusually tired. Some symptoms can also mean other health problems, like kidney disease or diabetes. If you notice any unusual urination habits in your dog, take them to the veterinarian to check their urine.
Canine Distemper
Canine distemper is another contagious viral disease that affects dogs. Although not so common, this disease can make your dogs very sick and affect important body systems like the digestive system, lungs, brain, and spinal cord. The good news is that the DA2PP vaccine, when administered, can protect dogs from canine distemper. Puppies and dogs that have not been vaccinated are at the highest risk.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a disease related to our dogs’ mobility; it is the inflammation of a joint or multiple joints in the body. The most common type of arthritis in dogs is called osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease.However, osteoarthritis mostly likely occurs in seniors, and it is a result of old injuries or congenital disorders like hip dysplasia. The good news is that it can typically be managed effectively. If you think your dog has osteoarthritis, talk to your vet about the options.
Canine Influenza
Canine influenza, or dog flu, is a contagious virus that causes breathing problems in any dog. Any dog can get this virus, but dogs around other dogs, like at parks or daycares, are at higher risk of contracting it. Canine influenza symptoms are similar to the human flu, but the virus does not affect humans. Most dogs recover with supportive care. Getting a canine influenza vaccine for dogs that often interact with other dogs in places like daycare, boarding, dog shows, and dog parks is a good idea.
Kennel Cough
Kennel cough, also known as infectious tracheobronchitis, is a common upper respiratory infection in dogs. It is caused by contagious bacteria or viruses. According to its name, it often spreads in places where many dogs gather, mostly in kennels and animal shelters. The infection leads to trachea inflammation, causing a loud, honking cough. One common bacteria that causes kennel cough is Bordetella, and a vaccine is available to help prevent it.
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by the Leptospira bacteria. These bacteria can be found in water, soil, and wet grass. Dogs usually get the disease by coming into contact with the urine of infected wildlife, which can enter their bodies through the mouth, nose, or eyes. Leptospirosis can lead to serious health problems in dogs, including kidney failure, liver failure, and lung disease. Humans can also get affected by leptospirosis if they touch contaminated urine. An annual vaccine is available to protect dogs from this disease.
Poisoning
Dogs are curious creatures, often driven by their keen interest in food. This curiosity can lead them into precarious situations, as they may unknowingly expose themselves to various toxic substances. These harmful substances can take different forms, and while through the mouth is the typical route, it’s not the only way dogs can be poisoned.
Numerous items, like specific plants, medications, common household products, and certain human foods, can pose serious health risks to your furry friend. Pet owners must be vigilant about what their dogs encounter in their environment to prevent potential poisoning.
Also read: What to do if your dog eat s rat poison
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