Dogs are beloved members of the family, and as such, it is important to be aware of the most common dog health problems and how to treat them. Unfortunately, dogs can suffer from a variety of ailments, ranging from minor skin irritations to more serious conditions like cancer. Knowing the signs and symptoms of these illnesses can help you provide your pup with the best care possible.
- Skin Issues Skin issues are one of the most common health problems in dogs. Allergies, flea infestations, and bacterial or fungal infections can all cause skin irritation and discomfort for your pup. In addition to redness or inflammation, your dog may also experience itching, hair loss, or scabbing on their skin. If you suspect that your pet has a skin issue, it’s important to take them to the vet right away for diagnosis and treatment.
- Ear Infections Ear infections are another common problem in dogs. These infections can be caused by bacteria or yeast overgrowth in the ear canal and can lead to pain, discharge from the ear, head shaking or scratching at the ears. If left untreated, ear infections can become chronic and cause permanent damage to your pup’s hearing. It’s important to take your pet to the vet if you notice any signs of an ear infection so they can receive proper treatment.
- Urinary Tract Infections Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are fairly common in dogs as well. These infections occur when bacteria enter into the urinary tract through either ingestion or contact with contaminated surfaces. Symptoms include frequent urination, pain while urinating, blood in urine or discolored urine. If left untreated UTIs can lead to more serious complications such as kidney failure so it’s important that you take your pup to the vet if you suspect they have a UTI for diagnosis and treatment options.
- Vomiting Vomiting is another common health problem in dogs that can be caused by anything from eating something they shouldn’t have eaten to more serious underlying medical conditions like pancreatitis or intestinal parasites. If your dog is vomiting frequently it’s important that you take them to the vet right away for diagnosis and treatment options as some causes of vomiting require immediate medical attention such as poisoning or blockages in their intestines which could be life threatening if not treated quickly enough.
- Diarrhea Diarrhea is another common health problem in dogs that can range from mild cases due to dietary indiscretions or stress all the way up to severe cases due to bacterial infections or parasites like Giardia which require immediate medical attention for proper treatment options. If your pup is experiencing diarrhea it’s important that you take them into see their vet right away so they can get a proper diagnosis and receive appropriate treatment options depending on what is causing their diarrhea episode(s).
- Parasites Parasites such as fleas, ticks, heartworms and intestinal worms are also very common health problems in dogs that need immediate attention if noticed since many of these parasites carry diseases which could potentially be fatal if left untreated for too long such as heartworm disease which affects both cats and dogs alike but is much more dangerous for our canine friends since there currently isn’t an effective cure available yet once infected with this parasite so prevention is key when it comes down protecting our pets from this deadly disease!
- Dental Disease Dental disease is another very common health problem among our canine companions due largely due poor oral hygiene habits on behalf of their owners who forget (or don’t know) how important regular brushing sessions are when it comes down maintaining good oral hygiene habits among our pets! Dental disease ranges anywhere from mild gingivitis all the way up severe periodontal disease which requires professional cleaning under anesthesia along with antibiotics/antifungals depending on severity level!
- Obesity Obesity is unfortunately becoming an increasingly more prevalent issue among our canine friends due largely due lack of exercise combined with overfeeding habits on behalf of their owners! This condition not only puts extra strain on joints/bones but also increases risk factor associated with other diseases such diabetes mellitus (DM) & hypertension (high blood pressure) both which require lifelong management once diagnosed!
- Cancer Cancer unfortunately affects many pets each year & sadly there isn’t much we humans can do about preventing this devastating illness besides making sure we keep our pups up-to-date on all vaccinations & annual check-ups at local veterinarian’s office where early detection plays a huge role when it comes down treating cancer successfully!
- Diabetes Mellitus (DM) & Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Diabetes mellitus & hypertension both affect many pets each year & sadly there isn’t much we humans can do about preventing these illnesses besides making sure we keep our pups up-to-date on all vaccinations & annual check-ups at local veterinarian’s office where early detection plays a huge role when it comes down treating DM & hypertension successfully!
- Kennel Cough Kennel cough is another very common illness among our canine companions especially those who spend time around other animals such boarding facilities/dog parks etc.. This condition usually presents itself via dry hacking cough accompanied by sneezing/nasal discharge & sometimes even fever depending severity level! Treatment usually involves antibiotics/cough suppressants along with rest until symptoms subside completely!
- Rabies Rabies unfortunately still affects many animals each year despite being preventable via vaccination protocols set forth by local government agencies worldwide! This virus attacks nervous system leading paralysis/death within few weeks after initial infection unless treated immediately via post exposure prophylaxis protocol set forth by World Health Organization (WHO)!
- Ringworm Ringworm is another very common fungal infection among our canine companions especially those who spend time around other animals such boarding facilities/dog parks etc.. This condition usually presents itself via circular patches hair loss accompanied by redness/itching depending severity level! Treatment usually involves antifungal shampoos along with topical creams until symptoms subside completely!
Other Ways To Help: There are several ways pet owners can help protect their furry friends from developing any type of illness including providing them with adequate nutrition/exercise routine along with regular visits veterinarian’s office where early detection plays huge role when it comes down treating any type illness successfully before things get out hand requiring emergency intervention! Additionally keeping current vaccinations up date helps reduce risk factor associated certain illnesses like rabies mentioned earlier article above so make sure always stay top game when comes taking care beloved four legged family members!!
