Dogs are one of the most popular pets in the United States, and for good reason. They are loyal, loving, and make great companions. However, they can also be prone to a variety of health problems. In this blog post, we will discuss 14 common dog health problems and how you can spot and treat them. It is important to know what health problems your dog can be at risk for, so you know how to best protect them.
Fleas and Ticks
Fleas and ticks are small parasites that live on the outside of animals. They feed by sucking blood from their host animal which can cause skin irritation, hair loss, and in severe cases, anemia. Fleas can also transmit other diseases such as bubonic plague and typhus. Ticks can transmit Lyme disease, which is a serious illness that can cause joint pain, fever, and even paralysis. The best way to protect your dog from fleas and ticks is to use a topical medication, such as Frontline or Advantage.
Ear Infections
Ear infections in dogs are common and can be caused by many things including mites, allergies, water in the ear canal after swimming, or excessive hair growth inside the ear. The most common symptom is itching of the ears along with a foul odor coming from them. If your dog has an ear infection, you may need to take them to the vet for treatment which could include antibiotics and topical medications.
Parasites
Parasites are a common health problem in dogs that can be caused by several different species of worms such as roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms and more! Some parasites can cause serious health problems in dogs, such as blindness, anemia, and even death. The best way to protect your dog against parasites is by using a monthly preventative medication like Heartgard or NexGard.
Canine Influenza
Canine influenza is a highly contagious virus that affects the respiratory system. It is most commonly seen in dogs that are boarded or go to dog parks. Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, and nasal discharge. Dogs with canine influenza should be isolated from other dogs and may require antibiotics and/or antiviral medications.
Kennel Cough
Kennel cough is another respiratory infection that is caused by a variety of viruses and bacteria. It is highly contagious and can be spread through the air, when dogs make direct contact with one another, or by coming into contact with a contaminated surface. The best way to protect your dog against kennel cough is to vaccinate them before they go anywhere there are other dogs such as boarding facilities and doggy daycare centers!
Rabies
Rabies is a preventable viral disease that can be spread from an infected animal to humans through saliva. It causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, which eventually leads to death if left untreated. The best way to protect your dog against rabies is by vaccinating them before they go anywhere there are other dogs such as boarding facilities and doggy daycare centers!
Parvo
Parvo is a highly contagious virus that affects the gastrointestinal system. It is most commonly seen in puppies, but can occur in dogs of any age. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. Dogs with parvo require intensive care and may need to be hospitalized for several days.
Distemper
Distemper is a highly contagious virus that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. It is most commonly seen in puppies, but can occur in dogs of any age. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures. Dogs with distemper require intensive care and may need to be hospitalized for several days.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease that affects how the body uses sugar. In dogs, diabetes can lead to problems with their kidneys and eyesight if it isn’t treated properly! The best way to protect your dog from diabetes is by feeding them a balanced diet and making sure they get plenty of exercise each day. If you think your dog may have diabetes, please take them to the vet for diagnosis and treatment.
Cushing’s Disease
Cushing’s disease is a condition that affects the endocrine system and is caused by an overproduction of cortisol. In dogs, Cushing’s disease can lead to obesity, muscle weakness, seizures, and even death if it isn’t treated properly! The best way to protect your dog from Cushing’s disease is by feeding them a balanced diet and making sure they get plenty of exercise each day. If you think your dog may have Cushing’s disease, please take them to the vet for diagnosis and treatment.
Heart Disease
Heart disease is a common problem in dogs that can be caused by several different conditions, such as congenital defects, valve problems, and arrhythmias. Dogs with heart disease may experience difficulty breathing, exercise intolerance, and even death. The best way to protect your dog from heart disease is by having them screened for the condition by a veterinarian on an annual basis.
Hepatitis
Hepatitis is a virus that affects the liver and can cause inflammation, damage to the liver cells, and even death if left untreated. Dogs with hepatitis may experience vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and seizures. The best way to protect your dog from hepatitis is by having them vaccinated for the condition as puppies.
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is a type of bacteria that can be transmitted to dogs through tick bites and may cause inflammation, joint pain, fever, seizures, kidney damage or even death if left untreated! The best way to protect your dog from Lyme disease is by checking them regularly for ticks and having them vaccinated for the condition as puppies.
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a type of bacteria that can be transmitted to dogs through tick bites and may cause inflammation, joint pain, fever, seizures, kidney damage or even death if left untreated! The best way to protect your dog from leptospirosis is by checking them regularly for ticks and having them vaccinated for the condition as puppies.
Wrap Up
Dogs are susceptible to a number of different health problems, some of which can be deadly if left untreated. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms of these common health problems and take your dog to the vet for diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. By vaccinating your dog against rabies, parvo, distemper, diabetes, cushing’s disease, heart disease, hepatitis, lyme disease and leptospirosis you can help protect them from some of these diseases.